New to carts -- help with batteries and charging

dawg1 · 03-01-2009, 11:17 PM

I purchased a 2006 ezgo in 2008 (with Trojan batteries). I have only used it a couple of times so far. Anyway, after letting it sit the last 2-3 months (without charging), I used it today. Even though my battery level was about at the half way mark, it quickly drained to all the way dead (took about 10 mins). I hooked it to the charger and about 6 hours later, the Powerwise charger was on 15 amps and the battery level on the cart was at the second to last notch.

I unplugged it thinking the cart battery meter should have read higher 6 hours later and that maybe one or more of the batteries was bad (?). Maybe this is normal -- I just don't know. How long should they take to charge and what should the amps be 5-6 hours into it?

Thanks.

scottyb · 03-02-2009, 10:45 AM

Welcome dawg1 , you have alot to learn about golf cart batteries. See if I can get you started on the right track..... There are certain do and don'ts with regard to battery longevity. So far you are doing everything wrong....
which will significantly shorten the lifespan of your expensive batteries

1. Batteries should not be left to sit idle more than a month or so without recharge. Leaving them in a state of discharge ( = anything below 80%) for extended periods of time can do permanent damage.
2. Never draw the Pack Voltage down below 50%. NEVER run a cart down to a standstill !!! Doing so will result in permenent damage. Voltage charts are here http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/test-...-voltages.html
3. Recharging can take up to 12 hours in some case of extreme discharge. Check the water level fill just above the lead with distilled water and let the charger finish. Then let the charge settle for 45 minutes and take a voltage reading from each battery and post your findings here. If voltage readings vary alot use a hydrometer to analyze any damaged batteries....
4. Good Luck

dock98 · 03-02-2009, 11:11 AM

welcome to BGW.

rusty · 03-02-2009, 02:01 PM

Hello dawg1 and Welcome to the forum.

Andy4639 · 03-03-2009, 07:49 AM

I would put a 12 volt charger on 2 of the batteries at a time and charge it for about 30 minutes each. Then hook the regular charger up and let it run til it cuts off.

gornoman · 03-03-2009, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy4639

I would put a 12 volt charger on 2 of the batteries at a time and charge it for about 30 minutes each. Then hook the regular charger up and let it run til it cuts off.

Of course Andy would check the water levels in each battery first.

03-01-2009, 11:17 PM	#1
dawg1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 45	New to carts -- help with batteries and charging I purchased a 2006 ezgo in 2008 (with Trojan batteries). I have only used it a couple of times so far. Anyway, after letting it sit the last 2-3 months (without charging), I used it today. Even though my battery level was about at the half way mark, it quickly drained to all the way dead (took about 10 mins). I hooked it to the charger and about 6 hours later, the Powerwise charger was on 15 amps and the battery level on the cart was at the second to last notch. I unplugged it thinking the cart battery meter should have read higher 6 hours later and that maybe one or more of the batteries was bad (?). Maybe this is normal -- I just don't know. How long should they take to charge and what should the amps be 5-6 hours into it? Thanks.
dawg1 Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 45

03-02-2009, 10:45 AM	#2
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,419	Re: New to carts -- help with batteries and charging Welcome dawg1 , you have alot to learn about golf cart batteries. See if I can get you started on the right track..... There are certain do and don'ts with regard to battery longevity. So far you are doing everything wrong.... which will significantly shorten the lifespan of your expensive batteries 1. Batteries should not be left to sit idle more than a month or so without recharge. Leaving them in a state of discharge ( = anything below 80%) for extended periods of time can do permanent damage. 2. Never draw the Pack Voltage down below 50%. NEVER run a cart down to a standstill !!! Doing so will result in permenent damage. Voltage charts are here http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/test-...-voltages.html 3. Recharging can take up to 12 hours in some case of extreme discharge. Check the water level fill just above the lead with distilled water and let the charger finish. Then let the charge settle for 45 minutes and take a voltage reading from each battery and post your findings here. If voltage readings vary alot use a hydrometer to analyze any damaged batteries.... 4. Good Luck

03-02-2009, 11:11 AM	#3
dock98 doin it in the desert Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sonora Desert,Az Posts: 5,603	Re: New to carts -- help with batteries and charging welcome to BGW.

03-02-2009, 02:01 PM	#4
rusty Golf Cart Photographer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wichita Falls Texas - My Ride 2010 Club Car Posts: 6,236	Re: New to carts -- help with batteries and charging Hello dawg1 and Welcome to the forum.

03-03-2009, 07:49 AM	#5
Andy4639 48/400/Alltrax HS motor Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Liberty SC, Garden City SC Posts: 6,190	Re: New to carts -- help with batteries and charging I would put a 12 volt charger on 2 of the batteries at a time and charge it for about 30 minutes each. Then hook the regular charger up and let it run til it cuts off.

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