Battery stuck in APC SmartUPS 1000XL. How do I get it out?

[eod]

Like the title says, I've got a battery stuck in one of my APC SmartUPS 1000XLs. I've tried pulling on the tab, tipping the unit and even tried jarring it out.

So my question is.. How do I get this sucker out? Is there a way I can remove the case or a trick people use to get it out?

Thanks a lot..

 

[FredWagner]

We've run into this several times - the Gel Cells swellafter a while and won't slide out. Be sure the UPS is unplugged from the wall, get out your cross-point screwdrivers, and start removing the out case and part of the UPS until you CAN remove the battery. Look carefully, observe what parts are snug against the battery, and loosen or partly remove them until you can get it out. You may have to pry from behind it once you have access. Be careful, but it can be done! Fred Wagner
frwagne@longbeach.gov

 

[eod]

SHould I let the unit's charge run out before I go fiddling with the apc unit?

 

[FredWagner]

No need to worry about discharging first,
1 - shut down the devices running on the UPS,
2 - Turn if off (button on front panel, usually),
3 - start the battery removal (remove the access plate) - and then if it doesn't come out,
4 - start removing the rest of the case - not sure how your model is built, on some you turn it upside down, undo several screws on each side, then slide main unit out of the case - it varies, but just be careful not to short out the battery - you DO have a replacement battery ready to go in, right?
5 - Follow the installation instructions after you've removed the old battery, then put the case back together to the point where the battery should have come out. Keep me posted!
Fred Wagner Fred Wagner
frwagne@longbeach.gov

 

[eod]

Thank for the help Fred. I've sent two emails to the APC support department and I haven't even received a reply from them over the past few weeks. (I was expecting a "take it to a repair shop" type reply).

Since they've left me with little to no choice, I'm going to go ahead with your solution some time this week. Question, you mention to make sure I don't short out the battery. How can I make sure I don't?

 

[FredWagner]

It's really hard TO short out the battery - the connetions slide on, you really have to work to pull them off. Once you can get to them in the process of removing the battery, go ahead and disconnect them to be able to pull the old battery out. If it makes you feel better, cover them with tape - duct tape, electrical tape, even packing tape, while you're taking it apart. Go for it!
Fred Wagner
frwagne@longbeach.gov

 

[proximacentauri]

just read this thats why i have not replied before

If the batteries are bloated like you say replacing them may only end up with the same problem again within a few months

Make sure that the unit is in a well ventilated area as this can cause bloating and this model also has a known problem with it's charge circuit as well.

Also you WILL NEED to calibrate the UPS as these models electronically plot the discharge curves and these would have changed as well.

 

[chipjumper]

What do you mean by having to recalibrate the UPS???? Will it do this on its own when I plug it in to charge???