Your car key fob suddenly needs several presses to unlock the door. Your AirTag stops responding when you try to locate it. Before blaming either gadget, it's worth checking the battery inside. One common type is the CR2032, a 3V lithium coin cell also used in Samsung's SmartTag2 and some smart home sensors. Depending on the device and how often it's used, one can last way over a year.
A multimeter can help you check the battery's voltage, and it's a good addition to your toolbox if you don't already own one. There are cheaper ways to check, too, but don't mistake a voltage reading for a complete picture of battery health.
Begin by checking the battery itself. If you spot crusty residue, rust-colored patches, swelling or leakage, skip the test and replace it. Have a look at the device's contacts too, since corrosion there can cause trouble even with a good battery.
Remove the CR2032 and set your digital multimeter to DC voltage (V with a solid line over a dashed line). Plug the black lead into COM and the red lead into the V or VΩ port. If your meter doesn't automatically select a range, set it above 3V, typically 20V.
Hold the battery by its edges over a nonconductive surface. Touch the red probe to the broad face marked with a plus sign (+) and the black probe to the center of the smaller negative face underneath. Keep the probe tips from touching each other or bridging the battery's terminals.
Source link







