Do you have anything else in the vehicle that draws off that battery? Anything aftermarket (radio, amplifier, ext.) I have had this happen to my previous vehicle. I had just installed new audio equipment in my truck and the battery presented the same thing you're describing. Does your car have an AC Delco battery? What brand battery did you purchase? How old was the original battery? Answering these questions might provide other or myself a way to better diagnosis the issue.
Battery Ballooning
Hi all-
I own a 2012 1.4ltr Turbo Cruze LT and have had an issue with my battery ballooning and leaving me stranded. I have gone through 2 batteries and this will be the 3rd one going in. Took it to the dealer the first time this happened, and they said it was caused by frequent usage of the remote start. I live in Houston, TX, so **** yeah I use my remote start to cool down the car for my 2yr old before we get in. I haven't used the remote start since the 1st battery left me stuck out in the middle of nowhere, and had the same issue again with this second one. Anybody else having, or have had this same issue with their battery?
I own a 2012 1.4ltr Turbo Cruze LT and have had an issue with my battery ballooning and leaving me stranded. I have gone through 2 batteries and this will be the 3rd one going in. Took it to the dealer the first time this happened, and they said it was caused by frequent usage of the remote start. I live in Houston, TX, so **** yeah I use my remote start to cool down the car for my 2yr old before we get in. I haven't used the remote start since the 1st battery left me stuck out in the middle of nowhere, and had the same issue again with this second one. Anybody else having, or have had this same issue with their battery?
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
Hi all-
I own a 2012 1.4ltr Turbo Cruze LT and have had an issue with my battery ballooning and leaving me stranded. I have gone through 2 batteries and this will be the 3rd one going in. Took it to the dealer the first time this happened, and they said it was caused by frequent usage of the remote start. I live in Houston, TX, so **** yeah I use my remote start to cool down the car for my 2yr old before we get in. I haven't used the remote start since the 1st battery left me stuck out in the middle of nowhere, and had the same issue again with this second one. Anybody else having, or have had this same issue with their battery?
Hi ROMO86,
I am sorry to hear about your battery ballooning in your Cruze. I understand how frustrating it can be to have this happen multiple times. I am aware that you have been to the dealership to have this diagnosed previously. If you are interested, I would be glad to assist you with setting up an appointment to have your battery looked at. Please private message your full contact information, VIN, mileage, and the preferred dealership if this is something of interest to you. I look forward to your response.
Best,
Cristina Y
Chevrolet Customer Care
Looking about, there seems to be a few causes of swelling: Overheating, excessive charge or massive discharge. Any add-on devices might cause the charging system to malfunction. I would have the charging system checked out to make sure it's not over doing it.
None. Everything in that car, and under the hood is stock.
What about in the cab? Stereo , remote start, added lighting, power inverter?None. Everything in that car, and under the hood is stock.
If not as you say than I wouldnt be driving it it would be at the dealer until they can tell and prove to me what is wrong and how they fixed it.
Remote start causing it? That seems like a stretch, unless they are implying that the stagnant hot air in the engine bay from idling caused it...but even that is a pretty far stretch to me.
If you're putting bargain batteries in your car then your going to get bargain service life.
Batteries, like most things in life, come in a variety of qualities and price points: you get what you pay for.
Batteries, like most things in life, come in a variety of qualities and price points: you get what you pay for.
I was referring to an aftermarket remote start. I was not implying any of that. A dead short short on a direct lead with no fuse can heat up a battery pretty quick.Remote start causing it? That seems like a stretch, unless they are implying that the stagnant hot air in the engine bay from idling caused it...but even that is a pretty far stretch to me.
I imagine the underhood temps for a car in Houston could get up there. I can't say as I've heard of that before, but it's not doing anything any favors. But I'd think we'd hear about it from folks who live in AZ.unless they are implying that the stagnant hot air in the engine bay from idling caused it...but even that is a pretty far stretch to me.
Hi Arizona here, well 2 blocks away. I use my remote start in the hottest of weather on the planet and have had no issues. I always power down the A/C in the last mile to avoid moisture and mold in the system. Therefore I have never remote started the CRUZE with the A/C on? That battery is tiny and I know extreme heat can fry it so I never let my CRUZE idle in the hot heat.I imagine the underhood temps for a car in Houston could get up there. I can't say as I've heard of that before, but it's not doing anything any favors. But I'd think we'd hear about it from folks who live in AZ.
Battery ballooning as you call it is common around here, high self discharge rate, subfreezing temperatures, electrolyte freezes up, expands and the sides of the battery budges out. But this is Wisconsin, not Texas.Hi all-
I own a 2012 1.4ltr Turbo Cruze LT and have had an issue with my battery ballooning and leaving me stranded. I have gone through 2 batteries and this will be the 3rd one going in. Took it to the dealer the first time this happened, and they said it was caused by frequent usage of the remote start. I live in Houston, TX, so **** yeah I use my remote start to cool down the car for my 2yr old before we get in. I haven't used the remote start since the 1st battery left me stuck out in the middle of nowhere, and had the same issue again with this second one. Anybody else having, or have had this same issue with their battery?
Only thing I can think of that is causing your problem is that when you charge a battery, hydrogen gas is generated, and has to be released with vents. Your vents must be nonexistent or plugged up. Even maintenance free batteries have to be vented and in the process even part of the electrolyte is evaporative off. Kind of hinting that really no such thing as a maintenance free battery, more of a throwaway battery.
Major difference between a conventional battery, it has caps so you can add distilled water. They do raise the electrolyte a tad more in maintenance free batteries, but two tads would be even better. Motorhome has three batteries, really had to search hard for conventional batteries, are expensive but average better than ten years out of them, by keeping the electrolyte filled to the mark one.
Worse part of serving out country they don't mention is pure boredom, would kill time by having BS sessions and seeing who could come up with the best stories. But can't recall hearing more outrageous, stupid, idiotic, BS from dealers.
Sure sounds like you have a dealer like this. Your problem is in that battery. Also problems in the Cruze with some very poor electrical connections in keeping it fully charged. Removing lead from solder if they even heard of solder is another new problem that never existed before.
1 - 12 of 12 Posts
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