If a chemical storage battery has been dropped or damaged and you suspect electrical leakage (shown as switch and 5 K ohm resistor) between two cells try this test with battery terminals disconnected from circuit..
Where the open SPST switch area use an ordinary magnetic compass over top cell connecting strap. If electric current is flowing the compass needle should turn 90 degrees to the connecting strap between the bad cells. Turn direction of battery two or three times doing this test to make sure the compass is not just pointing to magnetic north.
