New Batteries--problem charging

[Pfretz]

Ok,,, I couldn't stand it an put in a new set of Trojan T-875 batteries yesterday. I put them in and put the cart on the charger and it took about 12 hours for it to shut off. I took the cart out this morning and ran it around hard for about 20 minutes in the neighborhood and it performed amazing compared to how it was with the old Workahaulic Batteries. Upon returning I put it back on the charger and it ran for about a minute and the charger shut itself off. I unplugged the charger cord and plugged it in again and the same thing happened. I checked the batteries just to see and they each show 8.6v and the system was 52.0v.

Is this normal or does anyone think I have a problem?

[scottyb]

No problem 50.9 is 100% charged.

[scottyb]

The fact that the first charge took 12 hrs tells me the system is working as it should.... read this twice



NEW BATTERY BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:
Following proper break-in procedure can increase the strength and the useful life span of your new batteries. New batteries are initially about 75% of their full strength. The following procedure will insure they reach their full potential.
The 1st 10 to 20 complete charge/discharge cycles are critical to insure they reach 100%. New batteries should be charged before use and thereafter as follows:
Plug the charger in and leave it alone until charger shuts off by itself. Then drive to discharge the batteries to 75% battery pack capacity (see chart) Plug the cart back in and repeat the charge cycle.......It is very important you let it charge until it is completely done. Repeat this for the first 10 - 20 cycles......by the 12th cycle you will notice a difference in power, speed, and run-time.........I have never had a customer say they have not noticed the increase.
Most importantly, NEVER run the battery pack down below 50% of capacity throughout their entire life. Never leave the batteries in a state of discharge for extended periods of time. Recharge the pack once a week if the cart is sitting idle or in storage. And when in doubt, recharge it.
During the break-in procedure, keep an eye on the water levels. T can take 12 hours or more for the 1st few Charging times. These extended charge cycles may evaporate some of the water. ( use distilled water only )
As the batteries break in you will notice the charge time gets shorter. Eventually going from 12 to 5-6 hours per recharge.
ONCE A MONTH:
Routine maintenance is the 2nd most important thing to insure you get the most use out of your new battery pack. It is critical that you get into a routine of spending 10 - 15 minutes a month to keep the cable connections clean and check the water levels. Proper water level is critical. Dry batteries die quickly.
Keep the Distilled Water level up to the bottom of the fill hole sleeve or a half inch above the lead plates. Do not fill to the top.
Use a hard nylon brush to remove any visible corrosion. Carefully check that all of the cable connections are tight. Loose connections cause arching which will melt the soft lead terminals. Spray-on Battery Terminal Protector is available from the auto parts store and greatly reduces corrosive build up.
I hope this helps you get the most use possible out of your battery investment.

Read more about new battery break-in procedures here:

NEW BATTERIES?
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/electric-club-car/17096-battery-breakin-break-procedure-procedures.html?highlight=Battery+Breakin

[wilster734]

yes this is the gospel what he is saying. had some of the same experience that youve had with yours when i got some new batteries for a cart.read it remember it and your batts should last a long time

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by wilster734

yes ........read it remember it

[Pfretz]

Acutally I did read it once,,,,that was my problem. I didn't read it twice.

Because of it, I did leave the charger run until it shut off, but I guess I didn't run the cart enough. I ran it uphill most of the time and it even accelerated up a couple of the streets. I was just surprised when I returned from the run and put it on the charger,,,, it only ran for a few minutes before it cutting off. I checked the voltage after about an hour and it was 51.9v

I tried to go to the chart but I keep getting an error about a busted link. Is it somewhere else I can find? How do you determing that you have run the batteries down to about 75%?

[Pfretz]

Scotty, I found the thumbnail that you posted on another thread,,,, thanks. I don't think I ran it nearly enough.

[pggroves]

Originally Posted by Pfretz

Acutally I did read it once,,,,that was my problem. I didn't read it twice.

Because of it, I did leave the charger run until it shut off, but I guess I didn't run the cart enough. I ran it uphill most of the time and it even accelerated up a couple of the streets. I was just surprised when I returned from the run and put it on the charger,,,, it only ran for a few minutes before it cutting off. I checked the voltage after about an hour and it was 51.9v

I tried to go to the chart but I keep getting an error about a busted link. Is it somewhere else I can find? How do you determing that you have run the batteries down to about 75%?

Hope you're not saying 75% DOD. That would be bad. Install a meter.

[scubabud]

If you plan on keeping your cart for any length of time I would highly recommend getting an inexpensive Digital Meter and use it as a very accurate fuel gauge for your cart. You have a fuel gauge in your car, truck or SUV so why not have one on your cart. It will let you know when you’re nearing 50% of pack voltage, 48.41v on a 48 volt system which is optimal as to where to recharge your batteries to get the most life from them. Online they’re less then $20.

http://cgi.ebay.com/UP8135-BLUE-LED-...item518d285957

Here is an example on ebay of the meter I use.

[jlutsey]

scubabud, care to share where you found the batteries/cost? if not, i understand. may be in the market myself.....