HP35s batteries problem

[Joe Horn]

(09-06-2014 06:57 AM)mcjtom Wrote:  Hi,

I just got a new HP35s calculator, which came with two CR2032 batteries. I inserted the batteries (I believe properly). When the ON button is pressed, the display turns on, shows an empty battery symbol and then the calculator turns off after a few seconds.

I thought that somehow the batteries that came with the calculator were empty, so I just bought two new batteries. With the new batteries the calculator does exactly the same thing (i.e. turns on for a few seconds, shows empty battery sign and then turns off again).

Hypothesis: Since that's exactly what happens when only one fresh battery is installed (leaving the other battery compartment empty), I'd guess that either one of your cells is dead (unlikely but possible), or one of your battery compartments is not making a good contact. Try one cell only, in each compartment, then do the same with the other cell, to test this hypothesis.

EDIT: Needless to say, both cells should be installed with the "+" showing (positive facing up).