completely dead battery on a 2002 slk. Questions
 

Hello,

I found out that my 2002 slk battery was completely dead today. It read 0.7 volts. I change the battery back in 2005. I have it on a charge right now but I am pretty sure that it will not hold a charge.

My questions is; Is this car known to have problem if you let the battery get completely dead? Or is it more or less put in a new battery and that is it.

thanks

Any lead acid battery that gets to that voltage is a goner. I don't know about the car though. How long did it sit to get that low?

blau, batteries typically last 4 to 5 years. So yours was due for a replacement. By the way, if you buy batteries from your local MB dealer you need to check the electrolyte level routinely and add water to keep the plates covered.

electrolyte level routinely and add water ???
 

Yes, I did buy the battery from the mercedes dealer. What is checking the electrolyte level and adding water to cover the plates??? Is this as simple as adding distilled water to the battery to cover the plates? And what is the procedure for doing that? Does the battery have to be disconnected? Does the battery have to be discharged? thanks

Yes, Always disconnect the Battery (Negative, first)
 

Safety Glasses and Rubber or Nitrile Gloves ...Always! Sulfuric Acid Blinds!
[I'd go to the trouble of removing the Battery from the Chassis,Just in Case]

1.Clean the top of the Battery and Terminals (I like Baking Soda Solution).
2.Fill each Cell with Distilled Water to cover the Plates.(I use a Plastic Hypo)
(Add the "D" Water SLOWLY to the Electrolyte,No Splashing)
3.Trickle Charge for 24 hours @ Least.(Maybe as long as 72 hours)
4.Remove "Surface" charge with test Lamp(Momentary Connection) And
test Electrolyte in each cell with Hydrometer.

No need to discharge the Battery

blau, it is simply unscrewing the plugs and adding distilled water so the plates are covered. Only fill to the white plastic marker just above the plates in each cell. I don't disconnect the battery, but that's up to you. I bought a battery water squeeze bottle with a curved discharge tube that allows for precise filling and prevents water spills on top of the battery. It's a good idea to check the battery level every 4-6 months.

Yeah, mine is in the trunk and is spotless. Doesn't need any cleaning. The only trouble (for me) is seeing the level inside, so I use a flashlight. I find I need to add distilled water about once per year. I fill it to the underside of the little lip that hangs down. So that is a little higher than just above the plates, so maybe that's why I can go a little longer.