Remove Garmin autopilot remote batteries

[quinsky]

If you have alkaline batteries in your auto pilot remote (or any other device) I suggest removing them when not in use. The batteries in my remote corroded the contacts so much it was not repairable. I had to buy a new one for $270. I read that lithium batteries will not leak like alkaline do.

 

[Red Raven]

Yep. Mine corroded/disintegrated all the contacts as well. I was able to buy similar contacts from Digikey and make them work with some customization. Saved $270 bucks! The batteries are now kept separate!

Curt

 

[Cutwater28GG]

Curt which ones did you use? I have the same problem

https://www.digikey.co.uk/products/en/b ... ontacts/86

 

[Red Raven]

Curt which ones did you use? I have the same problem

https://www.digikey.co.uk/products/en/b ... ontacts/86

This the one I used. There may be one in there that is a better fit but I couldn’t find one.

https://www.digikey.com/product-det...GSjljZU1FZWdlTXgrNzNMcysxdkRRZVhpXC9HSElzMyJ9

They are not really a good fit at all as they are bigger in every dimension. I was able to make them work though by trimming them down, lengthing the slot in the plastic housing, and flattening the spring. The contacts are not soldered. The tab goes through a slot (that I had to lengthen with my multitool) in the battery well and acts as a spring against the contact surface on the circuit board.

Note that if your contact is not all the way corroded away you may get by with just a folded up piece of aluminum foil.

Curt

 

[YukonRon]

We had the same problem when we bought our boat. Fortunately we noticed it when purchasing the boat, and the dealer provided a replacement. It has always been part of my winterization list for the camper, and now the boat, to remove batteries from every remote, flashlight, headlamps, handheld radio, etc,etc and store them indoors for the winter. I've lost too many devices over the years learning it the hard way.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I found a few videos on YouTube using white vinegar to neutralize the alkaline of the battery leak to stop the corrosion. (then using rubbing alcohol to dry it all out)

Alas on taking my remote apart that despite it looking ok from the battery compartment side, the tiny pin that extends through and contacts the surface board had completely disintegrated.

As soon as I touched it fell out

on recommendation from Red Raven I searched the Digikey site and procured a few different options.

In the end I used a slightly different model and trimmed then edges down. I then added some solder to hold it in place whilst avoiding melthing the plastic.

all working great! saved $270 bucks.

if yours is broken I would definitely first take it apart and clean the contacts with some white vinegar. if that fails grab a couple of these contacts from Digikey.

 

[Red Raven]

Great! Glad it worked out for you as well!

Curt