Some of you might know that I had to take my MINI in for a new battery last Monday. MINI of Dallas was fantastic and had me out of there in less than an hour with a brand new, warranty covered battery.

Tonight, I decided to switch out air filters. While I was doing that, I noticed a funny tube hanging outside from the battery box, not connected to anything. I popped the top off of the battery box and wasn't able to find where it connected. Of course, my Bentley is at the office (don't ask) and I haven't a clue as to what it is for.

It extends under the battery, so there is the possibility of it being on the wrong side. Either way, I need to know if I'm at any risk, driving while this tube is disconnected.

BTW, I drive an 06 R50.

 

vent tube or overflow drain in case the battery boils?

 

I went back, took a closer look and found this in the battery:





The tube connected perfectly:





I'm totally guessing that it goes here. If I'm wrong, please let me know.

Thanks.

 

Just take the battery out and see what it's hooked up to.

 

That would require me to step outside of the comfort zone of LAZY.

That's actually what my next step would have been.

 

That tube is there to vent Hydrogen gas that is created while the alternator charges the Battery. The vent tube plugs into the side of your battery on the positive terminal side. Feel for the hole around the top rim of the battery,positive side.

 

It's actually not hooked up to anything. It just ends.

 

mininut nailed it exactly. Batteries outgas when charging. They outgas hydrogen mostly. Hydrogen is flammable. The vent tube helps carry it away from the engine --hot stuff, sparky stuff, etc. Venting is good.