SL 55 AMG Battery Acid Exploded Need Help?

[pfgray]

Hi my name is Paul I could really use some help. I own SL 55 AMG which is currently out of warranty. The other day the battery exploded and discharged battery acid all over wiring harness which now needs to be replaced. No idea what caused this to happen the question is what do I do now given the situation. My service Rep claims this has never happened and cost of repairs is $4000. He claims the Mercedes will split the cost of repairs with me. I however think I’m being misled, sounds like a manufactures defect to me. Has anyone ever heard of battery acid leaking and destroying the wiring harness to the vehicle? If so how should I proceed with Mercedes and my service agent?

[juribe2]

Hi,

I have seen batteries explode on trucks but never on small vehicles. It can happen because of loose conections on the battery terminals or a defective battery. I think there is a very small hole on each battery cap to release pressure.

You should also wash the battery area very carfully with water mixed with soda to remove any acid and prevent corrosion.

It's a very rare situation. Have you talked to the battery manufacturer?

[david s poole]

the alternator regulator going defective and allowing the alternator to charge up to 18.5 volts could be the cause of this.

[TMAllison]

I'd be looking for some sort of assurance/explanation that the problem has been identified and resolved before putting a new harness and battery into it.

Good of them to offer to take care of half the problem.

[Hatterasguy]

Have them check the output from the alternator, it could be overcharging.

Doesn't that car use a sealed AGM battery?

[anziani]

Hi,
The same thing ALMOST happened to me on our '87 300E. We detected a strong, strange smell and I took the car to our mechanic. The battery had split and was starting to leak. Yes, it was the alternator overcharging and NOT shutting down.
Anziani