Ok so today I thought my new battery was dead. This battery is a 30 day old bosch battery that has given me no problems so far. So jumping was not successful, but as i was turning the ignition over i noticed my gear shift was between park and neutral, so put into park- CAR started. BUT!! here is the problem. I noticed the bosch battery had condensation on both sides of the case, not terminals, almost looked like someone sprayed all sides of the battery with a spray bottle. When I first opened the trunk I smelled a weird odor that I have never smelled before. The trunk was completly dry EVERYWHERE in the trunk and around the battery, it was JUST ON THE BATTERY, it was soaked. The venting was hooked up but I did notice the hose was kinked where it goes out the trunk a little. I took the battery out and put my old, crappy (but still works) battery in. SHOULD I TAKE THE BOSCH BACK? It seems like thats not supposed to be that way?

 

Sounds like condensation (which forms on a cold surface). If so, it can't really be a battery doing anything bad since that would cause heat not cold. I'd sort out the kink and be done as regards the battery.

 

Agreed. Un-kink the vent hose, reinstall the Bosch battery, and monitor it over the next week or so. If condensation returns, take it back and request a new one....

Occasionally batteries do indeed fail due to quality control issues such as hairline cracks or defective seals....

 

If it's truly condensation and not leaking battery acid, this is not a battry fault at all. It would occur if the battery (essentially a big heavy lump) is at a temperature below the dew point and the air around it is above. No different than bringing a cold can of beer outside on a hot summer day.

 

ok, so now I know it probably wont blow up in my face (:-/) i will re install it then check it periodically. I just thought it was SO weird because everything was bone dry except the battery and there was a weird odor. But i suppose if it was a leak it wouldn't present itself as condensation around 100% of the battery.

ill keep you updated , THANKS!~