Are your Battery Contacts Corroded or Snapped? We're here to help.
Its very common for the contacts in your Playmobil RC motor unit to have become corroded as the old battery packs are often left stored in the train. The batteries inevitably leak and corrode the contacts.
If they look ok (clean metal - no discolouration), then no worries, load the battery holder and you should be good to go.
If you notice the train running slow, or irregularly, you probably just need to clean the contacts.
Please have a thorough read through this article.
Cleaning Battery Contacts - DIY Instructions - Try this First
- You do need to be carful when cleaning the contacts as the metal may have become brittle due to corrosion. The best way to do it, is to carefully remove the black motor unit from the train (it just unclips)
- Once you have the bare motor unit, there are 3 screws in the bottom which need to be removed. The two halves of the motor unit will still be held together at this point by clips at the ends and the sides. Just work your way around and gently release the clips and the top should come off. Be cautious not to pull the two halves apart too far as they are still connected by a yellow aerial wire. No force should be required.
- You should have the battery compartment exposed at this point. Use a nail file, or a small piece of fine sandpaper to remove the corrosion until you expose fresh bare metal. Apply as little pressure as possible and take your time, letting the abrasive do the work.If you happen to have contact cleaner, use this too.
- A good rule of thumb is to be guided by the spring in the contact itself. If you are applying enough pressure to depress the contact, you are pushing too hard.
I would encourage you to try to follow these steps and save your money.
For those uncomfortable with the process, I do offer this as a service.
Please note, should the metal be so corroded it has become brittle, the contacts will need to be replaced at the buyers expense. I accept no responsibility for snapped contacts. If they break in my gentle hands, they were always one battery insertion away from snapping. I will do my utmost to salvage your existing contacts as the originals will always be superior to a repair (see Disclaimer below).
Replacing Battery Contacts
Sometimes snapping a contact is inevetable.
Send me your damaged unit and I will solder in new battery contacts and return it to you.
Upon your purchase, I will be in contact with the address to send your motor unit in to for repair.
Testing - I need your Radio Crystal
I have most of the standard Playmobil radio crystals. However, to save you sending your entire remote adding to the weight of the package, please include the radio crystal.
The radio crystal is held by the coloured tab in the face of the remote located below and to the right of the red speed control dial. This simply pulls out.
I can then put your crystal into my radio unit to test the function of the train.
Additional Repairs
Your motor unit may be missing some parts such as connecting rods, rod pins etc. If you know this ahead of time, please add them to your order.
If I notice any additional defects while working on your motor unit, I will be in touch to give you the option to repair/ replace parts.
Replacment parts will be 3D printed out of ASA (see below).
In the instance your motor unit arrives with parts missing and these were not added to your original purchase, you can select "Collect in Person" at checkout to add these to your order.
Please note: These parts are not sold independantly via this listing. If you are just looking for connecting rods and rod pins to fit yourself, these can be purchased via my other listings.
3D Printing
Parts are printed in ASA (acrylonitrile styrerne acrylate), unless otherwise stated, which is an all purpose thermoplastic with excellent weather, UV and heat resistance up to 95C.
Parts are intended for indoor use but ASA filament is designed to hold up well in outdoor conditions. However it is not recommended to leave parts exposed in freezing conditions during winter months.
Parts are all printed to order on a Bambu Lab Carbon X1 3D printer.
Disclaimer
The battery contact repair isn't perfect. Although the replacement contacts make a good connection with my 7829-B Playmoparts battery unit as well as the 7829 Playmobil battery, it doesn't work as well with the original black Playmobil 4392 battery.
This is because the original battery contacts in the motor unit were very "springy" and so had a greater range of motion. The 4392 battery has more deeply recessed contacts which is where the problem lies.
The replacement contacts you can see in the picture aren't as "springy" so don't reach out far enough to make a reliable connection for the older style 4392 Playmobil battery.
I will continue to look for the "Goldilocks" battery contact to replace the original Playmobil contacts, however the original contacts will always be the best.
To avoid the need for this repair in the first place, always remove the battery holder from the motor unit after each use, and never leave it in place when storing away for longer periods.
Beyond Repair
Please note that your motor unit may have underlying issues besides the battery contact. If your motor unit still doesn't run despite receiving good power (tested via multimeter) then I will be in touch.
Some motor units may be beyond economical repair. In this instance, repair work carried out up to this point such as replaced battery contacts will not be refunded as the work has already been completed. Any additional repair parts such as connecting rods, or rod pins can be refunded upon request. Although these cases will be rare, buyers should be aware of the possibility.
Guarantee
In the unlikely event the repair should fail, such as a replacement contact becoming detatched, send it back and I will of course repair it free of charge. This guarantee is unlimited as you should be able to expect the repair to last the lifespan of the motor unit itself. This does not include motor units with new signs of corrosion. Always remove the battery holder after each use and do not leave batteries in the battery holder itself for longer periods of storage.
Sending me your motor unit - Packaging
Please ensure the motor unit is well packaged and includes plenty of padding. I accept no responsibility if the motor unit arrives damaged due to insufficient packaging.
Please also bear in mind, the same packaging you use to send it to me will be used to return the unit to you. Its in your best interest to package it well.
Please also ensure to mark the package with your name and return address.
Remember - some couriers can be less than gentle.
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