Club Car DS battery draw down - slip up hills

Scud

Thanks in advance for your help. This forum has already helped tremedously but didn't see questions on my exact issue.

I have a 1989 Club Car DS 36V. Batteries are about 5 years old. Cleaned the batteries and have replaced cables. Each battery will charge to 6+ V and set settles at about 37VDC. Seems to move OK on the flat. On hills, I can walk faster (I'm in the Laurell Highlands of PA, so not a lot of flat). Hooked up a multi-meter to the terminals and went up a short, but steep hill. Voltage drew down to about 20V.

Anything you would recommend to refurbish these batteries? Saw a lot on YouTube involving Epsom salt, desulfurization, etc. Wanted to check with the knowledgable folks here before engaging any "remodies". Also, is there something other than batteries that could be the cause?

Wanted to also check that I had the correct charger. It says 36v in the specs, but has voltage lamps suited for a 48v system. If someone could verify this is the correct charger that would be appreciated.

I use this cart to get stuff and old people up and down hills in summer. If I can get another year out of the batteries, that would be great. All suggestions are appreciated.
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BGW

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Scud

That's supposed to be, "slow up hills" :-)

usgicollector

Your batteries are shot. It's time for a new set.

Scud

Thanks. Do have an suggestions on brand or maintenance over the winter? Can anybody point me to any threads that would help? I talk to others that seems to be getting longer than 5 years. Would like to make sure I'm doing everything I can to extend battery life.

usgicollector

Here is a link to ScottyB site for breaking in batteries http://www.cartsunlimited.net/battery-break-in-.html

For winter storage check water and charge at least once a month.

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Golf Cart Batteries Comparision.jpg (99.0 KB, 0 views)

teecro

There are NO snake oils that work so lets stop right there please....

Sure many people get more than 5 years from their batteries and they perform for the most part just like yours do POORLY.... I help care for 2 carts in our circle and I can't tell you how old their batteries are; neither of them leave the safety of the circle and one never leaves the yard. Both have learned to plug into a charger every time they are finished for the day...

Buy Trojan, Crown or US Battery no less name battery will last longer than these do, Power Drive, Energizer etc are very lucky to make 3 to 4 years...

jjance

To answer another one of your questions. Yes that is a 36v charger. The better your batteries are the higher the voltage will climb. I suppose 48 is perfect. What led is lit when your cart is finished charging?

Scud

Thanks for the comments. Looks like it's time for a new set of batteries. None of the LED lights are coming on, after a full charge, I'm at 37V. Down the road, I May think about trading for a gas model. I have an old Club Car DS gas as well. Seems to be a lot less maintainence and uses only 5-10 gallons of gas per year for the same mileage as the electric.

Thanks again for all the knowledgable comments and help. Greatly appreciated!