New Batts In PDS/Pitiful Range Advice Needed

[Delmo Atkins]

One last try before I sell this cart. At witts end!

This is a lifted 36v PDS ezgo 2009 model. When I first purchased the thing in 2011 it would go all day and maybe move a notch or two off the top peg on the SOC meter. It had new batts at the time of purchase. It was great.

In year two, the cart began getting sluggish with reduced range and the lights would dim even going up a slight incline.

I had the cart checked out and was told two batts were bad. I decided to replace all of them since it was in the shop anyway. Now, the cart is pretty much the same even with the new batts performance-wise. I might get 5 miles or so out of it with the last two being a nail biter. Speed is off a bit as well. No motor or controller mods. The soc meter is my only addition.

A couple of hours after charging the pack, voltage is 38.9 and all batts ar 6.5 or 6.4 volts. Wire gauge is listed as size 4 and looks pretty robust. No corrosion. Water is kept topped off. Cables are all tight and tight at the motor as well.

I really like the cart and I like electric, but will trade this for a gas model if I can't resolve the issue. Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[Delmo Atkins]

Forgot to add. Cart rolls freely. Can move it with one hand!

[JohnnieB]

Welcome to BGW!

I agree, 5 miles with new batteries is pitiful.

You said it was lifted. What size tires are on it?
(It take a lot of amps to turn tall tires)

What is the Amp-Hour rating of the new batteries?
(225AH is standard grade)

Are two of the 6V batteries in the 36V battery pack being used to power the 12V accessories?

Do any of the cables feel hot (or very warm) after the cart is driven?

What are the battery voltages 12 hours after charger shuts off automatically?
What are the battery voltages after about 4 miles. (They will need about 15 minutes to recover to at-rest voltage)