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Electric EZGO Electric EZ GO Marathon, Medalist, TXT and RXV.



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Old 11-21-2011, 06:03 PM   #1
Sticks&strings
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Default Dead Cart. Battery Question

I just was given an older model EZ Go. Not sure what model or voltage, or how to tell. I do know it was upgraded about 6 years ago and new batteries put in, lift kit, and tires. I think the motor and controller were upgraded but not sure. It does have a button on the floor board that when you push it, it is like a turbo. How does that work?

Anyway, the cart won't take a charge. The batteries in it are old year wise, but have only been charged maybe 20-30 times over the course of their life. It looks like they are low on fluid. They also have bad corrosion on the terminals that may play into them not taking a charge. Can I just clean the terminals, add distilled water to the batteries, and charge them up? Or are they most likely bad? Right now, the cart won't move at all. Of course it may have more issues than the batteries, but I wouldn't have a clue how to tell what it is. Any ideas or help is much appreciated. How do I diagnose this thing?
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Old 11-21-2011, 06:24 PM   #2
rmarcusy
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

look in the glove box for name plate with serial number (usualy two lines of numbers)
It should have 6 batteries,, how many caps on each battery? if there are 3 then it's a 6 volt battery X 6 would be 36 volts.
put destilled water in the batteries,, just enought to cover the plates, don't fill them up high,,, if its 6 volts batteries, then put a car charger acrost two and watch them every hour or so,, if they get hot(warm is okay) then unplug charger from wall outlet, don't unhook the charger at the batteries (it may make a spark) let them cool down and try two more.
Look at the controler,,, does it have a big coil of wire and lots of solenoids,,, or a box with several wires going to it?
Realy the first thing to do is go to the ezgo forum and read the "Stickys" at the top . then read the other posts
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Old 11-28-2011, 11:46 AM   #3
Sticks&strings
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

I think it must be 36 volt then. If I have to buy new batteries for it, should I upgrade it to 48 volt, and what all would I need to do that? A new motor?

But first let's say I can get this one going, do I need to charge it with a car charger first, or put distilled water into them and just charge with the cart charger?
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Old 11-28-2011, 02:09 PM   #4
JohnnieB
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sticks&strings View Post
...............do I need to charge it with a car charger first, or put distilled water into them and just charge with the cart charger?
Do not fill discharged batteries.
If the plates are exposed, add just enough distilled water to cover the plates.
Then charge them two at a time with a 12V charger.
Check electrolyte level about every hour and don't let it the plates become expoles.
Charge each set of two 6V batteries 2 to 4 hours.
Then try the 36V charger.
If it comes on, let it run through a complete charge cycle.
If not, charge with 12V charger longer.
When batteries are fully charged, add distilled water to 1/2" above plates or as recommended by manufacturer.
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Old 11-28-2011, 02:17 PM   #5
Sticks&strings
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

How do I charge them two at a time? I am very green to this and to electricity to be honest.
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Old 11-28-2011, 02:46 PM   #6
JohnnieB
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

Put the negative lead from the battery charger on the negative post of the right rear battery. (Same place as the red text says to put negative DVM lead)
Put the positive lead from the battery charger on the positive post of the center rear battery.

Next set would be Neg on left rear battery and Pos on Left Front.

Last set would be Neg on Center Front and Pos on Right front.

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Old 11-28-2011, 03:55 PM   #7
Sticks&strings
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

Great! Thanks a bunch Johnny. Now this, I just went down there to clean the batteries and terminals up some, and I think I now know what the biggest issue, or one of them is. The wires are shot. Or at least the connectors are. I hit them with a wire brush very lightly where the corrosion was and they just broke off. I think one was actually already off. Where is the best place to buy new wires? And what can I expect that to cost?
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Old 11-28-2011, 04:19 PM   #8
scottyb
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

Golf carts run high amperage cable like welders.
Prices are all over the place and so is the quality.
It sounds like you have an upgraded cart. In that case the cables should be upgraded too.
Do not buy automotive or cheap cables. The cables are the blood vessels of your machine. Welcome to DC electric. You are about to get a crash course or go a rye.
Listen to these guys here they were all new to DC carts at one time too
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Old 11-28-2011, 04:26 PM   #9
Sticks&strings
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

I am not sure if it is upgraded. I hope to take some pics soon to get some help. I do know that my battery lay out is not the same as above. It has two batteries next to each other and one behind those two on both sides.

There is a couple of things in between them too. See how ignorant I am to all this. I don't know crap about them, but I am patient and going to learn. Plus I need to be patient until I get more money. I have a feeling it is going to take lots of that.

I really want to get it running, but also want to plan and think things out. Where do I but cables? I will try to work on this thing some this weekend and see what all we are working with so I know where to start.

I know I want a decent sound system, and maybe some accessory lighting and a cigarette plug for a spotlight, but that's about all I know now. Also, I think this thing may be an 89 Model. It said E1089 on the manufacturer code plate. Sound right?
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Old 11-28-2011, 04:43 PM   #10
JohnnieB
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Default Re: Dead Cart. Battery Question

Buying High Current cables is like buying Oats.
If you want clean fresh Oats, you gotta pay the price.
If you don't care if they've been through a horse first, that comes cheaper.

Kidding aside, Here is where I bought mine:
http://www.cartsunlimited.net/Batter..._Upgrades.html

Many of the other Site Sponsors (on lower tool bar above) have them also.

My recommendations are:
* Replace all High Current cables as a set. Number needed depends on type drive system, but it'll be from about ten cables up to 13 or so.
* At least 4Ga Welding Cable, or larger.
* Closed end connectors with an airtight seal between terminal lug and cable insulation. (Battery compartment has acid laden air in it)
* Crimped or soldered lugs is up to you, but I'm old school and prefer soldered on lugs, and silver solder is the best.

From the battery layout you describe, you've got a Marathon, and they came in two flavors. Resistor speed control and solid state controller.
Your cart's serial Number should be on the same plate as the date code. Plug the S/N in this website and it'll tell you what you've got (maybe - not so good on older ones)
http://www.shopezgo.com/customer-ser...ialNumber.html

You mentioned a controller in one of your posts, and it has a lift and big (?) tires, so hopefully it is the controller type.

Pictures under seat would help ID it.

Carts have been know to need a lot of TLC (Troubleshooting, Labor and Cash)
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