Load test and diagnosis

[Ryankoenning]

I've got a 36 volt 1994 ds. Can I do a load test on the batteries with a multimeter by turning on the headlights and pushing the pedal to the floor while up against a tree? If so, what voltage drop is expected across all 6 batteries when doing so? The cart slows down after 10 minutes or so after charging. I cleaned and tightened all connections.

[jjance]

I'm thinking that would be a disaster. Better to drive it up a hill for the load. It would also be better to load test each battery individually. That way you can find the bad battery.

[teecro]

Originally Posted by Ryankoenning

I've got a 36 volt 1994 ds. Can I do a load test on the batteries with a multimeter by turning on the headlights and pushing the pedal to the floor while up against a tree? If so, what voltage drop is expected across all 6 batteries when doing so? The cart slows down after 10 minutes or so after charging. I cleaned and tightened all connections.

While you can indeed use battery voltage readings as a means of load testing it is never a good idea to stall an electric motor for any length of time... Better to find a good healthy hill and/or load your cart down with some willing friends...

On a 36 volt cart with 6 volt batteries 31 volts or 5.2 volts each is your threshold to watch for and how quickly they cover from once returning to level ground...

[Ryankoenning]

Thank you both. Is there anything else I can test/diagnose before I buy new batteries? I'm trying to flip this cart so I can buy a gas powered one and would like to spend as little as possible. Im probably leaning towards reconditioned batteries for replacements.

[Golf cart guy]

Originally Posted by Ryankoenning

Thank you both. Is there anything else I can test/diagnose before I buy new batteries? I'm trying to flip this cart so I can buy a gas powered one and would like to spend as little as possible. Im probably leaning towards reconditioned batteries for replacements.

No such thing as a reconditioned battery

[scottyb]

Anyone who has lived in California is familiar with the term reconditioned battery. It is a much a misnomer as rebuilt speed controller.

They are available from any dealer thanks to the huge battery recycle business. I have not witnessed the facility or the process first hand but my dealer explains it as a cleaning, refilling, and recharging of used batteries which are then tested and warrantied. I have installed them and I find that they cost half as much as new and last about half as long if maintained well. However, you may have early failures if you fail to keep them charged up.

[Golf cart guy]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Anyone who has lived in California is familiar with the term reconditioned battery. It is a much a misnomer as rebuilt speed controller.

They are available from any dealer thanks to the huge battery recycle business. I have not witnessed the facility or the process first hand but my dealer explains it as a cleaning, refilling, and recharging of used batteries which are then tested and warrantied. I have installed them and I find that they cost half as much as new and last about half as long if maintained well. However, you may have early failures if you fail to keep them charged up.

Please send me over the phone number and I will call them. Thanks

[Ryankoenning]

Is there anything else I should test/diagnose before I assume the batteries are bad?

[teecro]

Originally Posted by Ryankoenning

Is there anything else I should test/diagnose before I assume the batteries are bad?

There is no need to assume anything... Have you followed the suggested load testing as suggested by JJ and myself? Have to tried charging the batteries and without using the cart checking standing voltage over the course of several days?