I found this transparent plastic hose in the trunk on the left of the fuse box. What purpose does it serve ?
Is it supposed to be connected somewhere ?
Many thanks.

94 C220 (W202)

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This hose is SUPPOSED to be connected to the battery vent. There have been a few times when C class cars have burned because of this not being connected.

FIX IT!!

You will need a vent kit offered by Interstate to adapt that battery to the OE vent.

__________________
Benzmac:
Donnie Drummonds
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 11 YRS

OK, you're scaring me know.
So all batteries need this ?

Batteries that aren't mounted out under the hood (in otherwords under the seat or in the trunk), yes. I'm not sure about the brand new MB's with the new type of battery (fleece or AGM ((absorbant glass mat)) batteries).

Gilly

Even the AGM batteries have vent tubes. Saftey first!
Dr.D

Thanks, I couldn't remember for sure. I know they are normally a sealed battery, but have that "VRLA" pop-off valve deal in case it builds up too much pressure.

Gilly

If the battery is located inside of the car (such as under the rear seat) it is a no-brainer safety device that should be used. I bought my E320 used, and about a yr after purchase during a hard winter when I used the REST function at a grocery stop, I came out and the car would not start. Battery was dead. I discovered to my consternation that while the prior battery was a good brand, it did not have the plastic tube connected up....it was just laying there to the side. The battery that was in there was not capable of using the plastic tube--completely sealed.

I am sure there are debates on the board about this, but I went ahead and purchased a genuine MB battery and made sure the hose was connected properly. Have had battery for almost 1.5 years and it is holding at the rated voltage.....battery cost me about 110.00 bucks.

- Jon

__________________
- Jon E320 210.055

90 Wrangler
77 Mustang 307,000 mi
63 T-Bird [fully restored]

Well, I checked around my battery (Interstate MTP-93) and could
see anything where this hose would plug.
Somebody previously mentionned a vent kit. I have sent an email to interstate, will see what they say about that.
I don't know how this kit would look like, but I didn't see anything
on the battery where I could attach a kit, hose or anything else.
I'm also taking the car back to the shop that installed the battery.
They work only on MBs so they should know what they're doing, we'll see what they say.

W202 94 C220