How to Replace Cells in a Battery Pack
Battery packs contain individual cells that you can recharge. They are used to power remote control vehicles, such as airplanes or model cards. Over time, the cells in a battery pack can deteriorate but not all cells at the same time. It can save you money to replace the dead cells in a battery pack instead of purchasing a whole new one.
- Charge the battery pack for approximately one hour, and then let it sit for a few hours. This will let you know which cells are bad and need to be replaced by losing their voltage. The good cells will still hold a charge.
- Open the top of the battery pack. Some battery packs may clip and others you may need to unscrew. Once opened, you will see batteries connected. Label each battery numerically, and them take them out of the pack. You will have to check each battery to know what the voltage is.
- Use a voltmeter to set the output voltage to that of the single battery cells. Set it to the same voltage, such as 1.2 volts.
- Connect the positive (red) wire from the voltmeter to the positive terminal on the battery cell that is labeled number one. Connect the negative (black) wire from the voltmeter to the negative terminal that is labeled number one. You will find the positive terminal on top and the negative on the bottom of the battery.
- Write down the voltage reading showing on the voltmeter. Repeat this process on each remaining battery. Compare the readings for each battery cell. Each reading should be similar. If the battery cells are bad, the reading will not be similar. Remove the good battery cells, and throw away the battery cells that show a low voltage.
- Insert new battery cells to replace the cells you threw away. Do not label these so you will know they are the new cells. Close the cover of the battery back and put it on charge in order to charge the new battery cells.