Charger shorting out

[Chris M]

Here is the spec sheet for the batteries I am using.

[mgray70]

Although 3 marine batteries will work, it is not the best option. Run time will be reduced to at least half of what regular golf cart batteries run. You have something wired wrong somewhere. Post some pictures.

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[Chris M]

I'm at work so no pics until tonight. I believe all wiring is correct as cart functions properly. Only issue is when connecting charger. Does the board/circuitry on the cart have any function in the charging process?

[mgray70]

No, it's usually a direct connection. Some have a fuse on the positive white wire connection at the batteries.

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[mgray70]

Looking back at your original post, it looks like you could have the polarity on the charge circuit of the cart or charger wrong, and the control circuit (big wires going to the controller) correct. That would let the cart run, but will pop a fuse in the charger when you plug it in. Charge circuit wires are wrong somewhere between the batteries and the charger.

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[Chris M]

When I first hooked batteries up I was unsure of polarity as both cart leads are black. Motor was running opposite of cart shifter direction so I reversed. After that functuons properly. I still have not plugged the charger in to 120v, as I was going to direct wire to batteries and then plug in. White lead coming from charger was marked positive on charger plug end. Have not tried reversing leads from charger because I don't want to short batteries again. Fuse in charger is still good.

[yurtle]

Do you have a digital multi meter (DMM)? Cheap and very important investment for "sparky" carts. You can find them at any Ace, Home Depot, Lowes, WalMart, etc., usually around $20 or less. You don't need anything fancy.

[mgray70]

Reversing the cart wires at the batteries will not make the motor turn backwards, it usually results in a fried controller.

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[Chris M]

Originally Posted by mgray70

Reversing the cart wires at the batteries will not make the motor turn backwards, it usually results in a fried controller.

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So if cart is functioning properly polarity should be correct? I was thinking it was backwards and I had to change it buy maybe I am misremembering. I do have a multi meter and am familiar with about half of it's functions. I am making 36vdc at cart leads with 3 12v batteries wired in series. Cart operates fine and I have charged batteries individually several times with a standard 12v charger. In my mind, something is shorted in the charger for it to be completing the battery circuit when I try to connect direct to batteries, since the charger was not even plugged in. Someone correct my logic here? Also, the cart was not connected to the batteries when I attempted to direct wire the charger.

[mgray70]

If the cart is operating correctly do not change the leads that go to the controller! I think you're right, it's something in the charger, or the wires from the charge port to the battery are reversed.

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