My U1252B arrived yesterday with a cal date of 9/2011 (a new record?) and very strong musty/moldy smell. I replaced the battery with a new Powerex 8.4V/300mAh and turned it on. First impression, wow, the low digits really zoom around---I'm only used to cheap slow meters.
Unfortunately there seems to be a problem. Measuring the old Powerex battery, I got 37 mV. Strange, let's try a fresh AA cell. Also 37 mV. Switching to manual ranging, I get 3.7 mV on a low range, 37 mV on the next, 370 mV on the next, then approximately correct readings (1.5x V) on the highest ranges.
![Face Palm :palm:](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/facepalm.gif)
It was easy to open the case and examine the PCB so I did, and despite the strong odor I cannot see any obvious signs of water damage or residue.
Anyone know if these symptoms are indicative of a bad calibration, or something more serious?