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Old 03-09-2012, 02:19 PM   #1
LADDitude
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Default Checking batteries the right way

OK.........2001 ClubCar 48v, batteries only 2 years old, installed 5/2010.
batteries have been on charger for 8-10 hours and charger has turned off.
Here's a few questions:

First I assume I should check the batteries with the charger disconnected.
I know to check the whole pack for the 48v charge. Can I check each individual battery while the pack is all connected or do I need to disconnect them all?

I have a hydrometer. I would assume this is better than voltmeter since I'll be checking every cell. If I find bad cells, is it worth placing that battery on trickle charge by itself to try and revive the battery. At what point is it considered a bad battery.

Last question. There are periods of 1-2 weeks that the cart will not be used. Should I leave on the charger this whole time? Friend suggested putting charger on a timer and set for 2-3 times a week. Worth considering or is it OK to keep on the charger all the time. Recommendations?
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Old 03-09-2012, 02:47 PM   #2
bartmann
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

you can test voltage as a pack or one at a time.

use a multimeter set to dc volts.
yes do it with the charger unplugged and the batterys sitting for atleast 6 hrs

no need to unwire anything. just go red to positive and black to negitive on each battery and record your findings.

report back your findings and someone will inform you of a problem or if its all good.
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Old 03-09-2012, 02:50 PM   #3
rib33024
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

Yes you need to check the pack volts when the batteries have been off the charger for 12 hours, and cart has not been used, you do NOT have to disconnect any thing to get individual battery readings, yes the hydrometer is the best way to check the batteries, if you find a low battery, you can place that battery on trickle charge by itself to try and revive the battery, maybe/maybe not it will work, but it can't hurt, ( QUOTE) ( Friend suggested putting charger on a timer and set for 2-3 times a week. Worth considering or is it OK to keep on the charger all the time. Recommendations?) no this will not work, because when the charger shuts off by it's self, you have to unplug the charger from the cart, and plug it back in to the cart before it will charge again
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Old 03-09-2012, 04:10 PM   #4
gornoman
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

Rib, the OnBoard Computer in his Club Car is capable of managing a maintenance charge if left plugged-in over long time periods.
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Old 03-09-2012, 05:08 PM   #5
rib33024
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

Quote:
Originally Posted by gornoman View Post
Rib, the OnBoard Computer in his Club Car is capable of managing a maintenance charge if left plugged-in over long time periods.
Got ya, didn't pay attention that it's 48v with an OBC, and is this 12v batteries
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Old 03-09-2012, 07:03 PM   #6
LADDitude
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

OK....just took off charger.....pack was 52.1v. each battery was 8.6 to 8.7v. have not used hydrometer as it appears batteries charged good. so now i guess i need to let off charger 8-12 hours and check again in the morning. Will not run cart before chrcking again.
If they hold the charge....what is next thing to troubleshoot. Cart is very sluggish, struggles on slight inclines and loses power fairly quick.
THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!
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Old 03-10-2012, 08:32 AM   #7
LADDitude
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

Battery has been off charger for 14 hour. pack reads 52.1, each battery reading 8.5-8.6. Starting to think its not the batteries based on these readings. what would be next step? Again cart is slow/sluggish and seems to just not have much power. Before this original post i removed each cable and cleaned them so connections should be good.

Last edited by LADDitude; 03-10-2012 at 08:34 AM.. Reason: additional info
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Old 03-10-2012, 08:44 AM   #8
Stevegrmich
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

Quote:
Originally Posted by LADDitude View Post
Battery has been off charger for 14 hour. pack reads 52.1, each battery reading 8.5-8.6. Starting to think its not the batteries based on these readings. what would be next step? Again cart is slow/sluggish and seems to just not have much power. Before this original post i removed each cable and cleaned them so connections should be good.
MCOR or V-Glide system?
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Old 03-10-2012, 08:51 AM   #9
LADDitude
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

Stevegrmich...i don't know. what would i look for?
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Old 03-10-2012, 09:11 AM   #10
scottyb
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Default Re: Checking batteries the right way

You can load test the batteries collectively and individually with the voltmeter.
Attach alligator clips to the voltmeter test leads as shown.
Attach the test leads to the battery pack and place the meter on the cart seat.
Find a safe place (preferably with an incline or hill) and turn the meter on . Check the reading standing still. Then note the drop when accelerating fully up the hill. A drop of a few volts is normal. A large drop indicates if possible battery problem. If a large drop is observed, place the test leads on battery number one and repeat the test. Repeat the test for all the batteries to identify any weak one(s).
This test is best when done 12 hours after charge.

A healthy battery pack will lose 1% of its charge per day without use.
A healthy battery pack can be left idle for 3-4 weeks without a charge, assuming the cart presents no parasitic draw the pack would be drawn down just 21-30%. This is ideal, your cart may vary.
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