1996 36v Club Car won't move.

Swampdonkey

I have read and read these forums (which are great) but just when I think I gonna make head way something different happens. I am attempting to fix this for my grandfather cause he really can't afford to take it in. So I am clueless!!! Anyway it has newer batteries and was working fine. He took it off charger and drove it maybe 250yds and it just stopped. When you press the gas I hear a click like normal but it doesn't move. Was thinking several possibilities and was gonna do some checking. Jacked up rear few minutes ago and now one wheel turning and other not (drivers side). At my breaking point so turning to you all for your thoughts? I assume both are supposed to turn? Would there not be enough power to make it at least move a little with just the one. Help!!! Thanks in advance.

BGW

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shadowman

thats normal......one wheel turning...............if its running jacked up thats tells me 1st to go over the batteries and cables, check batteries for water and add distilled water if needed just cover the plates by 1/4 inch........test and load test the batteries............all it takes is one battery to fail to stop the cart and all cables...........ends clean and tight...........i,m guessing your gonna find your problem at the batteries..............................

scottyb

Nice of you to help your grandpa.
If you are going to fix this cart you will need a voltmeter.
Everything you describe is normal for a cart with a very low state of charge.
Lets get a reading on the battery pack standing still and again when the charger is plugged in.

Swampdonkey

Wow you guys are quick...ok, I will get meter and check. That surprises me he just bought batteries last year!!! I will let you know. Thanks

Swampdonkey

Ok I charged again, unplugged charger for a few minutes. Plugged it back in and tested each battery. From #1 they were 7.62 (first four)....the last two tested 7.55. I did not set it back down and try to move but the wheel was turning much faster now than when I first jacked it up from that charge.

shadowman

you also need to load test them......they can show perfect voltage but as soon as you put a load on one or more can fail.........so just a voltage test dosn,t help everything.................................

scottyb

Batteries must sit 12 hours to settle after a charge, then you can see what they can hold voltage-wise.
Like Shadow says, testing voltage under load, like while trying to drive the cart, is a good way to see which batteries are healthy enough for service.

Swampdonkey

Ok, before lowering back end down I confirmed again that back wheel was moving when hitting pedal. It was. Batteries have full charge and been sitting unplugged for roughly 15hrs. Still will not move. tested batteries while under load and they ranged from 6.04 highest, to 5.94 lowest.

simple man

That one is probably bad. Here's a chart, just to give you an idea:

Are you sure your charger is working properly? All of the readings are low for having just been charged.

Swampdonkey

I'm not sure of anything :)