testing the charger

[chloe]

I did a search but didn't see anything directly exp;aining this. Is there a way to test the charger, short of plugging it in and seeing if it chages the batteries? As I have no batteries, yet, I thought I'd make sure this isn't yet another part I have to buy.

Denny

[simple man]

Here's a site that has downloadable manuals. This may help you!
http://www.bennettgolfcars.ca/ezgo_manuals.php

[chloe]

Thanks simple man. That's some great info.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by chloe

...............Is there a way to test the charger, short of plugging it in and seeing if it chages the batteries?.................

The answer is: YES or NO depending on which charger you have and how comfortable you are working with the innards of an electrical device containing potentially lethal voltages.

If the charger is about 8 to 12 inches on a side, weighs 20 to 30 pounds and has an ammeter on the faceplate, most of it can be checked out without connecting it to a battery pack.

If it is one of the later (but not better) designs that weigh less, the only way I know to test them is toss them in a lake.
If they float, they are BAD, If they sink, they WERE GOOD.
(Kidding aside, I haven't been able to find schematics or enough technical info on them to check them without a battery pack.)

What is the Manufacturer and Model of your charger?
A picture of the faceplate would help also.

John

[scottyb]

If you are at all unsure of what you are doing testing lethal voltages, take the charger to a local Golf cart repair shop and ask them to test it by plugging it into a cart.
In most cases there is no charge and best of all, no danger involved.

[chloe]

I don't know. I've been knocked off a washing machine while wiring a 220 circuit and can't count the number of times some 110 has made me jump. But taking it to a shop and plugging it into a cart sounds like a safe and sane idea.

[chloe]

JohnnieB it is indeed a Powerwise. Not a powerwise II.

Thanks

[JohnnieB]

The "Powerwise" charger is built like a tank and everything is fixable, except the transformer.
You can actually get a replacement transformer, but they cost almost as much as a new charger and more than a used one.

It's a keeper.

[simple man]

There should be a manual for that charger in the link I posted. It will give you test procedures to follow, and more importantly, safety procedures on what not to do!
I've been knocked on my butt more times than I'd like to have been, but that's part of learning! In my case I was able to live and keep learning! Electricity is one of those things that what you don't see will hurt you!

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by simple man

There should be a manual for that charger in the link I posted. It will give you test procedures to follow, and more importantly, safety procedures on what not to do!

It's listed as a "97 PW Charger"