Need help with an 18650 problem

[wesinator]

So I accidentally left my aw flat top 18650 in a change holder in my car and put an unopened water bottle over it because i had no where else to put it. a couple days later i look for my battery and it is sitting in a puddle of water. I look at it and there looks to be rust in the positive side under the plastic of the reassessed button. am i lucky that is didn't didn't discharge in that puddle of water and burn my car down? can i just clean off the rust and keep using it or should i pitch it and buy another?

 

[mdocod]

Probably best to pitch it (technically, it should be dropped off at an authorized disposal/recycling location).

There is very likely water in the PCB, and that might cause it to malfunction. If there is moisture trapped under the shrinkwrap then that could lead to problems down the road.

Pure water itself is not a very good conductor of electricity unless it has an electrolyte present: For example, salt water. So it probably didn't discharge much if any sitting in the water.

Eric

 

[old4570]

Check the voltage !

Then decide .