My Battery Exploded...

[mph]

I went outside 5 minutes ago to move my car. I went outside to start the car and "BOOOOOM!" The battery exploded in the trunk.

Its a newer Interstate battery, probably only 7 months old.

It had been taking a few turn overs to start the car late in the day. It seemed to start fine in colder weather than it did in the afternoon. It always started so I never thought twice about it.

In the afternoon, it would take 2 or 3 tries to get it started. I never tried to start it too long. But even at that, I've never heard of a battery exploding just from trying to start.

The only thing I can think is the battery was being overcharged.

Any one have any ideas?

[M-technik-3]

Not vented properly sounds like to me. sorry to hear this. Any damage? I hope not.

[mph]

Not vented properly sounds like to me. sorry to hear this. Any damage? I hope not.

None that I am aware of. It happened in my 325iX. The battery cover was on. I'm waiting to go out there so it vents.

[Ryan Stewart]

That actually happens? :shock:

[M-technik-3]

That actually happens? :shock:

Can happen. why do you think thay say always vent outboard.

[mph]

Yeah, I've never heard of a battery exploding like that inside the car while trying to start it. I just finished cleaning everything up and man, it was everywhere.

The top of the battery had 3 huge holes in it exposing each of the compartments. Either end of the battery was cracked open too. The bolt bar that holds the bottom of the battery was bent and the interior tabs that hold the cover on were on the other side of the trunk from the explosion.

I'm going to guess it was a venting issue. The hose vent wasn't attached to the hole that vents from the car. I think if the battery cover hadn't been on, it wouldn't have exploded, but I'm lucky it was on. Thats what stopped it from splattering acid all over the trunk.

I've only heard of a battery exploding when you're jumping two cars and the ground wires aren't attached.

[mph]

I took my car up to the Autozone earlier today and they did a load test on my alternator and battery. No problems.

I can only surmise the battery wasn't venting properly and the conditions were just right for it to explode.

[Mystikal]

Ha, mine did that last summer. The battery was already going and I installed a sub/amp, and that thing had drained down to completely dead about 3 times in 3 days. Then on the next startup, one cell went KABOOM.

[Axxe]

I have seen 4 truck batteries explode. Blew open the entire 12 guage alumium box. Apparently the dopeheads at freightliner hooked the two batteries up backwards. HUGE mess.

[JHZR2]

hydrogen gas can do that...

Just be sure to clean everything REALLY well maybe a few times with a baking sode and distilled water mix. Maybe even then just mist down all surfaces and then powder down a fine sprinkle of baking soda on all the metal surfaces. It wont be hard to clean up, and could potentially keep your metal surfaces from corroding...

JMH

[Rob]

closed cell batteries own you.