New EZGO owner with some questions on charging and parts

FLmedic

Hello all,

We just purchased a 2007 EZGO TXT 36v from a private seller. We will be using the cart around campgrounds and in the woods for travel to hunting stands. It is currently stock and looks fresh off a golf course. We will be buying a back seat kit, light kit and state of charge meter immediately then lift and tires after that. Want to add a voltage reducer and radio as well. I have decided on the voltage reducer to save the weight of an extra battery.

I was told batteries are 2011 Powertron which is confirmed with stamp dates on the posts. I plan on checking the water level and purchasing a hydrometer to make sure they are good. i know they will probably need replacement soon.

Questions are:

Batteries- Whats the best way to be sure they are charging well and running properly? I know to keep water filled but whats the best way to check voltage?

Charging- Came with a Powerwise charger. Any need to know items on this? How do I know when it is at full charge? I assume there is an auto shut off?

Buying parts- Best online retailer? Like previously mentioned we are going to buy the following.

Seat Kit- Would like a folding foot rest. Pretty expensive online but have seen a few DIY posts and will probably do that.

Battery meter- Differences and benefits between the analog, light bar and digital one that shows the actual volts.

Light kit- Pretty standard and will probably purchase the premium one with turn signals and brake lights.

Lift- Jakes A Arm but that is down the road...

Thanks for taking the time to read my long post and I will appreciate any help you can give.

Ty Dougherty

BGW

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jakesnake27

to BGW

1.) Your charger should have an ammeter on it. It should start high at the beginning of the charge cycle and slowly decline as the cycle finishes. Check voltages with a DVM (digital volt meter). Every electric cart owner should own one.

2.) It's a fully automatic system. Plug it in and let it do its thing.

3.) The site sponsors carry all the stuff you mentioned. Buying from them helps keep this place going. http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/site-sponsors.php

4.) I haven't seem many folding footrests. Steeleng (site sponsor) sells an excellent kit. http://www.steelenggolfcart.com/EZGO...Flip-Seat.html

5.) Digital voltage meters are leaps and bounds better than the other styles. Scottyb (site sponsor) sells the best one: http://cartsunlimited.net/Digital_Battery_Meters.html

6.) Many site sponsors carry them

7.) Jake's makes a good kit (so I've heard)

FLmedic

Thanks for getting back.

I have the cart charging now. Purchased a meter and all looks pretty good on the batteries. I am going to full charge then rest and check them again. i also bought a hydrometer but it says on there fr use on 6, 12, 24 volt systems. i know our carts are technically 36 volts but the batteries are 6v so it should work right? Also how long should the batteries rest before checking with the hydrometer. i made sure that all plates were covered with water prior to beginning the charge.

I also bought Scotty Bs meter and will look for seats and lights now.

Thanks again

Ty

jakesnake27

Awesome, yes the hydrometer will work fine, each battery is 6 volts. Let them sit for 12 hours after the charge cycle completes.

FLmedic

Looks like I lost some water after that charging cycle. That was the first cycle done since December per the prior owner. Going to add water and cycle again.

Thanks for the help Jake. Is this the Jake as in Jakes lifts?

Ty

TerryH

Ty,

Welcome!! You are using distilled water for the batteries?

FLmedic

So I charged overnight and check this morning before I left for work. Hydrometer was above good in the cells and pack voltage was high 37s. I dont remember exactly. As mentioned earlier after charge i filled the cells with distilled water and charged again. I don't think they rested enough. i won't be back home until tomorrow morning to check again. That will be over 24 hours of rest but I left them on the charger. Will that be too long to rest?

the date codes show 2011 so I know these will need to be replaced soon but want to get a little life out of them if possible.

usgicollector

After 12 hours of rest battery pack should be 38.2-38.3 volts.

jakesnake27

No I wish

FLmedic

So I just got home from 36 hours at work. The cart was plugged in to the charger the whole time and it is a Powerwise charger and I don't know if it float charges. The voltage was 37.7v and the hydrometer read good on all batteries. Individually the batteries were all 6.8 and 6.9v.

Can anyone tell me what this means and what should I do next. Also if you can estimate a life expectancy?