Battery lifespan

[UltrarunnerJonL]

Hi everyone

It's common knowledge that batteries don't last forever and it's charge capacity deteroriates over time.

I'm just wondering how is your Surge performing after all these months/year of usage?

Have I got the option to replace the battery?

Thanks!

[Williger]

@1leaffan the Surge isn't waterproof before working on it, unsure why you'd expect this to change unless you're planning to super-seal every opening with flexible glue, which I guess theoretically is possible, I've waterproofed a few Fitbits previously that weren't meant to be waterproof, so yes, it can be done if determined. Easy is an adjective, it's applicability to your situation depends on your skills. If you're comfortable working with small electronics, then yes, it's easy 🙂 

[1leaffan]

I was referring to the Versa 2, which is waterproof. Who still has a Surge? Old school and battery only last a year and half.

[Williger]

@1leaffan you're in the Surge forum. Lots of people have the Surge, it's a great tracker. I wish mine lasted a year and a half between charges like yours does, that's amazing! I only get a few days.

If you're seriously determined to replace the battery in your Versa 2, it can be done, but you're definitely entering the waterproofness area when doing so as you're going to be destroying the seal to open it. It's not an easy procedure if you're unfamiliar with working on small electronics. None of these were ever designed to be consumer maintained. You'd basically use heat on the perimeter of the Versa 2 to loosen the waterproofing glue and seal, then use a razor blade to pry it open. If your tracker is working, perhaps you can find features to disable in the app to help lengthen your battery time instead of needing to open it.

[Williger]

Old Dead Puffy Surge Battery

This is what happens with an older Fitbit Surge battery ...

The batteries will expand while expiring, this is a chemical and electrical reaction that impacts all LiPo batteries. In the Surge, when it expands, it will push against the electronics next to it as well as the screen above it, which is what sometimes causes issues with swiping, etc. It's hard to see from this photo, but compared to a new battery, this is 2x the normal size.

Overall, a great tracker to self-service in my opinion 🤠

[stevenkindell]

Williger,

Could you please tell me what the part number is for the 160mAh Surge battery, and where you were able to find it.

Thanks very much for your time and advice.

Steve

[Williger]

Hi @stevenkindell,

YW, LMK any questions, I'm happy to further detail the steps of disassembly and reassembly as have repaired several Surges.

The Fitbit Surge battery part # is LSSP491524AE. It's the same model # for all models of the Surge. The challenge is almost every third-party battery vendor attaches that part number to their products, none of which actually being 160mAh. I've seen them generally at 100, 120, and 150 respectably. The 160mAh ones aren't often labeled with this part #. You can find them on AliExpress and eBay. You can find them on Amazon, but 100mAh. If you need a direct link to ones I've purchased, shoot me a DM. I found a low-priced, 160mAh that fits well (surprisingly smaller than most others), and has double-sided tape to make installation simple. Most battery vendors include tiny Torx and Phillips tools for easy installations 🤗

[stevenkindell]

Yes, I would like to get a link from you for the 160mAh batteries you have purchased.

Thanks

Steve

[Williger]

NP, I shared what you need to do and happy to help 🙂