Kooray007

Hello new forum friends!

I am the happy owner of a Magellan Roadmate 1412. Unfortunately, it's dropped off the dash one too many times and will not turn on. I opened it up and this is what I saw:



Everything looks fine except for the battery. The battery case seems swollen (so much so that I can't shut the case around it). I already located a replacement:

Magellan RoadMate 1430 battery (1300 mAh) - €26.99 - Worldwide free shipping - BatteryUpgrade.com : Upgrade your battery!

I'm just not sure about the details. The bottom of the battery seems to be adhered to the board below somehow. Does anyone have any words of wisdom for me? Any "how-tos"? Thanks in advance for any help.

Jeremy

HumVee

Kooray007. Please don't cross-post (submit the same question in more than one sub-forum) - it isn't permitted under GPS Discussion site rules.

Your battery has definitely failed - it looks like it has shorted/overheated and ruptured. You already have the case apart, so I don't understand your "Am I Crazy to Change the Battery Myself??" question. You're already half-way to replacing the battery! The battery is adhered to the circuit board by double-sided foam tape. Gently prying the battery up by one end should allow you to see it. Unless the battery is held in some kind of cage, it can't be bolted to the PCB - and that doesn't look like the situation, judging from your picture.

Kooray007

Humvee,

Thanks for the tip. I just bought the new battery. What's the best way to remove the old battery from the double-stick foam tape? Where could I get some more foam tape if I need it?

Jeremy

HumVee

Jeremy, the double-stick tape should still be good for your next battery - but if not, you should be able to find some at just about any hardware store. Make sure it's not too thick or too 'heavy duty' - you want to be able to pull the battery off! As to removing the old battery, I would just start at one of the short ends or a corner, and gently pry up with my fingers. Use slow & steady preasure, applying a more & more until you feel the battery pulling away from the PCB. If it you need more leverage, use something non-metallic and broad - like a large popsicle stick. Whatever you do, do cause damage to the circuits or components on the PCB. Typically, those replacement batteries come with some instructions specific to the device the battery replacement is for. Hopefully it will give you some more precise pointers. Good luck!