New Switronix EX-L96UD DOA twice, 8 month old battery failing

[Juan McFarland]

Is anyone else having issues with Switronix EX-L96UD battieries?

I have had an EX-L96UD for 8 months, I am familiar with it's operation.

I ordered a new Switronix EX-L96UD from B&H it was dead on arrival. No LEDs would light up, charger would not charge the battery. EX-1 camera would not boot up when powered by the battery with power cable attached. I left it on charge overnight, no effect.
A 2nd Switronix EX-L96UD arrived from B&H as a replacement. Again, no LEDs lit, it was indicating no charge upon arrival. I put it on the camera for a second to see if there was enough power coming out of the cable to boot. No dice. I put it on the charger and again the charger would not "see" the battery. No charger LEDs would light up to indicate charging or fully charged status. I wonder if B&H shipped back the SAME batt? I left it on charge overnight, no effect.

ALSO:
I have been using an EX-L96UD for about 8 months, no issues until yesterday.

I took a fully charged unit off charge. I checked the LEDs, all LEDs were lit. I set the battery aside. 12 hours later the battery has no LED's lit indicating no charge. When I put it on the Sony charger the charger does not "see" the battery, no charge LED on the charger lights up.

The battery is emitting a quiet mechanical click sound every 9 seconds, as if a breaker is being tripped in the the battery, resetting itself then tripping again.

This battery has had an easy life, used 4-10 times per month, no mechanical shock, no temperature extremes, not a rental item.

My charger works fine with OEM SONY BP-U series batteries. I don't think the charger is at fault