Kenwood TH27A Handheld problems

[Country Dude]

I hope someone can help me with the problem I have with my TH27A.
I had to replace the battery on this unit - the PB13 type -- and when replacing it I manhandled the unit and I suspect pressed a few buttons on the front of the unit while plugging the battery in. Since then -- I CAN power the unit up and see the channel it is on. I CAN turn the rotary dial to change the channel. These are the only two things that I can do.

When I turn the power on, there is no peep to indicate power is turned on. No keypad functions work. I thought maybe it was locked but i cannot use the F key + any other key to have the unit do ANYTHING. The unit cannot transmit, it cannot receive, I cannot use the keypad to get a channel, there is not much that is operational. I thought of resetting the memory BUT thought I would ask people in the forum before I do that. I also sent a note to Kenwood but I suspect because this unit is essentially obsolete from Kenwood's eyes they may not even send a reply. I know the battery is good, I have a TH28A and it works with the battery it has-- so I just used that battery to see if that makes a difference -- well it does not.

The unit is essentially dead. Is there anyone that can shed some light on this please.

Thanks

[5B4AJB]

Could be the internal lithium battery is dead, handhelds have a habit of doing strange things if they go flat...

Easy enough to change, if a little daunting first time, see if you can find the service manual online...

[Country Dude]

I got a reply from Kenwood USA and they suggested the obvious -- reset memory-- by pressing M and then turn the power on. Well I did that but nothing happened. No function keys work period.

I actually did take the unit apart and looked where the internal battery was -- it appeared to be soldered in -- because of the small space getting heat in there seemed a bit scary. If I am not mistaken the battery is "glued onto an IC" on the bottom and the top is soldered on some sort of ribbon cable. Now get at that -- if you have not done that before. It may be easy if you have done it before or a number of times. I am willing to try this because I don't have much to lose -- but need a battery first of all I guess-- and then with a bit of guidance I think I could do it. I guess my first impression was -- the display still shows the set frequency - so does that not indicate the battery is Ok -- I know the display does not take much power but maybe other functions do--- but it seems rather crazy that you cannot transmit or receive even when the PB13 battery is in place. Replacing the internal battery is a good idea - the unit is probably.. what ..15 yrs old or maybe more so how long does that battery last?? I have a TH28A that I purchased a few years later and it still functions OK.

I do have an operators manual but no service manual. Do you really think a service manual is available on line??

Hope someone can shed a bit more light on this issues -- thanks for any replies.

VE6HEF