Low amps on charger

tconstance

I searched the forums and couldn't find anything posted that adresses my issue. I have a EZGO Textron Total Charge III that came with a used Club Car.

The six 6-volt batteries are all within specs. When I first got the cart the charger jumped to 15-20 amps when first plugged in and then would drop as the batteries charged. Now when plugged in it hums but the amps only show 5 or less the entire time charging and it won't turn off if left on all night. The batteries do eventually get to full charge but it takes a long time. I'm not good with testing amps but it hums when plugged in and is putting out 37 volts.

Any ideas?

Tim

BGW

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Coltf1991

What's the condition of your batteries? Have you load tested them? I know that when my batteries were bad(not saying yours are) my charger would only jump up to 5 amperes also.

simple man

Two things come to mind. One of the diodes may have went open. The other is, if this charger uses a capacitor, the capacitor may be bad. Look through the E-Z-GO stickys and there were wiring diagrams for some of the chargers. Regardless, these parts are quite reasonable and can be obtained through several of the site sponsors.

tconstance

I know a little about electrics but haven't done much with resistors and capacitors. The capacitor is holding a charge - sparks a lot when shorted, isn't bloated like some bad caps. I've seen, but from everything I've read it seems they are hard to test.

I've assuming the components on the diagram marked "MOV1" and MOV2" are the diodes. Tried to test them with the multimeter set to: ->|- and get nothing either way so I'm assuming both are bad. Is that the way everyone checks them? I'm surprised both went bad so either I'm not testing them right or both are bad. Can't see any markings so can't pick them up at local electronic stores. Anyone know what diodes I need?

Any help is appreciated.

Tim

simple man

Click on " Site Sponsors " at the top of the page. Some of the sites listed will sell charger parts. Use the model number of your charger to find the correct diodes.
Did you try each diode with the probes reversed? Current should pass one direction, but not the other.
I don't know how to tell you what these diodes would be equivalent to at an electronics supply. Maybe someone on the board does!

JohnnieB

Hi Tim, Welcome to BGW.
Here is a service/parts manual for a TC III & VI for a EZGO Marathon, but should be same except for plug.

MOV 1 & 2 are surge protectors. The diodes are on the Heatsink and shown on the right side of the schematic on page B-4.

Troubleshooting begins on page B-2 and continues on B-8.

My first guess is an open diode, (1N1184 or something similar) but the Capacitor might be bad even though it does store energy (Sparks when shorted).

The good news is that the transformer is humming. That means it is probably good and it is the only part that isn't economically feasible to replace.

Be careful, there is about 660VAC on the capacitor, and that will sit you on your bottom if your not careful.

Let us know what you find, or yell if you need more help.

Attached Files

TCIII & IV Owner's - Parts - Service.pdf (3.28 MB, 7 views)

yurtle

That alone would cut your charging capacity in half!