powerdrive charger goes to 2.5 amps doesn't shutoff

shfdtec

I have a 1998 club car ds 48volt, I installed new batteries in August 2013 charger meter goes to 2.5 amps but does not shut off. It worked okay all fall but last time I tried to charge the batteries this happened. Would resetting obc help?

BGW

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jjance

I'm testing a theory about this problem. I suspect that if batteries are overfilled the acid becomes to dilute to be able to take a full charge. Unable to attain 1300 SG. Did you recently fill your batteries and could you have accidentally overfilled them?

Stevegrmich

. . . I think attaining a SG of 1.300 is unrealistic . . .

jjance

It is common to speak of, for example, 1300 SG in lieu of 1.300 specific gravity: a convenience simply achieved by multiplying 1.300 by 1000.

Stevegrmich

. . . not what I was referring to . . .

shfdtec

I don't think I overfilled batteries I had added water but charger worked ok after that, I think. I will check sg I have not done that yet. Thanks.

jjance

shfdtec. I just thought I'd ask. Last Spring my batteries were like that. The current would drop to about 2.5 amps and seen to stay there forever. I read up and found that I had been over filling them. I let the excess "boil" out and now they seem like they have more power and don't take very long to charge. But like I said this is just an unproven theory of mine.

shfdtec

Thanks, it is very possible. I think I will plug it back in and see what happens. I am in Iowa and its a little cold so the sg reading would be skewed. Guess I'll see if it boils down.

simple man

This is copy/pasted from Trojan's website. It will help determining SG. Remember, these specs are for Trojan batteries, yours may be a bit different.



How does temperature affect the performance of my batteries?
At higher temperatures (above 77oF) battery capacity generally increases, usually at the cost of battery life. Higher temperatures also increase the self-discharge characteristic. Colder temperatures (below 77oF) will lower battery capacity and prolong battery life. Cooler temperatures will slow self-discharge. Therefore, operating batteries at temperatures at or slightly below 77oF will optimize both performance and life.

How do I determine my battery capacity when it is colder/hotter?
Battery capacity is basically a linear relationship. A good rule of thumb is that for every 15oF above 77oF, capacity is increased by 10% and for every 15oF below 77oF, capacity is reduced by 10%.

How do I account for temperature when taking my gravity readings?
Temperature will affect specific gravity readings. As temperature increases, the electrolyte solution expands and as temperature decreases the electrolyte solution contracts. As a result, it is a good practice to temperature correct specific gravity readings. Here are the relationships Trojan recommends using:
For every ten degrees above 80oF add 3 points to the hydrometer reading.

Example: @ 90oF the hydrometer reads: 1.250 The actual reading: 1.250 + .003 = 1.253
For every ten degrees below 80oF subtract 3 points from the hydrometer reading.

Example: @ 70oF the hydrometer reads: 1.250 The actual reading: 1.250 - .003 = 1.247

How do I account for temperature when taking my voltage readings?
Temperature will affect voltage readings. As temperature increases, voltage decreases. Conversely, as temperature decreases, voltage increases. Here are the relationships Trojan recommends using:
For every 10 degrees below 80oF, add .028 volt per cell to the charger voltage setting.

Example: A 12 volt battery @ 70oF. The recommended charging voltage (@ 80oF) is 14.60 volts. The adjusted charging voltage is 14.60 +(6 cells * .028vpc) = 14.77 volts.

For every 10 degrees above 80oF, subtract .028 volt per cell to the charger voltage setting.

Example: A 12 volt battery @ 90oF. The recommended charging voltage (@ 80oF) is 14.60 volts. The adjusted charging voltage is 14.60 -(6 cells * .028vpc) = 14.43 volts.

Is there a maximum temperature for charging my batteries?
When charging lead acid batteries, the temperature should not exceed 120oF. At this point the battery should be taken off charge and allowed to cool before resuming the charge process.

pwinkelmann

shfdtec, what did you find? I put new bats in my 1998 club car and the charger does not shut off even after 16 hours. I have reset obc. thanks