Video demonstration on how to replace the built in (supposedly non-end user replaceable) rechargeable battery in a Braun Oral-B Triumph Professional Care Smart Series 9000 with SmartGuide electric toothbrush. The procedure shown here is likely VERY similar to other similar models that look like mine. Other models I am sure are not much different.
I personally expected more from this specific model toothbrush as it cost me well over $200 from my local dentist and the battery lasted just over a year before I got the dead battery warning after just 2 brushings / charge. I was ready to toss this toothbrush in lieu of a new unit when I decided that I would try to fix this one. Glad I did as it was so easy to replace that I'm surprised that Oral-B doesn't allow consumers to replace their own batteries.
The replacement battery is surprisingly easy to change out if you've got some basic hand and soldering tools, so soldering know how and about 20 minutes to complete the job from start to finish.
The battery replacement is a 4/5A size 1900 mAh Nickel Metal Hydride battery and can be purchased from local or online battery dealers for about $10. My local battery shop was kind enough to help me remove the factory battery tabs from the original battery and re-weld them onto the new battery for no charge so my re-install process was super easy to complete. If you don't have access to have someone that can transfer the factory battery tabs over you can simply cut and bend your own tabs from the ones that come with the new battery or you can solder some short wire leads and solder the assembly into the toothbrush's printed circuit board.
Tools you'll need:
solder
soldering iron
copper solder wick (trust me and invest in this, it will make desoldering SO easy)
replacement 4/5A sized NiMH battery rated @ approx 1900 mAh
Oral-B electric toothbrush that needs to be repaired
original electric toothbrush charger
small to medium sized flat bladed screwdriver
small precision flat head screwdriver
Torx T-6 driver
Hard surface such as the end of a pair of pliers
1/4" 9mm deep socket
fine wire leads (in case you need to solder your own wire leads)
wire cutters (to trim your custom made wires or to cut battery tabs)
Approximately 20-30 minutes of time for repair
Make sure you give the toothbrush a full 12 hour charge prior to it's first use after the repair. To prolong the life of your battery don't charge the battery after just one use. Use the toothbrush until it's almost dead and then give it full recharge.
The time you'll spend fixing your toothbrush is well worth the effort as it cost less than $10.
Good luck and happy brushin'!