[Latitude 28]

You are correct "There has been a highly acidic environment" due to the batteries (several occasions) cooking for some yet to be determined cause.  Yesterday, I smelled the batteries hence finding the locked up control panel when I went to check the volts & amps.  It almost acts like an un-commanded EQ charge cycle.  The panel indicated a float charge the entire time it was locked up.  I just got to catch it acting up to understand what is happening.

When I do change the batteries that compartment will be getting an overhaul.

Steve