Exploding Porsche batteries - warning!
#16
04-05-2011, 10:01 PM
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, California
Posts: 156
Rep Power: 26 
Guys, I understand this is an emotional issue, but it's a very low probability risk with all lead acid batteries. This really isn't a Porsche issue, it's a technology issue. You may be able to hold the battery manufacturer responsible, but trying to say this is Porsche is not fair. The battery was 4 years old. It was subject to temperature changes, multiples stints on a trickle charger, possibly an unvented environment and who knows what else. There are 10's of millions of batteries sold in cars every year. The ones that explode are an extremely low percentage and are subject to some type of external condition. If this was a significant problem across the industry it would have been on the news and in the courts by now. Someone would be suing for $10million because they were traumatized by the boom. It's unfortunate that it happened and it's aggravating that Porsche wasn't more sympathetic. I'm just surprised that your dealer wasn't more accommodating.
As a side note, I keep multiple fire extinguishers in may garage at all time. Never hurts to have one handy if your car is smoking under the hood.
As a side note, I keep multiple fire extinguishers in may garage at all time. Never hurts to have one handy if your car is smoking under the hood.
Kevin.
#17
04-05-2011, 10:30 PM
Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: San Diego, San Francisco
Age: 69
Posts: 1,870
Rep Power: 114 
You know guys; batteries are not supposed to explode out of the blue. I understand if the battery is dry or cooked; this might happen. But, for a well maintained battery; come on now!
Also, if with battery tender device, you had to go through all the venting and opening things to make sure nothing explodes, 1) Porsche should not sell them and 2) what's the point? After all with the battery tender you are supposed to just connect through the cigarrette lighter and done.
Further, there are devices that prevent arc (arc suppressors) and this should be part of the circuit. This is a DESIGN issue!
On another note, occasionally I cannot fill the tank to its full capacity. As it turns out, it is a vent issue with that too. Porsche cannot design proper vent tubes for batteries and fuel tanks?!! That is a joke.
Also, if with battery tender device, you had to go through all the venting and opening things to make sure nothing explodes, 1) Porsche should not sell them and 2) what's the point? After all with the battery tender you are supposed to just connect through the cigarrette lighter and done.
Further, there are devices that prevent arc (arc suppressors) and this should be part of the circuit. This is a DESIGN issue!
On another note, occasionally I cannot fill the tank to its full capacity. As it turns out, it is a vent issue with that too. Porsche cannot design proper vent tubes for batteries and fuel tanks?!! That is a joke.
Last edited by Duane996tt; 04-05-2011 at 10:33 PM.
#18
04-05-2011, 11:25 PM
most car makers will warranty the battery on a new car for 1 year..
problem with using a battery tender is your cooking the battery all the time..
If you do some research I think you would find that this problem is more likely to happen.
with people who use a battery tender..people who have a car as a DD and don't use one
i bet it happens alot less frequent...
and unless the dealer just put that battery in your car with in the past year, I don't see them doing much..if its the original battery it would be way out of warranty.
Cars that sit the tires will start to crack.nobody to blame for that problem Just happens with lack of use.
problem with using a battery tender is your cooking the battery all the time..
If you do some research I think you would find that this problem is more likely to happen.
with people who use a battery tender..people who have a car as a DD and don't use one
i bet it happens alot less frequent...
and unless the dealer just put that battery in your car with in the past year, I don't see them doing much..if its the original battery it would be way out of warranty.
Cars that sit the tires will start to crack.nobody to blame for that problem Just happens with lack of use.
#19
04-06-2011, 08:09 AM
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, California
Posts: 156
Rep Power: 26
If the battery had simply died, which is supposed to happen, I would agree that PCNA is not responsible and I would not be upset or posting anything!
If Porsche batteries are supposed to explode (even though a small percentage of them) at the end of life; then I would say PCNA needs to look into it and take responsibility. My other cars go through the same procedure with battery tender and everything; none of them have had exploding batteries!
If Porsche batteries are supposed to explode (even though a small percentage of them) at the end of life; then I would say PCNA needs to look into it and take responsibility. My other cars go through the same procedure with battery tender and everything; none of them have had exploding batteries!
#20
04-07-2011, 07:57 AM
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Clarkesville, Georgia
Posts: 278
Rep Power: 29
if it's soooo rare, why have this many people in the thread seen of it? never really heard of this happening in my short life
#21
04-08-2011, 01:53 PM
Sorry to hear of this mishap. Like others have said, you should just replace the lead acid battery with an Odyssey battery. Never need to worry about explosion again. Your car's comprehensive insurance should cover damage to your car due to exploding battery. The Li ion batteries are still too new and I've been wary of putting those batteries in my car (since lithium batteries in laptops have commonly been known to be catching fire due to defects in manufacturing-leading to laptop recalls, etc.)
#22
04-08-2011, 03:44 PM
Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Winnipeg / Naples
Posts: 443
Rep Power: 150
QFT, this is an issue with Lead Acid batteries not Porsche
#23
08-02-2016, 07:48 PM
Mine grenaded in my hands today,,, original OEM Porsche battery and could have been a serious injury,,,
#24
08-03-2016, 07:40 AM
Use sealed batteries. They have been around for years and no need for a vent tube. Available in lead acid or AGM.
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