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Repair guide

Replace the Saturn clock and save battery

The Saturn keeps its clock and internal save memory alive with a CR2032 behind a rear panel. A flat cell is a cheap thing to fix.

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Battery · Easy · about 10 minutes. Worth doing. Reports say this fix helps on many machines.

You are in the right place if: The Saturn asks for language and date each boot, or loses its internal saves.

Before you start

  • Saves held in internal memory may be lost during the swap. Back up first if you can.
  • Do not use a rechargeable cell.

Board revisions and models

Model 1 and Model 2 and the many VA board versions all use a CR2032 slot according to ConsoleMods.

Parts you may need

  • CR2032 battery. clock and save memory Amazon · eBay

Tools

  • Small screwdriver. if the panel is screwed Amazon · eBay

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Step by step

  1. Unplug the console Remove power and all cables.
  2. Back up what matters If you have a backup RAM cartridge, copy important saves first. The same battery powers the clock and save memory.
  3. Find the battery door Locate the rear panel that covers the CR2032.
  4. Remove the old cell Note which side faces up and take it out.
  5. Fit a new CR2032 Insert a fresh cell in the same orientation and close the panel.
  6. Set the clock Power on and set the language and date.

Tips, tales and maybes

Found in write-ups and forum threads. These are other people's reports, not tested by us.

  • Tip (Medium confidence). ConsoleMods says the Saturn has a CR2032 slot that powers the real-time clock and save memory. Source

Guides we used

We wrote the steps in our own words from these. They have the photos and the full detail, so please read them and support their authors.

  • Saturn Model Differences (Wiki) by ConsoleMods Wiki. Saturn models, board versions and the CR2032 clock and save battery.

Boards and models vary, so check what is in front of you. A repair can involve hot tools, chemicals and, on some machines, dangerous voltages. You do it at your own risk.

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