I have a Minolta SR-T 101 camera on which the exposure meter in the viewfinder does not function. I have replaced the battery with a known, working one, and the meter does not move, even in 'test' mode.
I have a working SR-T 101 which I have used to test the battery.
Start simple and check for corrosion on the battery spring or cover. Next step involves removing the bottom plate and cleaning the on off switch. with the plate off install battery and cover and check for voltage at terminal of holder. Some times the wire can corrode off and still stay connected by the plastic..Any thing beyond tis will require getting deeper and removing the top cover. First check Olesons' page here on this site. He has a good cd also. If it reqires a new meter movement doing it is akin to brain surgery. It all depends on your time available and steadiness of hand...Good Luck, Don