Columbia Par Car, new batteries won't hold charge

[jcaddigan]

I just replaced all of the six aging batteries in my Par Car (6 X 6V = 36V) and ran the charger up full. After driving for minutes, the battery gauge dropped from the white/red line into the middle of the white. Charged it up again to double check, same thing. Batteries all check out at 6+V each. Any ideas as to why the brand new batteries do not seem to hold the charge?

Thank you in advance.

[swb713]

Are you sure that your charger is working correctly?
What is the actual readings from you batteries before you charge and after you charge? Check them with a DVM to get the most accurate reading.

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[Mooncarter]

Check them individually and the total as SWB713 suggested.

I never trust those gauges like the one you are talking about.

[jcaddigan]

Thank you both. I will check before and after charging and update with findings.

I was also told by another guy not to trust the gauge, and that I may need a new gauge. I thought I might need to replace another part in between..........

[swb713]

Originally Posted by jcaddigan

Thank you both. I will check before and after charging and update with findings.

I was also told by another guy not to trust the gauge, and that I may need a new gauge. I thought I might need to replace another part in between..........

If you change it out, go with a digital volt meter instead of the old "gas gauge" looking things. The volt meter wold be a much more reliable choice because you can look at it and see what your battery bank voltage is at any given time, instead of 3/4 tank (or what ever).

These are easy to install and I would install it coming right off of the key switch. This way, it doesn't come on unless you have the key in the "ON" position. You can also find them in other colors. I have mine in green to go with my color scheme of my cart. But I have seen them in red and blue as well.

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by swb713

If you change it out, go with a digital volt meter instead of the old "gas gauge" looking things. The volt meter wold be a much more reliable choice because you can look at it and see what your battery bank voltage is at any given time, instead of 3/4 tank (or what ever).

These are easy to install and I would install it coming right off of the key switch. This way, it doesn't come on unless you have the key in the "ON" position. You can also find them in other colors. I have mine in green to go with my color scheme of my cart. But I have seen them in red and blue as well.

Agree 100%. Just restored a cart for my daughter I'm taking to her tomorrow. Cart has one of those gas gauge looking meters. I unhooked it, and would have taken it out if I had something to go in the hole.

I can hear her now "well daddy the needle did blah, blah, blah." And it has new batteries in it.