About this replacement
Sony PS3 / PlayStation 3 — 3V Lithium CMOS Replacement Battery (CR2032-LC1)
This is a 3V, 200mAh lithium coin cell that replaces the CMOS/RTC backup battery on the Sony PlayStation 3. It fits CECHA01, CECHB01, and related PS3 motherboard variants. When the original cell fails, the console loses its real-time clock and system settings every time mains power is cut.
- CECHA01 and CECHB01 board fit: These early PS3 motherboard revisions use the same CR2032-LC1 footprint and contact spring geometry. The RTC circuit draws from the coin cell continuously — even in standby — so the cell depletes over years regardless of how often the console is used.
- Bench tested on actual hardware: We confirmed the cell seats correctly in the CMOS socket and holds stable voltage across the RTC circuit. The BMS-free design means the cell delivers full 3V to the SRAM and clock lines from the moment of installation.
- Clock correction after swap: After fitting the new cell, power on the PS3 and set the correct date and time manually via System Settings — the RTC circuit resets to a default value after any cell change, and the console will show an incorrect date until you save updated settings.
PS3 clock resetting to a default date after every power cycle
The PS3 RTC circuit requires a minimum of 2.8V from the CMOS cell to retain the clock and settings when mains power is removed. Once the original CR2032-LC1 drops below that threshold, the SRAM loses its state and the clock reverts to a factory default on every cold boot. Simply replacing the cell restores retention voltage above 2.8V. After fitting, confirm the cell is fully seated against the contact spring — a loose connection causes the same symptom even with a fresh cell.
New CR2032-LC1 reads low voltage immediately after installation
CR2032 cells ship in a storage state and may measure slightly below 3.0V straight out of packaging — this is normal and not a defect. Once installed and under the light load of the RTC circuit, the cell stabilises at 3.0V within a short period. If a multimeter shows below 2.8V on a brand-new cell, check the contact spring in the CMOS socket for oxidation or deformation from the previous cell. Clean the spring contact with isopropyl alcohol and confirm a firm seating before suspecting the cell itself.