Smoking battery.

[teg98dc2]

When I went to turn off my batteries, I realized there was steam coming from 1 of 2 batteries. It smells sweet and I’m assuming is a bad battery. Is that correct? Should I replace both batteries (I don’t know the ages).

Thank otu

[o1marc]

Your batteries should be the same. I would replace both so the other one doesn't drag the new one down.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

I would have 'em tested by a battery shop. Smoke/steam isn't normal, and as often as not it's because something caused the batteries to overheat (not the batteries themselves). My first thought would be to ask if the voltage is high/overcharging? Shouldn't be much over 14 volts (maybe 14.5 tops).

[ol trunt]

LA batteries with a shorted cell can heat up to the point of exploding--steaming sulfuric acid could quickly lead to a disaster. Stop all charging on the batteries until they cool down and only then go near them. If the battery is shorted and/or the alternator is over charging them free hydrogen gas will be released with the "steam" and any ignition source will cause an explosion.

From what you describe, you may be only a spark away from a life threatening disaster!
Jack

[john61ct]

Yes, immediately isolate and replace both soon as possible.

Ideally should prevent this through SoH monitoring and replacing long before such explicit failure

and buying top quality in the first place.

[teg98dc2]

It was hovering just below 14, on my 1100 miles drive from Las Vegas. Going to have them tested tomorrow. Thank it for the asvice