Trustfire 18650 flickering problem

[js-lots]

I recently noticed that one of my blue trustfire 2500ma protected 18650 batteries started having issues. When I placed this battery in any of my flashlights, the light would start flickering. It is not the flashlights as I have tested them with other batteries. It appears that this particular battery is not producing a constant output, hence the flickering issues. I know that the battery is cheap and I can toss it in the garbage, I have plenty of them. I was wondering has anyone had this problem before? Is it the protection circuit? Just curious. Thanks.

 

[js-lots]

Well, I just attempted to take the pcb out and saw a little spark which scared the living cr*p out of me. So, I dont care what is wrong with it, it is going to be discarded. I thought you could pull it off no problem. I wont be doing that again.

 

[csshih]

the spark sounds like you accidentally shorted the cell for a moment.. It should be okay, but why risk it? they're pretty affordable.

 

[VidPro]

i have one cell item that has that same issue, must be something internally that is not up to par, because the cell item i have will still do the capacity, but its always obnoxiously flickering like that, and nothing i have done has "fixed" it.

 

[js-lots]

Most of my 18650's are the blue trustfires, except a few aw's and they have been reliable. The funny part is, the battery was working fine when it was purchased. It started the flickering recently. Maybe I dropped it?
Who knows.

 

[Black Rose]

Just guessing here, but the protection circuit is probably slowly failing or the connection strip might have a small break in it which might result in the flickering.

Do you remember how old the cell is?