Batteries Smell Like Rotten Eggs

[Moris]

When batteries smell like rotten eggs, is that just the end of them? Is there anything that can be done to salvage a car battery once it has the rotten egg smell?

 

[Harmony]

Car batteries usually contain a mixture of water and sulfuric acid. As the battery ages, some of this mixture may evaporate, which can result in the battery overheating. If this happens, the battery may produce a rotten egg smell. In more severe cases, the battery may also begin to smoke.

So, yes, the rotten egg smell does mean that the battery has gone bad, and it's time to replace it with a new one.

 

[markmc60]

When batteries smell like rotten eggs, is that just the end of them? Is there anything that can be done to salvage a car battery once it has the rotten egg smell?

or being overcharged, bad regulator in the alternator, check it with VOM and engine running, around 13.2-13.8 is avg/good

 

[steve wherley]

over charging

 

[ms&r]

I would be very careful and use a face shield, get that thing out because that is how they act and smell before they blow up. After putting a new battery on, use a volt meter and check the charging system while running and if it shows much over 14 volts and going up, stop the engine and check more into the charging system.