Mixing Batteries- For a quick test ONLY

[Ronman]

I am attempting to revive my 2000 36v Series TXT. Last time I used it I took it off the charger, backed out, put it in forward and it went dead. I pushed it back into the garage and it has sat there for a year. I never knew if it was my batteries, charger, motor or something else.

I want to get it running and upgrade to new controller, f/r, etc. and possibly 48v. However, I don't want to buy new batteries until I know it's just the batteries. I took the charger to the golf course the other day, plugged it one of their carts and it is working. They wont allow me to use their batteries in my cart to test.

I have managed to get 5 batteries over 5 volts with only 30 minutes charge each. The last battery is completely dead.

So, my crazy idea is this... Can I pull the dead battery and the one next to and drop a 12v from the boat in their place? I only want to hit the pedal and make sure it goes forward and reverse, never leaving the garage. Will this hurt anything? I'm not going to try and charge, I'm not going to take a spin.

[scottyb]

LOL- check your email!

[Ronman]

LOL, Thanks.

[Helirich]

I think all the batteries are shot.

Not sure if Scotty fixed your problem, but you could take your boat battery and the batteries from both your cars and try it. It wouldn't hurt anything to take it for short spin like that.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by Helirich

I think all the batteries are shot.

Not sure if Scotty fixed your problem, but you could take your boat battery and the batteries from both your cars and try it. It wouldn't hurt anything to take it for short spin like that.

I told him I thought it would only work a little with the wheels off the ground - any real load would pull the guts out of these old neglected partially charged batts.

[Ronman]

Originally Posted by Helirich

I think all the batteries are shot.

Not sure if Scotty fixed your problem, but you could take your boat battery and the batteries from both your cars and try it. It wouldn't hurt anything to take it for short spin like that.

I'm pretty sure the batteries are shot. All I want to see is the rear wheels to turn so I know everything else is good.

I didn't know enough about the charger when this originally happened to know the battery pack had to have 23v to kick it on. I just assumed the charger was bad at that point. Needless to say, the batteries have sat there unattended all this time. Odds are it was that one battery the whole time, but I need to be sure.

[Helirich]

As Scotty said, with the wheels off the ground, it maybe OK. But I think for a good test, I would use three good 12V batteries and actually drive it a short distance.

The problem I see is those 5V batteries might drop to zero with the slightest load and you'd think the cart was no good.

[Volt_Ampere]

Trying to run with dead batteries can fry your controller. Not that good an idea.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by Helirich

As Scotty said, with the wheels off the ground, it maybe OK. But I think for a good test, I would use three good 12V batteries and actually drive it a short distance.

The problem I see is those 5V batteries might drop to zero with the slightest load and you'd think the cart was no good.

Originally Posted by Volt_Ampere

Trying to run with dead batteries can fry your controller. Not that good an idea.

True true.
I think in this case he's trying to verify the motor works before upgrading the control etc?

[Ronman]

Originally Posted by scottyb

True true.
I think in this case he's trying to verify the motor works before upgrading the control etc?

That is correct. I just want to see some wheels move to ensure batteries were my problem all along. Then we can add some good batteries and do some upgrades!

I plan on setting it on blocks this evening a giving it a quick tap on the peddle.