Charger shorting out

Chris M

I just purchased a 95 Medalist that has melted charger contacts on cart and charger. I ordered new contacts but wanted to charge cart once before they get here so I attempted to wire direct to the batteries. When I got the lead close to the battery it shorted the batteries and arced. Charger was NOT connected to 120v when this happened.
1. Would charger short if cart battery polarity reversed even with charger not plugged in?
2. If polarity is reversed would motor run backwards (i.e. cart travels wrong direction)?
3. Concerned I will just burn up new contacts. Charger fuse and capacitor check out ok.
Thanks, in advance, guys n gals.

BGW

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cgtech

Charger is wired wrong? (White is supposed to be positive). Charger has a bad rectifier?

Chris M

I did pay attention to polarity and white went to positive.

yurtle

"Melted charger contacts" may be a sign something is wrong with charger. Why did it melt? why did the owner sell it?

In the meantime, you can charge batteries with a car charger, unless they are 8 volt.

Chris M

That is my thought. .. there is a reason the contacts melted. Just trying to diagnose/repair anything I can handle before I pay someone else to fix it. I am no electronics whiz. Continuity, resistance, voltage and I'm done with tests I am qualified for...
I read in another thread that someone had this issue because polarity was reversed but I do not think that is my problem here. Just wanted opinions from persons more knowledgeable than myself.

yurtle

We have LOTS of experts here, so post the make and model (and maybe even a photo) of your charger.

Chris M

It is a total charger III.

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yurtle

I'm not an expert, but we have tons here. Be patient, as some of them have jobs/lives/Summer vacations.

I've never seen a problem go unsolved here.

toxicwaste29

Are the batteries installed correctly?

Chris M

Yes. I am using 3 12v deep cycle batteries I had available to me. They are brand new but for a different application. Still a rechargable lead acid and wired in series to make 36v. The batteries are plenty powerful as each weighs 78 lbs. Everything was working fine I am simply trying to be able to use my 36v charger so all batteries are equally charged to help them last a while.