Two-way radios are a mission-critical tool for many businesses — from public safety and utilities to manufacturing and education. But even the best radios depend on a reliable battery to keep your team connected. If your radio isn’t holding a charge or performing as expected, your Motorola battery’s age may be the reason.
Understanding how to read your Motorola two-way radio battery date code can help you determine if it’s time for a replacement before communication is affected.
Every Motorola two-way radio battery includes a sticker or label with key details such as the model number, chemistry type (e.g., Li-ion, NiMH), and a date code.
The date code is usually a 3- or 4-digit number located on the white Motorola label. This code represents the manufacturing date of the battery.
The format of the Motorola battery date code varies depending on the year and model, but here are the most common formats:
The first digit = the last number of the year.
The next two digits = the week of the year.
Example: 835 = manufactured in 2018, week 35.
4-Digit Format:
The first two digits = the year.
The last two digits = the week of manufacture.
Example: 2332 = manufactured in 2023, week 32.
By checking this code, you can easily determine how old your Motorola radio battery is and whether it’s nearing the end of its life cycle.
On average, Motorola lithium-ion batteries last between 5 and 10 years, depending on usage and charging habits. Over time, even high-quality batteries lose capacity, reducing talk time and reliability.
If your battery is more than five years old, it’s a good idea to perform a battery health check or replace it proactively to maintain reliable communication.
In critical moments, your team relies on instant communication. A weak or aging battery can cause dropped signals, shorter range, and downtime that you can’t afford.
By keeping track of your battery date codes, you can plan ahead for replacements and avoid unexpected failures in the field.
At DSC Communications, we specialize in Motorola two-way radio solutions, including battery testing, replacements, and maintenance.
Whether you manage a fleet of radios or rely on a few key units, we can help you stay powered, connected, and mission-ready.
👉 Contact DSC Communications today to order certified Motorola replacement batteries.