We’ve all been there. You’ve plotted your weekend ride, then upload your route on to your Garmin computer when that dreaded alert flashes: “Di2 Shifter Battery Critical”. Cue the panic. For me, this turned into a full-blown scavenger hunt across Stamford – I can confirm: CR1632 batteries are rarer than a sunny British bank holiday in this town.
But fear not – I’m here to save you the hassle. Read on for the full replacement guide, and if you’re caught short pre-ride, just shout. I’ve got spares.
Why Your Di2 Shifter Plays Hard to Get
Shimano’s 105 Di2 wireless shifters are genius… until they’re not. Unlike their wired groupset cousins, these bad boys rely entirely on two CR1632 coin batteries per shifter. They last about two years, but when they die, they die.
Three ways to check levels:
- Your Garmin Edge computer
- The shifter’s built-in LED (green = healthy, red = SOS)
- Shimano’s E-Tube app (for the tech-curious)
The Great CR1632 Shifter Battery Hunt
Let me paint the scene:
- Day 1: “Surely a bike shop or any supermarket in our area has them?”
Spoiler: I’ve seen every type of chain lube known to man, but zero CR1632s. - Day 2: Ordered 10 packs online. My wife now thinks I’m building a robot army.
Lesson learned: These batteries are niche. Most shops stock common CR2032s (wrong size, don’t try it).
Step-by-Step Battery Swap
You’ll need:
- CR1632 batteries (I’ve got extras – comment below if desperate)
- Phillips screwdriver
- Sticky tape (for stubborn old batteries)
The Process:
- Hoodlum Tactics: Peel back the shifter hood gently – no need to fully remove it.
- Unscrew the Plot Twist: That tiny screw on the battery cover? 0.4Nm torque (aka “firm pinky pressure”).
- + Side Out: New batteries go positive-side facing outward. Reverse this and you’ll get… nothing.
- Seal the Deal: Wipe the rubber gasket with a cloth. Screw the cover back on – tight enough to survive a pothole, not enough to strip threads.
Pro Tip: Test shift before reassembling. Trust me, the hood is a tight fit.
The Aftermath
Post-swap, my Garmin now shows two happy green battery icons. The whole job took 5 minutes.
Why this matters: A dead shifter mid-climb is worse than a chain snap. These batteries are your silent heroes.
Stamford Cyclists – I’ve Got Your Back
After my odyssey, I’ve stockpiled enough CR1632s to power a Di2 peloton. If you’re caught short, drop a comment below.
No upcharge, no judgment – just keeping our local riders rolling.
Final Thought: Next time your Garmin whines about low batteries, don’t rage-quit. Remember: Stamford’s shops might not have them, but your fellow cyclists do. Now get out there and ride.
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