Batteries losing charge too fast

gbcaboose

I have a 2003 EZ-GO PDS with Trojan t-125's that are just under a year old. After only about 10 minutes of driving the "fuel gauge" starts going down until the last segment starts blinking, after about 20 minutes (six holes of golf). My "expert" friends tell me that I probably have a bad cell in one of my batteries, however I can't figure out which cell, if any are bad. I've tested all 18 cells with a hydrometer and they all show to be good. I've tested each battery with my volt meter, and they all show 6.3. The wires and connections are all in good shape. I also used a different charger for a few days but it didn't help.

Is there another test I should try, or should I start testing things other than my batteries? What else could it be?

Is there a way to test the "fuel gauge" to see if the battery power is really low?

Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Mike

BGW

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Fleck

Is it loosing power? If any of your "expert" friends have a load teaster; ask to borrow it and give them a load test. An inexpensive one can be found at Harbor frieght also. When the "Fuel gauge" says they are low; Break out the volt meter and check at that time. You may have a bad gauge or loose connection. Just my thoughts of where I would start.

gbcaboose

So If at full charge the batteries are showing 6.3 on the volt meter, how much of a difference should there be when nearly "empty"?

Fleck

I don't have the handy reference sheet that ScootyB posted in front of me so please dont quote me on this ; But if I remember right that 6.0 is Dead. 6.3 is about 80% charged. When I was running 36V; me battery pack read 39V to 41V fully charged. You can also go on Trogan Batteries website and download a very informative maitenance reference. Try searching BGW for the state of charge chart that ScootyB posted. I'm sure he's watching so maybe he'll repost it for you.

Andy4639

Here you go. Here is the link.

http://www.trojanbattery.com/Battery...e/Testing.aspx

Each battery @ 100%
6.37

Whole pack @ 100%
38.20

dougmcp

Here's a state of charge chart for you

dock98

welcome to BGW. gbcaboose
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/introductions/

gbcaboose

I decided to double check the connections as Fleck mentioned. While the nuts were all tight as needed, i loosened them and re tightened. Everything seems to be working fine now. Apparently there was a thin layer of corrosion between the connections. So at my first attempt checking the cables I just tightened them, which didn't help. But after loosening and jiggling the wires a bit and then re tightening, the contact is back to normal. I also sprayed the connections with some anti-corrosive electrical contact spray.

Anyway, thanks for the help and tips. I'm sure I'll lurk around since this probably won't be my last problem.

Thanks, Mike

Paxdad

Can someone elaborate on the load test procedure. I have a load tester but understand this must be done while the cart is moving to get an accurate reading. Andy you mention this in numerous threads but I could use more detail of how to properly load test each battery.

gornoman

That's correct, Mike. You will have the same problem in a week unless you take EACH CONNECTION APART AND CLEAN EACH LUG AND TERMINAL. Then you should reassemble and apply the terminal dressing. As of now, you just "covered up" the existing problem. The corrosion will continue under the dressing.