My Electronic Timers are "dead"

cattkitt

I've got a couple of electronic timers. One of them is almost identical to this:
http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9822911/Trail/searchtext%3ETIMER+SWITCH.htm

I haven't used them for a few years. Tried plugging them in, and an appliance in the timer socket.

The appliance works, but there is no display on the timer, and I can't get the display to switch on. Is there a way of achieving this? Thank you.

penrhyn

Have you tried changing the batteries?

cattkitt

I've opened up the unit, but can't see a battery in it.

I can understand the batteries being required for retaining information when the unit is not plugged in, but why doesn't the display come on even when the unit is plugged in?

cattkitt

Actually, I think I can see what might be a battery, but it doesn't look like they meant it to be replaced, as it's either very firmly lodged or soldered in place.
It says 1.2V40mAh Ni-MH on what I suspect is the battery.

penrhyn

Is it a button cell or maybe one thats soldered in?

cattkitt

It looks like a button cell with thick green plastic on its sides. Not sure if it's soldered in. I'll try to force it out once I have a replacement. It looks like it's got a bit of white corrosive accumulation on one side.