ive just come back from a 342 mile trip to richmond in surrey uk. Pulled into a garage and the garage absoulutly stunk of sewerage, rotten eggs. Came home and noticed the smell was coming from under the bonnet and my car battery was hot and smoking. Any clues to why this happened
2007-07-24 09:49:28 · 19 answers · asked by J M 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
sounds like it needs a top up with distilled water, the plates are drying out. If it's very low it may need an acid top up. The other cause could be your charging rate is too high or not cutting off when fully charged.
2007-07-24 09:53:36 · answer #1 · answered by tucksie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi
It sounds to me very much as though the voltage regulator has failed in the alternator and has therefore over charged the battery.
The fix is a new battery and a new or recon alternator. Don't throw your old alternator away though because the price of the replacement will include an old core surcharge of between £25 and £75 plus dreaded which will be refunded to you when you take the old alternator back to the factor from whom you purchased the replacement.
Regards
Geordie
2007-07-24 11:14:07 · answer #2 · answered by Grizz 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The battery has overcharged and boiled. Let it cool right down, then top-up with distilled water. If the plates have not distorted it will be OK, but you might find it won't hold a charge and needs to be replaced.
The problem is with the regulator in the charging circuit. Get the electrics checked out before your next long journey or you'll fry the battery again.
2007-07-24 10:01:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you have fried your battery, is it one of those maitenance free onesd where you cannot check the acid levels ? if it is then it is a throw away job and replace but before you do get your alternator checked out in case that it is over charging, most car spares shops can do this for you.
Y ou are going to need to get another battery but if money is a bit tight take a bit of time and phone around, get the tellephone directory out and look up battery manufacturers and dealers and have a phone round.
2007-07-28 00:05:53 · answer #4 · answered by TERRY READ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The regulator regulates the charge from the alternator back to the battery so it doesn't overcharge it.
Your regulator is shot. It allowed the alternator to send it's full charge to it and you cooked the battery.
You will need a new regulator and battery.
2007-07-24 10:10:37 · answer #5 · answered by Harleyheritage91 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A short would cause the Battery leads to get very hot and cause the rubber caseing to melt.. Have you wired anything up to the battery recently..
2007-07-24 09:53:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the battery was low on water from a crack if it was a modern battery or from outgassing if it was an older style one.
I tis not a good sign and I see a new battery expense in your future.
2007-07-24 09:53:55 · answer #7 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the alternator is overcharging the battery - you'll need to get it checked out by an auto electrician
2007-07-24 10:02:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Battery low on water. Need new battery.
2007-07-24 09:59:55 · answer #9 · answered by Ronan R 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your alternator is overcharging it should charge at 14.5 volts
get an auto-electrician to test it. KEN mechanic
2007-07-24 13:45:13 · answer #10 · answered by KEN W1953 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋