EZGO F398 Battery Questions...

[Off-Grid Organics]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

Not sure what the controller is. Attach a picture of it and somebody ought to be able to identify it.

Probably a stock series drive motor. Motors are not very voltage specific and motors rated at 36V typically run better at 48V. In fact, upping the battery pack voltage is the only way to increase both speed and torque without changing the motor.

Hopefully a 48V charger came with cart.

Pics here:

https://ibb.co/album/hNoWrF

[ThreeCW]

Originally Posted by Off-Grid Organics

These batteries are toast...a couple still wet, the rest bone dry. Poor thing has been sitting for years in a garage...pretty clean rig...pics in the am.

Bone dry batteries ... sitting for years ... I agree with your analysis that those batteries are toast.

You can do a few things for the sake of science but replacement is likely your only option.

For the sake of science:
1. Check the voltage of each battery using a digital multi-meter recording to two decimal places. Compare to attached state of charge chart.
2. Determine age of batteries ... should be stamped on the top cover ... see attached age example.
3. Wash the batteries off, clean the corrosion from the connections and fill the dry batteries with distilled water to just cover the lead plates and attempt to charge them. If they happen to charge (likely not), then record the individual battery voltage at 24 hours after disconnecting the charger.
4. Shop for new batteries

[Off-Grid Organics]

Originally Posted by ThreeCW

Bone dry batteries ... sitting for years ... I agree with your analysis that those batteries are toast.


4. Shop for new batteries

This was my plan, just trying to figure out before purchasing what was going on with an advertised 36v system, but running 48v worth of batteries. Was glad to see the 36/48v designation on the motor, and that the charger also is 48v. Still kinda like to see if it works before getting new batteries, though! Wish I had a couple more car 12v sitting around that I could wire 3 for 36v and see if she goes!

[JohnnieB]

I'm not familiar with Club Car chargers other than some of them only operate through the OBC (On Board Computer) used by CC.

However, the output cable has "EZ GO Text..." printed on it, so it might be one that will work with an EZGO.


Is there a label on it that has a model number or other information?


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Also, I don't recognize the make/model of the controller, but Curtis and Alltrax are primarily the controllers I'm familiar with. Of course, they all work the same so that isn't a major issue.

[Off-Grid Organics]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

I'm not familiar with Club Car chargers other than some of them only operate through the OBC (On Board Computer) used by CC.

However, the output cable has "EZ GO Text..." printed on it, so it might be one that will work with an EZGO.


Is there a label on it that has a model number or other information?


--------------
Also, I don't recognize the make/model of the controller, but Curtis and Alltrax are primarily the controllers I'm familiar with. Of course, they all work the same so that isn't a major issue.

It's a "Lester Electrical, Mod # 17930, output 48vdc @ 17A" Also notes: Use only with powerwise charging system

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Off-Grid Organics

It's a "Lester Electrical, Mod # 17930, output 48vdc @ 17A" Also notes: Use only with powerwise charging system

Powerwise is the magic word, with the correct plug on the output cable, it ought to work with an EZGO cart.

Here's a service manual for it (Section-3)

[cgtech]

Nope, you got totally railroaded on the charger. It is just a power supply, has no control board inside. Can't properly charge batteries (that's the part the OBC on the cart handles). The batts may be dry from chronic and constant overcharge, if they figured out how to "hotwire" the charger. Your controller looks like a GE upgrade, and a pretty good one if it is what I think it is (500 amp or larger).

[Off-Grid Organics]

Dang...confusion is setting in again

[Off-Grid Organics]

Originally Posted by cgtech

Nope, you got totally railroaded on the charger. It is just a power supply, has no control board inside. Can't properly charge batteries (that's the part the OBC on the cart handles).

That's confusing. It says on the charger when it reaches full charge, it shuts off automatically. The front says it's a battery charger, not a power supply???

What am I missing here?

[Off-Grid Organics]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

Powerwise is the magic word, with the correct plug on the output cable, it ought to work with an EZGO cart.

Here's a service manual for it (Section-3)

It plugs right in like it was made for it.