1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
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Yesterday I was installing a used power antenna on my 1988 9K turbo. Earlier I had started the car and run it for a few minutes to inflate a low tire with a 12v compressor. I tried to start the car to check operation of the antenna. It wouldn't start and had the symptom of a weak battery. I checked connections and tried several more times but without success. I even tried to jump start using my 900 but no luck. I hooked my charger and noticed that it was only drawing 1 amp. Usually the charger will draw around 3 amps. I checked several times and it was always at 1 amp. It was getting late so I unhooked the charger. I decided to give it one last try before going to bed. Now bear in mind that the charger is not connected so the battery is now sitting in its typical state. I turned the key and the dash lights looked normal. I turned the key to engage the starter and BAM. It sounded like a gunshot. A puff of smoke came out from under the hood. The battery exploded. There were pieces of plastic all over the engine. The entire top of the battery was gone exposing the internals. I am completely baffled as to what occurred. I have heard of batteries exploding if jumper cables are reversed but there was nothing attached to the battery. Neither post seemed loose so I have no clue what might have occurred. I hope someone can enlighten me. I flushed the area with water and left it until today. I installed another battery, covered my face, and turned the key. It cranked as normally and started right up. I made several trips around town today and I am reasonably confident everything is okay. Thank God the hood was down and no one was working on the engine. I would hate to think of the possibilities. I am feeling freaked by the experience but thankful I am writing from the comfort of my home instead of a hospital bed.
posted by 64.12....
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