2003 ClubCar- Charging Problem, will not hold when showing charged

[ericnourse]

I am very new to electric carts, chuckle chuckle. The batteries in said 2003 Club Car (which I am told is a 36 volt, 6 batteries?) were run to bone dry last month. Not by me of course. Upon being refilled with distilled water the charger worked fine and the battery indicator meter on the dash shows a full charge, they have been charging for days at a time when I get frustrated. The cart excellorates and performs normally for a mile or so and begins to have trouble excellorating and shakes a bit, I'm guessing this is not a design flaw? Soon after the cart looses power rapidly and I push it home...

I've contacted the local dealer in Lady Lake FL. They were very courteous and told me over the phone it is most likely the batteries as they are 5yrs old. I was also advised that a new computer would be reccomended upon insertion of the new batteries. Total cost with labor close to $1200. I was told there are no other remedies to try at home. I feel like I should attempt some trouble shooting prior to committing to $1200. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I will try anything short of... well... On 2nd thought I'll try anything. Have a great day!

[gornoman]

Originally Posted by ericnourse

I've contacted the local dealer in Lady Lake FL. They were very courteous and told me over the phone it is most likely the batteries as they are 5yrs old. I was also advised that a new computer would be reccomended upon insertion of the new batteries. Total cost with labor close to $1200.

I agree on the batteries as they have obviously been neglected, and that will surely kill them before their time. As for the OBC replacement, it sounds like pure rubbish to me. However, I'm an E-Z-Go guy, so let's see what some other's opinions are.

[rusty]

Welcome to the forum ericnourse.......................

I too believe the batteries have been damaged beyond any practical use since they were dry and most especially if they were left dry for any length of time.

I am totaly shocked they they would insist that the computer (OBC) should be replaced also. I have seen many occasions where the batteries were replaced for numerous reasons and have never seen the need to replace the computer yet.

Also, I would bet money that the batteries are 8 volt batteries, making the cart a 48 volt cart & not a 36 volt vehicle. The way to tell is count the filler holes on the top of the batteries. If they have 4 filler holes, they are 8 volt batteries. If they have 3 holes, they are 6 volt batteries.

You might be able to find 1 or 2 really bad batteries and replace them, but the rest will be short lived anyway. Get a Volt Meter and check the batteries to start with.

Be sure to let us know how many water filler holes are in the batteries.

[shadowman]

yes you need batteries if they were mistreated as for the OBC on newer carts i find that when it goes bad one of the signs is the charger not shutting off but i don,t think so in your case i think you need a set of batteries.......................