Introduction: Replace Battery in Nike+ Sensor for Under $5
My Nike+ sensor recently died and after looking around the web I found that they wanted $20 to replace it! So instead, contrary to what others on the web seemed to say, I took it apart and found the process very simple and it only took 10-15 min. and a $4 dollar battery.
Supplies:
Sharp knife
Pliers (optional, but handy)
Small philips screwdriver
CR2032 Battery
Electrical tape
Crazy glue (also optional, but handy :-) )
Please feel free to comment and rate! I'd love to hear your input!
Step 1: Disassemble the Chip
Use your knife to pry apart the side of the chip. Then use a small screwdriver to remove the 2 screws on the top.
Step 2: Remove the - and + Ends
For this part I also started by using the knife to pry up the connection on either side of the battery, although in the end I had to use the pliers to get the rest of it off. You can throw away the clear sticky plastic that comes off first. Then proceed to do the same for the top. Just in case, I saved the black strips from the top and reinstalled them on the new battery.
Step 3: Attach the New Battery
Now attach the new battery just like the old one was attached making sure to put the - and + terminals on the correct sides, add a little electrical tape to secure it all in, put in the screws and put the top on. Then use a little super glue around the edges and your good to go!
Let me know if I missed anything, and please rate!
Happy Trails!
NOTE: Thanks to manubx for fixing the low battery screen on iPhones and iPod Touches! Check it out at www.instructables.com/id/Nike-sensor-battery-replacement-get-rid-of-the-Lo/
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105 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
dont do it! maybe they changed the design on the new ones but now the two pieces are glued together. if you do manage to get them apart without severing an artery, the battery is spot-welded to the rest of the device. i ended up buying a new one for $19. best of luck.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Lol RE severing an artery. Just sliced finger open hella bad. That'll learn me for not scrolling down....
10 years ago on Introduction
Just sliced/stabbed thumb open at step one. Only just stopped the bleeding.
I am not usually a klutz, but these damn devices are glued together good.
I might give this one a miss.
12 years ago on Introduction
HI,
I have only one question. Do you have any idea how to get rid of the LOW BATTERY message from the Ipod screen after replacing battery? I am looking for this kind of info for a while , no luck.
any ideas ??
thanks !
I have also few tips after replacing the battery in my sensor (it didnt work at the begging, had to do it twice)
1. after disabling the sensor is good to remove the red wire using soldering iron.
2. REMEBER to laeve the black tape on the green sensor (accelerometer), as it needs some space underneath to work properly.
3.My advice when getting things together with the new battery is to start with the black (+) wire with the U metal ending by taping it to the battery,
4.later as its already attached, do the same with the red one (with the U on its place u can make a strong taping, just go around the whole battery)
5. place the accelormeter back on the battery as the last one
6. use the soldering iron once again to put the red wire on its place.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
It´s weird but suddenly I overcome the low battery indicator problem.
http://forums.slowgeek.com/topic/nike-sensor-tracker
look after my post there (carozoynarizota)
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
what did you have to do. Just replaced battery and my ipod also still says replace.
11 years ago on Introduction
I realized that the CR2032 is a very standard computer CMOS battery. So what I did was order the CMOS battery that came with the wire connector attached. Practically the same price as one without. Then I removed the male connector from an old PC motherboard, added some wires, then soldered them to the board. Then I glued the whole thing back together.
Now I have a water-resistant sensor in which I can easily replace the battery.
If someone can find out where to get the male end connector without having to remove it from a PC motherboard then we would have a perfect solution for everyone.
12 years ago on Introduction
I am using a different approch to place the replacement battery, look at the image.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Direct link to a bigger image at imageshack
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/2144/final2o.jpg
12 years ago on Introduction
I've looked around online a lot and have found where to get the best price on the CR2032 battery. Don't go to RadioShack, BestBuy, or anywhere else like that. Go to a local computer store. These batteries are used on the motherboard of most PCs. You may even have an old PC sitting around...?
Big box stores had these from $5-10 for one. My local PC shop has it for $2.89.
12 years ago on Introduction
My only wish with this device would be to add a tiny LED so we can see 'signs of life' or at least a way to determine battery life etc..
12 years ago on Introduction
and yes, just cut my thumb.
curse you, nike/ipod! if only there were tiny screws instead of glue.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
precision screwdriver + hammer works way better.
just line it up at the seam, and give it a few light taps, and the plastic makes a nice 'snap' when it gives. a short line of those, then stick in a bigger screwdriver and tap it in, then a twist, and it opens quite nicely.
12 years ago on Introduction
Thank you. This worked for me. I used spot welder so no risk to over heating or burn solders to sensitive parts.
12 years ago on Step 3
heyyy .. i installed a new battery on2 mah sensor n it worked az d sensor waz detected on mah ipod but still during mah workout,d ipod is still showin the sign wich it shows when the battery is low...!
can ny1 tel me wat shud i do...?
13 years ago on Step 2
Careful with the round thing with the black and white wires. I think its the antenna. I had to cut the Y part on mine because it was too damn hard to remove. I think it was spot welded to the battery or something. Anyhow, i plan on extending from the point where i cut with a small gauge wire and solder to the new battery. That way, I wouldnt worry about things being disconnected when I jog.
13 years ago on Step 3
Sweet dude. Worked thanks. I used selotape to hold it together afterwards and some folded electrical tape to keep the pressure on the battery contacts.
13 years ago on Introduction
You've got to be kidding! I must have an old sensor or something because the case was welded together and I had to destroy it to get it apart. Once inside, the battery is soldered in several places and one terminal in actually pressed/welded on. I used to do electronic work for a living and believe me this is not a replaceable battery. I guess I'll have to go out and spend $20.
13 years ago on Step 1
worked like a charm, just finished two sensors. had to weld the red wire on one of them, but everything worked fine on the other. used the sharp blade knife to CAREFULLY cut the sensor open.
Reply 13 years ago on Introduction
I broke the red wire from the chip. Is there any idea how to attach it? It seems its too small to be soldered.