Key fob batteries

[markjay]

As you probably all know it is best to have these replaced as a matter of course every two years, I used to buy them in the shops for well over £3 each, but I just received my order from Amazon:

Panasonic Specialist Lithium Coin Batteries CR2025 x 12: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

A 12-pack of Panasonic CR2025 batteries, all for just under £3.50... and free shipping.

And the ones I got from Amazon are good up to 2020(!) - those I get from the shops usually had only around two years shelf-life left in them.

Four went into the keyfobs, two went into the glove compartment as emergency spare, and six are at home waiting for 2012.

Incidentally, the ones I had were replaced by the MB Dealer last year during the service, after one year of use the voltage dropped from around 3.25V for a new battery, to 3.04V. So still well above the required 3V, but this only serves to emphasise that they do need replacing every two years.

I have no argument with those of you who prefer the original MB-branded batteries (which I believe are made by the German battery giant Varta), if you are that way inclined - the Panasonic are simply an alternative for those who, like me, are happy with other major brands.

 

[amb67]

That's a great deal there, I think I will take advantage of this offer.

How did you determine your fobs battery voltages, is there a way to test them whilst they are in the fob?

Thanks

Alan

 

[npuk]

Beware buying from ebay and amazon market place sellers as there are fakes around.

I get all my batteries from 7dayshop.com. Good prices and you know they are genuine. 7dayshop.com - Online shopping made easy !

£3.39 for 12 x Panasonic CR2025 on their site and free p&p http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=777_3&products_id=108542

 

[amb67]

How do you tell the fakes from the real thing?

I must admit 7 Day Shop is one of my regular haunts for memory cards, NiMh batteries etc....

 

[npuk]

Just check the packaging carefully. It will be made to look like an original but there will be differences in fonts and text or mistakes in the info. e.g. Another forum I read had a thread about fake Panasonic batteries a member bought which said "Mats u s h i t a Elestric" on the battery and packaging (had to space the word to stop swear filter blocking it).

 

[markjay]

* this section of the post humbly removed *....I obviously agree with your point that you should buy batteries (and any other parts) from a safe source.

 

[npuk]

Yes I know they are. I was giving an example of how to spot fakes. The fakes this person purchased said 'Elestric' on them upon closer inspection so one way to spot fakes is incorrect spelling on the batteries or packaging.

 

[markjay]

That's a great deal there, I think I will take advantage of this offer.

How did you determine your fobs battery voltages, is there a way to test them whilst they are in the fob?

Thanks

Alan

Remove battery from fob, connect to multimeter (£4.99 from Maplin, see: Domestic Multimeter : Multimeters : Maplin), and test...

 

[markjay]

Yes I know they are. I was giving an example of how to spot fakes. The fakes this person purchased said 'Elestric' on them upon closer inspection so one way to spot fakes is incorrect spelling on the batteries or packaging.

He he.... missed that bit! Sorry....

 

[markjay]

They were actually supplied as two six-packs:

 

[markjay]

This is a close up, I think the give-away is 're-ordernr' with the Belgium address, and the place of manufacture displayed in Hungarian(?), so it would seem that these are 'grey' import from Europe - possibly East Europe - the UK market is notorious for its 'rip-off' consumer prices, electronic companies have been selling for years equipment in the UK at much higher prices than they do in Europe.

 

[Markedes]

Good advice

 

[350_Coupe]

Thanks for the info - i still havent worked out how to get into my keyfob (2 button slightly triangular shape)

 

[Diesel Benz]

Incidentally, the ones I had were replaced by the MB Dealer last year during the service, after one year of use the voltage dropped from around 3.25V for a new battery, to 3.04V. So still well above the required 3V, but this only serves to emphasise that they do need replacing every two years.

My car is approaching 5 years and I've mostly used one of the keys, both have original batteries. Do you have KG?

 

[splitpin]

Thanks for the info - i still havent worked out how to get into my keyfob (2 button slightly triangular shape)

They all seem to open from from the top (widest part).

Key removes first then there should be a sprung latch within the exposed
aperture which releases the internal body.
This sometimes is gummed up with age/use & can be gently eased apart.(I use blunt knife blade).

Successive types seem to be a variation on a theme

Take care they are pricey to replace

splitpin

 

[350_Coupe]

Yeah, that seems to make sense/work, managed to get it to separate a little bit, not removed it all the wqay, but at least i now know how too thanks

 

[markjay]

Noth directly related but...

Another Amazon deal:

Duracell Procell MN1500 AA (10): Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty

Duracell ProCell AAA Batteries - 10 Pack: Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty

Duracell Procell Battery Alkaline 9V Ref MN1604 [Pack 10]: Amazon.co.uk: Health & Beauty

Duracell industrial batteries at funny prices and with free shipping....

 

[markjay]

The Duracell AA and AAA are £2.50 including shipping for 10-pack... 25p per battery delivered - now that can't be bad... so I just ordered some.