Battery load test

billfarley

What is a battery load test and how is it done?
2013 Precedent. Batteries replaced about 8 months ago. After charging each battery is about 8.6. After running a bit all batteries are still about the same reading. My issue is that it seems to drop power shortly after starting off. I am wondering if one of the batteries has gone bad. Sorry for my ignorance. New to carts and trying to learn by lurking about this forum.

BGW

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Sergio

Your batteries sound fine, what You described could be interpreted as "limp mode".

That is a fault condition that causes the cart to run at 1/2 power or about 8mph after it takes off with full power.

You need to do a speed sensor test.

Push the cart by hand (key ON or OFF it does not matter), the cart should offer resistance against movement (roll-away brake).

If you keep pushing it, after a few seconds the reverse buzzer will sound as well.

If the cart rolls freely, and the speed sensor is plugged in, the 3-pin connector OFF the end of the motor on the passenger side, replace the speed sensor.

billfarley

Thanks for the reply. It is not that drastic of a speed drop. Just feels like the batteries have been run longer then actual run time. When I have the family (total load about 640 lbs) after maybe a minute or so it feels like I should not go far before getting it back on the charger. It was not that way at all when I first got the new batteries. I also sometimes feel what I would describe as a momentary stutter, or what I would call missing if I was talking about an auto.

transfixer

Might be a good idea to go back and check all the connections to make sure they aren't developing corrosion, and make sure they are all still tight ?

scottyb

Install a simple in dash voltmeter and watch your reading. The cart itself is the BEST load tester you will ever find.

Become familiar with your full charge reading 12-24 hours after the charger went off. This is how much voltage the batteries can REALLY hold. And then see how far they drop under hard acceleration up hill with a 600 pound load. post these numbers and we can discuss battery condition.

billfarley

I have an in dash voltmeter. I will work on the test you suggest.
Thanks.

billfarley

Here are voltmeter readings after being off the charger:

14 hours = 51.5
18 hours = 51.3
23 hours = 51.3

I have not had a chance to load up the family and try the acceleration test. Also, I am in flat south Florida without any hills nearby.

billfarley

My voltage after being off the charger 12+ hours is consistently 51.2 or 51.3. I have not been able to perform the suggested test due to family schedules and weather. This morning I ran it with just myself (260 lbs) on flat road. Started at 51.2v. Full acceleration it was 47.5-47.8v. Went about 4 minutes to store. After being in store about 15 minutes it was reading 512v. Same performance home. Sitting in driveway now reading 51.3v.

Not much of a test but the best I can do right now. Does it give you guys any clues? Driving it was not smooth, even power and seemed weak for fully charged batteries. Are there other components in the system that could be suspect?

scottyb

Battery voltage readings indicate batteries in good condition

NoleFan4Ever

I don't remember, is your controller and solenoid both stock? Have you made any other changes to the cart prior to this occurring? Immediately after you ride it, is your battery cables extremely warm/hot? (Just thinking out loud here for ideas)