Trail Tech Temp gauge: Replacing the non replaceable battery
Oct 21, 2023 20:13:36 GMT -5
90GTVert, 190mech, and 7 more like this
Post by oldgeek on Oct 21, 2023 20:13:36 GMT -5
I had a couple Trail Tech temp gauges that were dead, one was brand new in the package. The soldered in style CR2032 battery is non replaceable and lasts only a few years at best. A new gauge now costs around $60 USD
I have a history of taking things apart, even things that were not meant to be taken apart.
I ended up getting the first one hacked apart and functioning again but not looking pretty at all. However that process led me to a method to replace the battery without half destroying the gauge. The gauges have 4 screws on the back that were only needed to hold the gauge together until the potting compound they used dried. I can promise you removing the screws will do nothing for you!
I just put the gauge in my vertical mill and trimmed part of the back of the case off, just until the battery was exposed. You could likely do the same with a lathe or even files. Once the battery is exposed cut the yellow shrink wrap from the top of the battery only! Then take small needle nose pliers and roll the positive contact up like you are opening a can of spam, which will break the spot welds. With the top contact out of the way gently pry up on the battery to expose the contact welded to the bottom of it. Working carefully you should be able to pop the spot welds on the bottom contact without pulling the contact loose from the board. If the contact does come off of the board just dig the potting compound away from the board and solder a short piece of bare wire in its place. Next you can peel out the rest of the yellow heat shrink that was under the battery if you want to, it may help the new battery to fit better. Now you can pop a new standard CR2030 battery back in the pocket that was perfectly formed in the potting compound by the previous battery. The pocket will hold the new battery in place. Bend the top contact back into place and you are good, no soldering is needed.
I plan to make a new back for the gauge that uses the mounting 2 screw holes in the gauge to hold it on, but for now it is mounted to the scoot using gorilla foam tape.
I have a history of taking things apart, even things that were not meant to be taken apart.
I ended up getting the first one hacked apart and functioning again but not looking pretty at all. However that process led me to a method to replace the battery without half destroying the gauge. The gauges have 4 screws on the back that were only needed to hold the gauge together until the potting compound they used dried. I can promise you removing the screws will do nothing for you!I just put the gauge in my vertical mill and trimmed part of the back of the case off, just until the battery was exposed. You could likely do the same with a lathe or even files. Once the battery is exposed cut the yellow shrink wrap from the top of the battery only! Then take small needle nose pliers and roll the positive contact up like you are opening a can of spam, which will break the spot welds. With the top contact out of the way gently pry up on the battery to expose the contact welded to the bottom of it. Working carefully you should be able to pop the spot welds on the bottom contact without pulling the contact loose from the board. If the contact does come off of the board just dig the potting compound away from the board and solder a short piece of bare wire in its place. Next you can peel out the rest of the yellow heat shrink that was under the battery if you want to, it may help the new battery to fit better. Now you can pop a new standard CR2030 battery back in the pocket that was perfectly formed in the potting compound by the previous battery. The pocket will hold the new battery in place. Bend the top contact back into place and you are good, no soldering is needed.
I plan to make a new back for the gauge that uses the mounting 2 screw holes in the gauge to hold it on, but for now it is mounted to the scoot using gorilla foam tape.