‘01 TXT 36v, lithium conversion help

[Ryan]

Hey guys, new here and new to any sort of EV. As indicated in the title, I’ve got an 01 TXT 36v. When I bought it, it came with (3) 12v trolling motor batteries, and I knew they wouldn’t last too long, so I started the research on lithiums. I had a buddy recommend the LiTime batteries and watched some of the WillProwse videos on the brand.

I finally pulled the trigger on a 36v 60aH and charger. I installed the battery and right away it worked, but went 20 feet and died. Volt meter read 1v, so I plugged it back in and immediately read 41v again. I tried again and it went 20 feet and died, reading 1v again.

I thought I must’ve gotten a faulty battery, so I sent it back and bought a new one. The new one does the same exact thing, so I’m thinking there’s something with my cart.

As mentioned, battery is reading 41v and maintaining that when pedal is depressed (at least while on a jack).

Electronics definitely aren’t my strong suit, so I’m here with my tail tucked and asking questions. I’ve dove deep into the interwebs and haven’t come across any info specific to my situation. My initial thought were that the contoller wasn’t able to handle the 41v, but I truly have no idea. The controller in my cart is the Curtis 73326G02 and I have new (and secure) 4ga wires. Attaching pics for reference. Thanks in advance!

[ojo]

The battery is too small for a cart with 23" tires and shuts off...

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by ojo

The battery is too small for a cart with 23" tires and shuts off...

Care to elaborate? Just higher aH or need to convert to higher voltage? The tires were on the cart when I got it and worked fine with the LA batteries, they just weren’t the correct batteries for the task, in my opinion…

So is it the additional load that’s causing the BMS to shut off? I lifted the rear end off the floor and fully depressed the pedal with the same issue (which significantly reduces the load).

[Capt. Lenny]

So what are the specs on the battery you bought. Will Prowse knows a lot about lithium and solar but I’m not sure what he knows about golf carts. Large diameter tire will make your motor draw more amps especially on 36 volts. A cart on jack stands has little resistance compared to asphalt. Any Idea how many amps your motor draws?

Edit: just looked this up and if I’m looking at the battery you bought, it has a 2c rating which is 120 amps but doesn’t say if it’s continuous and it has a 120 amp BMS. As OJO said, may not be enough battery.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by Capt. Lenny

So what are the specs on the battery you bought. Will Prowse knows a lot about lithium and solar but I’m not sure what he knows about golf carts. Large diameter tire will make your motor draw more amps especially on 36 volts. A cart on jack stands has little resistance compared to asphalt. Any Idea how many amps your motor draws?

Edit: just looked this up and if I’m looking at the battery you bought, it has a 2c rating which is 120 amps but doesn’t say if it’s continuous and it has a 120 amp BMS. As OJO said, may not be enough battery.

Sorry, my reference to Will Prowse was more in regards to battery (company) quality/reputation, not specifically to golf cart batteries. And also, I was saying the I still had the same issue with the cart on stands.


I just looked up them specs again too and I’m thinking the amp rating could be the issue. I’m still digging up info…

[scottyb]

The amperage output rating of that battery is too low for a golf cart. Stock cart will draw about 80 amps wide open throttle and 120 amps from upon start up.
We suggest 350 -500 amps max draw spec for big tires and off the road use.

[j.harris]

Do you have the Litime app? Open the app while you're driving and watch the current draw. Maybe the BMS is shutting down from high current?

[Capt. Lenny]

I know LiTime says their battery is good for a golf cart and maybe your buddy had good luck but in the end you get what you pay for. A $500 battery is just that cheap. There is a reason Quality batteries cost more. Do you have a stock motor?

[Ryan]

Man, I really appreciate all the responses, guys. Looks like I need to return this thing and do a little more research on a better battery. I just took the manufacturer’s word that it would be usable in a golf cart. Now I know a little better what to look for moving forward….not quite as simple as just dropping one in!

[jasonojordan]

Most cheap battery manufactures idea of a golf cart is a bone stock cart cruising paved roads.