Garmin Varia RTL515 battery replacement - anybody done it?

[Sepia]

Has anybody attempted this?  My Varia battery is dying fast and need to replace it, maybe with something bigger.  I am using a power bank at the moment.

Any advice and where to obtain a new battery locally or do I go the Garmin route?

[Harryn]

I think the unit is designed to die with the battery.  Like everything Garmin (till now, due to new EU regs putting a stop to this). About time. 

[milky4130]

In that case there is no harm opening it up and seeing if the battery can be replaced?

[capediver]

Found this..RTL510...should be same for 515...just translate...

DIY at own risk....

 

https://www.mtbiker.sk/clanky/127801/garmin-varia-rtl-510-vymena-akumulatora.html

 

[Sepia]

Many thanks.  This is what I am looking for.  I found nothing on the internet but you have helped.

Source a battery now (as per the link)  and I will give it a go.  What can I loose.

[Mongoose!]

Please update us with the progress  and photos  please 🙏 

[IceCreamMan]

AAMOI - how many cycles have you put through it?

my 510 is about 7 years old and still works perfectly. Have used it for over 15000 kms

[Sepia]

10 hours ago, IceCreamMan said:

AAMOI - how many cycles have you put through it?

my 510 is about 7 years old and still works perfectly. Have used it for over 15000 kms

17 hours ago, capediver said:

 

 

https://www.mtbiker.sk/clanky/127801/garmin-varia-rtl-510-vymena-akumulatora.html

 

Mine must be about 4 yrs old and done many more kms than that.  It is in daily and sometimes nightly  use.

[Sepia]

15 hours ago, Mongoose! said:

Please update us with the progress  and photos  please 🙏 

Will do once I have managed to locate a replacement battery.  It looks like a simple task.

[Sepia]

Dont think it is possible to get a replacement battery with the correct dimensions.  Garmin, understandably dont sell the battery but say they will relace the unit at a discounted price. 🥵 

What I plan to do is fit an external battery to the unit with two/three wires protruding with a connector.  Easy to waterproof afterwards.

Still trying to find an internal replacement battery though.........

 

[capediver]

1 hour ago, Sepia said:

Dont think it is possible to get a replacement battery with the correct dimensions.  Garmin, understandably dont sell the battery but say they will relace the unit at a discounted price. 🥵 

What I plan to do is fit an external battery to the unit with two/three wires protruding with a connector.  Easy to waterproof afterwards.

Still trying to find an internal replacement battery though.........

 

You should be able to run it direct via charging port with an external battery without breaking it open...

 

Had a similar setup when I had the 515...battery taped under saddle...maybe just add a blob of silicone at the USB connection for waterproofing...

Edit...just read your first report and maybe you already doing this!...LOL

Edited September 15, 2025 by capediver

[IceCreamMan]

On 9/15/2025 at 5:35 AM, Sepia said:

Mine must be about 4 yrs old and done many more kms than that.  It is in daily and sometimes nightly  use.

Cheers. Appreciate the response. 
 

This far it’s been bullet proof and the battery is as good as the day I bought it ( my perception anyway). 
 

only use it on my road bike when I go solo as I tend to day dream a bit out in the country lanes so this is a very cool investment. 

[Jaco Steyn]

On 9/15/2025 at 6:36 AM, Sepia said:

Will do once I have managed to locate a replacement battery.  It looks like a simple task.

Replacement Battery for Garmin, Varia TL, RTL510, Varia RTL501, 010-01951-00, etc. - Allbats

[Sepia]

19 hours ago, Jaco Steyn said:

Replacement Battery for Garmin, Varia TL, RTL510, Varia RTL501, 010-01951-00, etc. - Allbats

Thanks for this.  Very very expensive indeed.  A single 2032 costs R678!!!!! same price as a replacement Varia battery of lower capacity. I think it is better to work off a second battery conected to the new replacement wires coming out of the unit.

Thanks for the input.

Edited September 17, 2025 by Sepia

[Jaco Steyn]

2 hours ago, Sepia said:

Thanks for this.  Very very expensive indeed.  A single 2032 costs R678!!!!! same price as a replacement Varia battery of lower capacity. I think it is better to work off a second battery conected to the new replacement wires coming out of the unit.

Thanks for the input.

I saw that it was quite expensive, but that was the only reference to a local supplier I could find. Many suppliers outside of the country, but shipping is a problem. Batteries may only be sent on a plane when adhering to very strict regulations.

Some info on the regulations: Shipping Lithium Batteries | FedEx South Africa 

[droo]

2 hours ago, Sepia said:

Thanks for this.  Very very expensive indeed.  A single 2032 costs R678!!!!! same price as a replacement Varia battery of lower capacity. I think it is better to work off a second battery conected to the new replacement wires coming out of the unit.

Thanks for the input.

At least you've got the dimensions now, so you can check RS Components or robotics or RC shops to see if you can find a reasonable match. A battery that size should be more like R 150.