golf cart drastically slows after about 1 mile

[theranch1968]

First of all, sorry for the duplicate post. I originally posted in the "garage" forum and it was suggested that I move here for better/quicker response. Mod, please feel free to delete the other.

Hello, I am fairly new to electric golf carts. I have a little above average mechanical skills. My issues is my yamaha ydre with alltrax controller, on full charge, it goes about 1 mile (in distance not speed). After that distance, it slows to a crawl (about 3 mph). I immediately check all the batteries and they all are reading 8 volts plus except for the one that hooks the negative cable to the motor (it only reads 4 volts). Let it sit a while and check it again and it is up to 7 volts. I am assuming that the other batteries are charging it up since they have higher voltage. I am assuming that I need to replace the battery, but wanted to check here first to get confirmation. The batteries are only about 2 1/2 to 3 years old and are Trojan T-875. I am assuming that the battery has a low capacity (or something like that) and it drains down faster than the others which is why it slows instantly after about a mile. Since it is the battery that actually hooks the negative to the motor, it is less forgiving. Any and all comments are appreciated.

[CrazyDad]

Okay I'll try to tackle this. Put your cart on the charger and let it charge fully. After it shuts off wait 12 hours then use a volt meter and measure the pack voltage and each individually. Then find a hill and test each batt under full load going up a hill if possible. You will know the condition of each batt. At 3 years your pack is getting up there in age. If you replace one battery it will work but you will not be able to buy 5 more in a few years as the new battery will have the same life expectancy as the pack.

Sounds like you have a bad cell on one battery but you will know after the test. The batteries have a date stamped on the post or a sticker, you might see two digit stamp with a letter and a number, letter is the month and number is the year.

Here is a chart another member posted it will show you the condition of you pack. So if you can only charge to 80% after the 12 hour rest then might be time to think about a new pack. If you have one bad battery then it makes it hard to judge. Also never let the pack go below 50% to prolong the its life.

IMG_0037.jpg

[JakeJones8]

One more thing to add to the post above... any chance you have 12v accessories hooked to that one battery??? If so ALWAYS hook accessories to the whole pack using a 48->12 converter. Just a thought..

[cgtech]

The one at 4v is garbage, and is the one holding you down. If you could find a good used one to replace that one, it might be a good deal, but only till the next one crapps out. A new pack would serve you best. Also agree that all 12v accessories should be powered by a DC converter, not tapped into one battery. All batteries in a series string (like carts use) must all be shouldering the load, just one bad one sours the mix with a short ride time.

[theranch]

Thank you ALL for your help...I do have Bluetooth hooked to cart, but it is hooked to a 48->12 volt converter....I replaced that battery and it all works great...thanks again