Replaced the battery - but still no joy

[skacey]

I've got a GK that about six months ago quit working with the Low Battery Error. From my understanding it's a 4.x (GME1 & GME2 = G0001777)


I got a new battery, but life got in the way for a few months. Today I replaced that battery, but I've still got an error:


"Main Battery Low Options Verification Required"


I'm thinking at this point I have three options:


1. The battery is fine, but needs to build up a charge - I'm going to leave it running overnight to see if I get lucky


2. The battery is not fine and I have to replace it again


3. I did something wrong and need help (thus I'm here)


I've also entertained the option to upgrade to the 044 versions but I'm just not sure how much that would cost or where to get all of the parts. It's a bit overkill for a battery, but would give us more to play.

[Tilt]

2 or 3. 

The main battery is not a rechargeable battery and the MPU doesn't have any circuitry that would charge it.  Check the battery voltage with a multimeter.  It should read at least 3 volts with a new battery.  Did you solder the battery in or did your MPU already have a battery holder installed? 

Factory original required the battery to be soldered on, but many have been replaced with battery holders that allow easier changes in the future.  Some are CR2032, some CR2354. Some people do a good job soldering, others create more problems trying to do it.  Maybe post some pics.  They have to be under 1MB in size.


 

[skacey]

Got it - I will pull the board tonight, test and take pictures.

[skacey]

Ok, I'm going to post my journey just in case it helps someone else.


I desoldered the battery and re-cleaned the lands and the board. I spent some time with a tester to figure out where on the board I could measure the battery connections.


For the positive side I found that both R13 and R22 closest to the battery had continuity.


For the negative side I found that C20 farthest from the battery had continuity.


That suggests that a good solder should show about 3v between R13/R22 and C20 (indicating that the battery was actually feeding power to the components)


I tested the new battery and got 2.98v (close enough)


I decided to bend the battery pins down this time and soldered both to the back of the board. Testing R13 to C20 got 2.83v


I put the board back and got a fault screen. Turn the key and got the reset screen. Reset the board and IT WORKED 


These were my worst looking solders, but if it works I'll take it.


Here is a pic showing were to test and my terrible solder job: https://i.imgur.com/ptQ4Ksa.jpg

[Stayouttadabunker]

I was reading this thread and liked it.

Good job guys. 


I'd like to add a question to it.

At what point of battery drain voltage under 3V, does the MPU display "Low Battery"?