'Low Battery' warning after only 2 hours riding - should i be worried?

Alkaline batteries lose some voltage when it's cold out, and this can trigger a premature low-battery alert when you're out riding in those kinds of conditions. Since you did over an hour outside before getting the warning, it indicates that the batteries are likely in pretty reasonable condition. There is quite a bit of margin between the low battery alert and when the system will actually shut down, and you will still get accurate power measurement during that time.

So overall, I do not think that you would likely have an issue tomorrow, but if you want to be sure then it would be best to pack a set of batteries along, just in case.

Thanks for your help - I've swapped the batteries over, as the right pedal batteries seemed to have died (no LED lights, my Edge 520 was telling me 'right sensor missing'.)
Seems to have sorted it, but I guess I'll find out on my ride today.
One thing I noticed when changing the batteries is that inside the battery covers (both pedals), I couldn't see any insulation tape, as shown here: https://support.garmin.com/en-GB/?faq=J1EgCFrqIo0utFYW1CGTc8

Is this a problem?
How can I tell I have the latest set of Vector pedals and battery covers? Having just bought new I presume they should be but these issues seem to hint otherwise....

Hi there,

The insulation tape was used in the old battery caps.

You can get details on both here...
https://forums.garmin.com/forum/into-sports/cycling/vector-3/1355524-details-regarding-vector-3-battery-door-redesign-and-customer-availability

If you've just bought them they will have the new design.

I bought a Brand New set of V3s (dual sided) and had a similar problem. Checked the voltage on the individual batteries and one was very low.

Brother in Law bought some as well.....and one cell was very low.....

My Son bought a pair of single sided V3 and......you've guessed it....one battery was ver low.

Is this a Garmin conspiracy.......????

Alkaline batteries lose some voltage when it's cold out, and this can trigger a premature low-battery alert when you're out riding in those kinds of conditions. Since you did over an hour outside before getting the warning, it indicates that the batteries are likely in pretty reasonable condition. There is quite a bit of margin between the low battery alert and when the system will actually shut down, and you will still get accurate power measurement during that time.

So overall, I do not think that you would likely have an issue tomorrow, but if you want to be sure then it would be best to pack a set of batteries along, just in case.

I think you were right; I ended up replacing the batteries, just to be sure.
Done around 14 hours since then, where they've performed absolutely flawlessly (really enjoyed using them).

Today, when I was riding at around -1 degrees, 1.5 hours into a 5 hour ride, I got a 'power meter battery low' warning again, but following your advice I just ignored it and the battery lasted all the way home with no drops.

When home, after 4 hours or so, I synced them with Garmin Connect Mobile and it now said battery status 'good' (said 'low' straight after my ride).
Decided anyway to test the batteries on a digital battery checker, and they came up as all at good levels.

Intrigued, I decided to test the original batteries and they also came up on my checker as very high levels of battery.

So, is it just the cold weather tricking my head unit into thinking the batteries are lower than they actually are? Will I be fine to keep running these batteries now?
thanks for any help, as usual!
Josh

I'm having similar issues in my "Cave Of Pain" with my Vector 3's linked to Zwift. Just get random disconnects, when I look at the Zwift Log using zwiftalizer it's the PM disconnecting. I can only put it down to the cold. I'm getting around 100-150Km of riding out of a set ... Yet the first set that came with the pedals lasted 4 months of real world riding (and Zwift) before winter kicked in.

Looks as though I need to bring the 'old' set indoors and keep them warm, then rotate them with the set in the pedals ... well it's worth a try :(

I don't have Vector 3, but have been using the original Vectors and Vector 2 for years and just ignore the low battery warning I usually get when riding just above 0c.