RE: Exploding Audi

["Alan Kramer" <ackramer@hotmail.com>]

My father had the same thing happen on his '92 Jetta about 6 months ago.  
Even though the original battery was over 6 years old, the dealer replaced 
it for free!

BTW, what's the option code for exploding battery?  I'll be checking my 
trunk lids tonight...

Later,
Alan




>From: "Avi Meron" <avi@cosmoslink.net>
>To: "Levis-Fithian, Jeff E" <LevisJE@LOUISVILLE.STORTEK.COM>
>CC: "Quattro" <quattro@audifans.com>
>Subject: RE: Exploding Audi
>Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 09:03:59 -0700
>
>Jeff,
>First and foremost, do not get a batt. WITHOUT a vent line! Which ever one
>you get.....
>Don't TOUCH it have the dealer handle it! the factory would want to know 
>all
>the details!
>
>I would suspect that your old vent line is possibly blocked which caused 
>the
>batt. to explode (excess hydrogen gas with a spark).
>Make sure that your new vent line is not kinked, twisted or squished when
>your seat is down
>Make sure that your + post has a plastic shield on top (batt.)
>Make sure your alt. is not overcharging your batt, (faulty voltage reg.)
>Make sure both the batt. posts are well secured (tight fastening bolts)
>Make sure that your seat is not causing "an issue" with the battery
>Last and most important (almost), do not do it yourself! HAVE THE DEALER DO
>IT! you should not have to pay for it! if the dealer gives you any grief
>(which they probably won't) be very forceful............. Use whatever you
>can!
>
>Good luck and inspect the dealer work after the replacement batt. is
>installed.
>Take care,
>Avi
>In real life a factory rep. (on the other side of the fence!)
>
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: owner-quattro@audifans.com [mailto:owner-quattro@audifans.com]On
>Behalf Of Levis-Fithian, Jeff E
>Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 1999 8:21 AM
>To: 'Quattro-List'
>Subject: Exploding Audi
>
>Last night I got into my car (95 A6), turned the key, and heard a _very_
>loud bang.  At first I thought it was the radio, since it sounded like a
>speaker pop, but louder than any I have heard before.  Upon further
>examination, I discovered that the battery under the rear seat (that my 3
>week old son was sitting on!) EXPLODED.  The plastic casing around the
>battery was cracked, the breather hose was blown off, and miscellaneous
>plastic bits were laying around the battery, along with a couple drops of
>fluid (acid?).  Has anybody ever experienced this before?  I can easily go
>purchase a new battery, but I am worried about the root cause here.  Any
>ideas?
>
>Also, are there any alternatives to buying a battery from a dealer for $90?
>The one from the local auto parts store ($50 Duralast) doesn't have a vent
>hole, and I am worried about fumes building up under the seat and causing 
>an
>even bigger explosion.
>
>Thanks
>
>Jeff Fithian
>95 A6Q 5sp with exploding battery option
>
>

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