Duracell child-proof batteries and a odd problem

[Omega Man]

Well, the 20 year old remote for my pickup truck has been not acting as it should. First guess, based on experience, is that the "coin" batteries- 2 2016 size were getting weak. Off to the hardware store for some fresh ones and they had Duracell so that is what I bought.

This remote has 2 batteries that are stacked in the remote's compartment and after replacing them- nothing. After some meter work and some other messing around, with a magnifying glass I was able to spot what looked like a well-spread spot of sealer on the negative side of the battery....Could it be part of the childproof coating? Yep, the coating, as thin and hard to see as it was preventing the "stacked" coin batteries from transferring the voltage from one battery to the other.

A rub on a glass plate with some emory cloth to "surface" the coating resulted in the surfaces to make contact again and the remote is back working.

Just in case someone has a device with stacked "coin" style batteries, it may be better to seek out the Energizer brand.

OM

 

[jonnybow]

"Child proof" batteries seem to be a solution to a non problem. They should probably make a parenting app that watches your kids for you.....

 

[pauls1150]

No such thing as "child-proof" (except when I'm trying to open my meds)! Most can destroy an anvil with their bare hands in five minutes.
I've got a few fobs... In the past couple of years, Every 2032 battery I've bought has had a plastic film on one side that has to be peeled off before use.

 

[fmdualexhaust]

This might explain why my batteries wouldn't work a few months ago.
Returned for a new set and it was good.
Didn't notice any child proof label.

 

[Omega Man]

Did some more research. Here is the coating-

I just happened to catch it in the right light. It seems that isopropyl alcohol will remove it.

Nothing on the package about "if you need to stack these batteries"....you will need to remove the coating.

Picture and story of "why" here- https://road.cc/content/blog/do-duracells-coin-batteries-stop-bike-devices-working-296255

The packaging does mention that you will need scissors to open the package.

Still nothing about what to do if you stack the batteries.

OM

 

[Toruk]

The "Varta" brand batteries IMO, and many others, are superior to Duracell or Energizer.

 

[pauls1150]

Interesting article and "fix", but it would be easier to just give the kid a 9-volt transistor radio battery...