Has anyone actually replaced their TCU Battery?

[TurboJoe]

Trying to replace the TCU coin battery in my 2020 Turbo Levo SL. Per the manual and what I can find on-line, grab your non-metallic tweezers and pull. Ordered a set of plastic tweezers from Amazon but they were all too thick to fit into the TCU. Has anyone actually replaced the battery and where did you get your tweezers?

Q: How do I replace the battery in the TCU?
A: The TCU uses a 1620 coin cell battery. To replace it, carefully remove the TCU display from the frame. Use non-metallic tweezers to pull the battery out–metallic tweezers may short circuit the unit. Make sure the new battery is fully inserted.

 

[RebornRider]

I got the dreaded TCU battery error code today on my 2019 ff Levo. How hard can it be to change the coin cell? I don't have plastic tweezers, but I do have very delicate, and VERY pointy stainless steel surgical tweezers. But even they were too fat to grab the battery if I wanted to risk short circuiting the battery.

Cutting to the chase, I was able to simultaneously lift the retaining clip and poke the battery hard enough with the tweezer to lever it out. I would really like to speak with the product design team that approved this.

I guess the good news is that I shouldn't have to deal with this again for another 3 1/2 years. And no more error code!

 

[HGmtb]

Yes, I changed mine recently after getting the error code - it only lasted 2 years !

 

[Pedal-Man]

Just did mine last week. Finding a non-metallic tweezers that work is a joke. I used a sharp pick and caught the edge of the battery where its sealed together and pulled it out. Also, I had to go to specialty store to get the 1620=not common

 

[escrs]

Doing mine today after 3+ years of owning my 2020 Levo (bought in Oct 2019)

Not got any non mettalic teezers yet, will remove the TCU and see what ive got that could work instead

Got to go pick up a 1620 battery, easy to get as they are stocked by Toolstation for £1.49

GP Lithium Coin 3V CR/DL1620 | Toolstation

 

[Bajabicli]

I just pushed down the retaining clip with the tip of a bamboo chop stick, gave the TCU a solid thump into my palm and the battery dropped right out...

 

[philmedomsley]

Changed mine yesterday. Used thin metallic tweezers. Slightly awkward. Bought cheap battery from Toolstation. Ordered better quality Duracel from Amazon to keep as a spare.

 

[Jersey Skier]

No luck with tweezers. Got it out with the end of a paper clip.

 

[Loe Rider]

Likewise no luck with tweezers but used my dental/seal pick and it worked just fine.

 

[Binhill1]

I'm wondering if mine is on way out. Not switching on with button hut switches off. Unplugging and plugging cable in before it goes on. Error im getting is this pic.

 

[Mikerb]

Probably. As far as I can see the TCU battery only enables the on/off switch. Thereafter the main battery sends 12v to the TCU for it to power up. Changing the TCU battery is simple and cheap so worth a try.
If you had a cable fault the bike would shut down when riding so I doubt you have any cable problems.

ps Ordinary tweekers can be used to extract the old battery. Just insulate the tips with some insulating tape first to avoid any risk of short circuit.

 

[Howz]

Just replaced mine following the error lights showing, easy to do, bike is 3 1/2 years old so not bad I suppose.

 

[Binhill1]

Just replaced mine following the error lights showing, easy to do, bike is 3 1/2 years old so not bad I suppose.

Thinking of doing mine same age as yours . I need new power cable and motor to Tcu cable. Been a expensive month for Ebike , suspension service brake pistons service and rotors. Derailleur and hanger now cables. Rant over.

 

[Pyr0]

How long do you get after the warning lights start showing on the TCU before its completely dead?
The lights on the TCU started this morning, but my battery won't arrive for a day or so...

 

[cozzy]

I had no luck with tweezers. I unclipped the lid and pushed the battery out from the back.
It was flashing for a while before I changed it. Was relieved it was the battery, though I had a motor error.

 

[2cool2fool]

Using plastic tweezers is a fools mission. I used a pointed Xacto knift to push it from the back. A paperclip will also work.

 

[TurboJoe]

Did you first remove the lid like cozzy #15?

 

[2cool2fool]

No.

 

[TurboJoe]

Would you please explain how you push from the back?

 

[Mikerb]

just stick a bit of insulating tape on the tips of standard tweezers or even slim pointed pliers. .

 

[essiie]

I ended up using the metal frame from brake pads ass a tool to get the battery out from TCU and it worked nicely! Tweezers and paper clips didn´t do the trick for me.

 

[MarkDerman]

After battling for a while to get the darn battery out, with tweezers that were too big, tiny pliers, and a few other options, I finally had success with a teeny pair of tweezers.

I found a pair of REALLY TINY metal tweezers (see 2nd image below) out of an old Leatherman, which did the trick. Assuming the tweezers are thin and narrow enough, you can lightly tap the back of the tweezers and they will go into the housing over the battery, pushing the little metal retaining clip up and out of the way. You have to position the tweezers dead-centre.

Once the tweezers get inside the housing and over the battery, they battery is easily pulled out.

Hope that helps some of you folks.

Loving my Levo SL and getting into mountain biking here in beautiful Cape Town

 

[ThierryGTLTS]

I had no luck with tweezers. I unclipped the lid and pushed the battery out from the back.
It was flashing for a while before I changed it. Was relieved it was the battery, though I had a motor error.

View attachment 124036

Thank you for the tip Cozzy!

It saves me a lot of time.

Thierry

 

[Brievenbustimmer]

Trying to replace the TCU coin battery in my 2020 Turbo Levo SL. Per the manual and what I can find on-line, grab your non-metallic tweezers and pull. Ordered a set of plastic tweezers from Amazon but they were all too thick to fit into the TCU. Has anyone actually replaced the battery and where did you get your tweezers?

Q: How do I replace the battery in the TCU?
A: The TCU uses a 1620 coin cell battery. To replace it, carefully remove the TCU display from the frame. Use non-metallic tweezers to pull the battery out–metallic tweezers may short circuit the unit. Make sure the new battery is fully inserted.

What is the functioneel of this battery?

 

[Mikerb]

just use ordinary tweezers with some insulating tape wrapped on the tips.

 

[toii]

This was not an easy job! I finally got it out by poking a very tiny flat blade jewellers screwdriver (maybe 1.2mm) in where the retaining clip is and using this to gently lever the old battery out (the leverage pushes down on the retaining clip).

 

[pete909]

Hi, to remove the TCU battery, if you're comfortable detaching the TCU from the connector cables (there's a green connection and black connection so you can't go wrong reconnecting them). Then try opening and holding the usb cover with your thumb against the side so it doesn't flap. Then press the small metal retaining clip with anything that size (end of a match, electronics screwdriver, paper clip.) Give it a quick shake over the table. Or tap the TCU lightly on the table (usb/ battery side of course). it falls partially out, at least it did with me.