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Need Help SL 55 Battery Discharged Acid destroyed wiring Harness?

Old Jul 13, 2007 | 12:38 PM
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Need Help SL 55 Battery Discharged Acid destroyed wiring Harness?

Hi my name is Paul and I’m 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?
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Old Jul 13, 2007 | 02:20 PM
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From what you said the acid did not leak but the battery exploded. I have seen batteries explode but usually when they are abused or very old and overcharged. You do not say how old the battery is or the car for that matter. Sounds to me like the offer you received is a good one and I would take them up on it as the only way to correct the damage is to replace the affected harnesses, and for that matter you should be certain that all the acid that sprayed is neutralized and washed off completely. If this is not done you will have some troubles down the road.
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 05:32 PM
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Where is the exploded battery located in the SL55? I have an S55 that has a battery in the trunk, and one in the engine bay. Is the SL55 the same?

$4000 for the (+) and Ground wiring harness(es) connected to the battery sounds like complete BS. That's heavy gauge wiring with probably only 2 or 3 connections to touch along the way.

You can neutralize battery acid with baking soda and water solution.

Did the acid splash on your trunk liners or any upholstery?
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 10:27 AM
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Batteries emit a hydrogen gas which is very flammable. If your vent tube that is located on the side of the battery fell off or was removed for any reason, that explosion could have been caused by any kind of spark in the area of the battery causing the explosion.
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Old Jul 27, 2007 | 11:57 AM
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Hydrogen is produced during charging, which is why the last connection during a jump start is to the frame of the vehicle with the dead battery, away from the battery.

A frozen battery is very easy to overcharge. It is difficult, however, to freeze a battery this time of year, unless the vehicle is parked in the other hemisphere.
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Old Jul 28, 2007 | 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by pfgray
Hi my name is Paul and I’m 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?
Contact your insurance company and file a comprensive claim. It might be covered for the explosion. Same as a engine fire would be my thoughts.
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