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In Pennsylvania weather is getting very cold week tonight, so I removed the battery to store in warm place. I found a small 2-inch crack in the corner cell and about 1/2 of the acid leaked out and collected on plastic tray and spilled on metal support. So far I appears that the acid has not harmed anything and I will clean it up tomorrow. I did notice some corrosion previously last winter after the battery when dead during cold spell, as I only start car on warm days and failed to remove battery previously. Apparently, the electrolyte froze and had cracked one of the cells 1 inch below the "minimum line". I have learned my lesson and will remove battery and store before cold weather onslaught.
Should I get the original Panasonic battery? And where do I get one? Thanks for input.

simons2k

Definitely replace. I'd go with an Optima.

CoralDoc

Does the Optima battery fit properly? Last timeI checked (about 1.5 years ago) neither type was a drop-in replacement.

Since you drive an '01, you're probably out of warrantee. Many companies make replacements that have the same dimensions as the OEM battery. So, rather than paying the very high pricing at Honda dealerships, just go to Sears, Batteries Plus or any other store and pick one up.

turbo_pwr

I just got one at Sears and called it a day. It was like half the price the Honda dealer wanted.

TepEvan

definitely replace. no need for a $100+ optima unless you really have some killer audio, but even then... go with the sears die hard silver (rated better than the gold in consumer reports).

turbo_pwr

I just checked Sears.com they only have one kind of battery listed for the s2000. The Diehard weatherhandler, it comes in a north and south version. I guess for the different climates. $59.99

smyroad

Wash off the spill area completely!!!! Rinse with baking soda a couple of times and wash again.

I had a battery crack in an accident and the body shop folks didn't clean the area well. 3 years later the acid weakened the subframe enough that it snapped. I noticed the car wasn't handling well. When I took a look I discovered that the front bumper was the only thing holding my right suspension to the car

dhayner

Yes, rinse VERY well with a LOT of baking soda in the water to neutalize the acid. Otherwise the acid will sooner or later eat paint and, worse, metal.

Road Rage

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 'smyroad
Wash off the spill area completely!!!!

Skip

Thanks Guys for recommendatios and imput! I will clean affected area tommorow.
I purchased Sears weatherhandler #PS228300051 $59.99. The Sears salesperson said that their designated model battery is the same model for the S2000, Civic, and CVR.