I've had to replace my TPMS sensor's batteries for a while now, so when I had a free afternoon I decided to tackle the job. Having read a few threads about it, and watched some youtube vids I realised that following the normal route of soldering in a new battery was not ultimately the right one to take. No, the better way to do this would be to get bigger batteries in there, and also use a battery holder instead of soldering.
Soldering a battery reduces the lifetime by quite a bit, given that these coin cells need to be made quite hot for the solder to take. That is why they have solder tabs tack-welded onto them, so that there is no heat on the battery itself when soldering. But, not being able to buy these specific ones with the solder tabs pre tack-welded in the right position leaves one with no other choice, really, but to use a battery holder.
Of course, a battery holder has the risk of having the battery come loose during use, but there is a solution for that. The advantage of a battery holder is also that I can install a bigger battery. The standard CR2050 battery has a capacity of about 290mAh. I opted to go for CR2450, which has a capacity of 640mAh (but is 24.5mm diameter instead of 20mm). More than twice the original battery capacity (still 3V though) so it should last much longer. Oh, and using a battery holder allows me to replace them in future again.
Onwards with some pics, then.
Soldering a battery reduces the lifetime by quite a bit, given that these coin cells need to be made quite hot for the solder to take. That is why they have solder tabs tack-welded onto them, so that there is no heat on the battery itself when soldering. But, not being able to buy these specific ones with the solder tabs pre tack-welded in the right position leaves one with no other choice, really, but to use a battery holder.
Of course, a battery holder has the risk of having the battery come loose during use, but there is a solution for that. The advantage of a battery holder is also that I can install a bigger battery. The standard CR2050 battery has a capacity of about 290mAh. I opted to go for CR2450, which has a capacity of 640mAh (but is 24.5mm diameter instead of 20mm). More than twice the original battery capacity (still 3V though) so it should last much longer. Oh, and using a battery holder allows me to replace them in future again.
Onwards with some pics, then.
