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10-11-2011, 06:22 PM | #1 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: North GA
Posts: 4
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Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
This is a great Forum..... I have spent a ton of time here and I don't even have a buggy yet. I am looking at an 08 ish Precedent from a private seller and was wondering what I might do to check out the batteries. I know how to check the age of the battery, but I was wondering if there was anything else I could do. I remember reading here somewhere about a hydrometer??
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks |
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10-11-2011, 08:58 PM | #2 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: East Texas
Posts: 602
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
You can test them with a DMM and a load tester if you know how to use them. Print off the state of charge sticky and take it with you to compair.
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10-11-2011, 09:59 PM | #3 |
Stay thirsty my friends!
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Suburban Chicago
Posts: 24,290
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
Digital voltage readings along with hydrometer results will give you a good read of each battery's condition. Also, drive the cart on the same route each time while monitoring the voltage of each battery. They should all drop down to the same voltage level when doing the same task. This will indicate if the pack is balanced.
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10-12-2011, 07:17 AM | #4 |
Not Yet Wild
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: North GA
Posts: 4
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
Thanks for the feedback. Which sponsor should I reach out to get the voltage meter and hdrometer?
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10-12-2011, 08:21 AM | #5 |
Happy Carting
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 73,418
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
You can find a DVM at any big box store. I have a Sperry brand I picked up at a HDepot that was reasonably priced and has been durable. A Floating needle type hydrometer can be found at any auto parts store.
If you can tell the age of the batteries that is probably your best judge of their general worth, average golf cart useful life is 4-5 yrs. |
10-12-2011, 08:42 AM | #6 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: East Texas
Posts: 602
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
Cartman,
If you are on a budget like most of us are, Wal-mart sells a DMM for $20.00 that will take all the readings you need for a cart. Do not get the hydrometer at Wal-mart(like antifreeze float balls). It is pure junk. Get one at a autopart store that has temp adjustment. |
10-12-2011, 12:49 PM | #7 |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 2,757
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
IMO you don't need to use a hydrometer, a simple voltage check will tell you the basic condition of the batteries.
Clip a meter to the battery pack, it should be in the 51v range, take it for a drive, if under full acceleration the voltage drops more than 15% (43.2v) you have a battery problem. |
10-12-2011, 01:13 PM | #8 | |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Michigan
Posts: 1,364
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
Quote:
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10-12-2011, 01:23 PM | #9 | |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Roseville, CA
Posts: 2,757
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
Quote:
After driving the cart, you can only really take an accurate voltage reading after the cart has been sitting idle for a couple of hours. |
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10-12-2011, 01:43 PM | #10 | |
Gone Wild
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: East Michigan
Posts: 1,364
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Re: Buying a used cart, how can I test batteries?
Quote:
Another question, on a 48v cart 50.93 is 100% charged. A 90% charge is 50.47. How do they arrive at that figure of 50.47 being 10% less then 100% |
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