Just like with any battery-powered device, the battery (or batteries) in MEATER charging docks can leak, occasionally causing damage to the dock that may require a replacement. This article explains how to handle battery leaks in your MEATER dock.
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What Is Battery Leakage?
Despite the common term "battery acid," the substance that leaks from a battery is usually an alkaline liquid that leaks onto the battery pins. This creates a barrier between the battery and its contacts, ultimately preventing the battery from connecting.
Battery leakage normally presents itself as a white, encrusted, powder-like substance on the battery terminals.
What Causes a Battery to Leak?
Battery leakage can occur if the dock has been kept in storage for a lengthy period of time, allowing the battery to degrade.
Step 1 — Check Your Warranty Eligibility
These steps will help assess the situation and determine whether your product is covered under warranty.
- Take a photo of the charger damage and battery leak for your records.
- Check whether the battery is the original Toshiba battery included with your purchase or a replacement.
- MEATER's warranty covers battery-caused damage resulting from the unit's original Toshiba battery. Products come standard with either x1 AAA or x4 AA Toshiba batteries depending on the product, which should last approximately one year after the protective tab is first removed.
- If the original battery leaks within one year (US) or two years (everywhere else), this is covered by warranty.
- If the battery that leaked is not the original Toshiba one, the leak is not likely covered by warranty.
- Consider whether your probe has ever been used at temperatures above the maximum of 527°F/275°C.
- Think about when you first started using your MEATER to help estimate how long you have owned it.
- Over-temperature cooks can cause damage to the probe, potentially causing an electrical short which can then cause the battery to weaken, corrode, and leak.
Step 2 — Clean the Dock
Recommended Supplies:
- Gloves or other hand protection
- Cotton swabs or a toothbrush
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Water
Cleaning Steps:
- Carefully remove the battery with gloved hands and recycle it properly.
- Dip a cotton swab or toothbrush in vinegar or lemon juice and gently scrub away as much of the corrosion as possible. The acid will help dissolve the residue.
- If any residue remains, mix a small amount of baking soda and water into a paste and scrub again using a cotton swab or toothbrush.
- Use a damp swab to wipe away any remaining baking soda, lemon juice, or vinegar.
- Allow the device to dry completely before installing a new battery.
Step 3 — Test the Dock & Probe
Now that the dock has been cleaned, let's determine if it's still functional.
- Inspect the probe for any defects — look for cracks at the ambient end, a loose metal ambient cap, or any dents.
- Once the charger is completely dry, install a new battery.
- Observe whether the charger LED turns on. If it does, the charger is working.
- Open the MEATER app and confirm the probe connects successfully.
Step 4 — Determine Next Steps
Once you have cleaned and tested your dock, the path forward depends on what you find.
If the charger LED turns on and your probe connects successfully in the MEATER app, everything is working as it should — no further action is needed.
If the LED does not turn on, or your probe is not connecting after cleaning and installing a fresh battery, please contact us and we'll be happy to help get you sorted.