Do BAD batteries give off a "BAD SMELL?"

jallen59

I am trying to find out if anyone else has ever had a bad odor when their cart is in a strain. My cart works great on declines and level ground, but when going up any incline, it has a terrible strain, almost completely stops, and then gives off the smell.

I know new batteries are in my future, but wanted to make sure the smell wasn't a sign of another, even bigger, issue.

Thanks in advance for any knowledge on this matter.

BGW

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rabbitreborn

It would help to know what type of cart it is, however , assuming it to be a resistor cart, if you are smelling something while going uphill, I would suggest that you look at the resistor coils, wiring and motor for signs of heat as you are likely causing damage due to a low voltage (weak batteries)/high amperage (going uphill) situation.

scottyb

Agreed bad smell under strain (load) is a bad sign. Possibly of a wiring breakdown. Usually a burnt cable or F&R? what year & Make?

jallen59

I am pretty sure it is a 95 ezgo txt, i'll have to double check this evening when i can read the serial #'s.

With both of your responses, should new batteries solve the problem, if the damage hasn't gotten to the the motor? i'll look at that to see if i see any signs of overheating and i'll also see if i can track down a wire that looks like it may have been burned.

thanks again.

FIXEROFCARTS

Yes, they can give off a bad smell under load, like rotten eggs. Opening the battery caps and loading the cart will produce smoke from perhaps one of the cells if it is bad.

jallen59

thank you all for your helpful information, i will go ahead w/ the batteries and see if that is the problem, hopefully it will fix it, if not, i'll have new batteries and seek help on the burned wires or overheated motor issues. I did look and didn't see any to my untrained eye so hopefully i'll be ready to go.

thanks again.

ackjay

Replacing batteries is a great time to inspect/clean/replace cables and electrical connections. Get the old batteries out and you'll have room to work in there!

mikesmotortoys

There should be a date stamp on them some where, depending on the brand. Anything over 5 years is ready to replace - But this doesn't mean that 3 year old batteries are good either. It all depends upon their maintenance and upkeep...

radioman

This is unsafe without proper eye protection. Batteries can explode in your face.

rib33024

Hey radioman you do know your answering a post that FIXEROFCARTS made 4 years ago