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Old 02-18-2018, 02:25 PM   #1
My1999Ezgo
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Default How do I test my batteries?

I would like to know how to test my batteries. I have 6 - 6v batteries. What should the voltage be right after a charge? Should I always leave the batteries on the charger? Should you drain the batteries very low to get more life out of them?

Also, if I want to make it a 48-Volt cart, can I just add a new 12v battery or do I need to get 2 more 6v?
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Old 02-18-2018, 02:39 PM   #2
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

Lot of questions, but this forum has answers.


First off, a fully charged 6V battery could be between 6.2-6.8 when first pulled off charge. That static reading would decrease a little with time.

Charging on or off depends on the charger. The modern smart chargers are okay to leave plugged in all the time. They will even kick in after sitting idle for 30 days, check the charge and trickle if needed to bring back up. The off board chargers may or may not have auto cutoff, but I would check which charger you have, then feel free to post that information for a better answer.

And definitely NO on draining to get more life. That will have the opposite effect. Deep cycle batteries should be kept charged as much as possible to help prevent sulfation.

A 36 volt cart can be made a 48 volt cart, but you would want to add two batteries which are identical to the original to prevent uneven performance of the batteries and/or damage. Depending on your vehicle you may also have to upgrade or reprogram your controller if it has one, solenoids and of course the charger.
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Old 02-18-2018, 03:52 PM   #3
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

The charger is the standard one that came with the cart. It automatically shuts off after the batteries reach a full charge.
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Old 02-18-2018, 03:57 PM   #4
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

If it automatically shuts off, then I'd say you're safe to keep plugged in.

I would also recommend a load test on each battery, just so you know where you're at with them. You can get an inexpensive load tester from an auto parts store that is handheld and easy to operate.
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:15 PM   #5
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

Quote:
Originally Posted by My1999Ezgo View Post
The charger is the standard one that came with the cart. It automatically shuts off after the batteries reach a full charge.
If its a standard EZGO charger (probably says "powerwise"on it), it won't hurt to leave it plugged but won't do any good either. It won't come back on unless it is unplugged from the cart and plugged back in.
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:22 PM   #6
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

Attached is a chart that shows soc 12 hrs after a charge. Get a resting reading of the pack. Many people load test their pack by attaching dvm via alligator clips. Run the cart up a steep hill and record lowest voltage. Getting separate readings from each battery is good too. Sometimes one battery can be bad and others ok.

As already mentioned, adding a 12v battery is not a good idea. In addition, putting new batteries with old ones will soon draw the new ones down to match the new ones. Your options are to add 1 or 2 6v (I think they say the pds in particular does well on 42v??) or change to 6 8v batteries.

Going to 8v batteries would mean a change in battery cables as well, since the posts are on the same side.

Post the current setup of your cart. Year, model, drive system, stock? Any mods? Put the dvm on your batteries and post those results. Once you get the battery situation figured out, if you post what you plan on doing with the cart, guys here can dial you in with the right recommendations.

This chart is curtesy of johnnie b. You want to read his posts.
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:24 PM   #7
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

Hook your meter to the battery pack and drive the cart and watch what the meter drops to. Then hook your meter to each battery and drive the cart, and see what each battery drops to. And report back the findings. Your cart is the best load tester you can have


LOL orangeman6 hit the button before me
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Old 02-18-2018, 04:32 PM   #8
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

Quote:
Originally Posted by My1999Ezgo View Post
I would like to know how to test my batteries. I have 6 - 6v batteries. What should the voltage be right after a charge? Should I always leave the batteries on the charger? Should you drain the batteries very low to get more life out of them?

Also, if I want to make it a 48-Volt cart, can I just add a new 12v battery or do I need to get 2 more 6v?
To test batteries all you need is a DMM (digital multi meter). Doesn't have to be an expensive one.
1. Plug charger into cart to start a new charge cycle. Doesn't matter if batteries are already charged. Periodically check pack voltage with meter. Voltage should rise to 44-46 volts before charger shuts off.
2. After charger shuts off, wait 10-12 hours and take voltage reading of the pack. A healthy pack would read about 38.2. See chart.
3. Attach meter probes to the pack main + and-. Use alligator clips or some sort of clamp. Find a hill and go up it with throttle floored. Note the voltage on the meter. Shouldn't drop below about 30v.
4. Post the results here.

If the results are questionable we can help you with additional testing to see if maybe the pack has a weak individual battery.
Also, tell us everything you know about the batteries. Brand, age etc. Do you know their history or is this a cart that is new to you.

Edit: Everyone types faster than me. I need retraining.
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Old 02-18-2018, 06:18 PM   #9
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

Thank you all for the help!!! I will post the results once I complete all the tests.
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Old 02-18-2018, 06:44 PM   #10
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Default Re: How do I test my batteries?

Thanks guys for jumping in and bailing me out. I am not an EzGo tech and was soon going to be lost.
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