battery's are dead

[swarrick]

I just picked up a 36 volt cart the batteries are dead do i need to charge them individually before i hook them together? The reason I ask is I was reading if the batteries were dead that the charger might not turn on because it wont pick up a low charge, I'm new to all of this please forgive me if this sounds foolish.

[jakesnake27]

to BGW

The only foolish questions are the ones not asked.

I would go ahead and connect them all together and see if the charger kicks on. If it doesn't, hook a 12v charger to two of the batteries in series. You'll do this a total of three times to get all the batteries.

[swarrick]

Thanks, the batteries are low on liquid do I need to add a little water to about half way then top off after there charged?

[Epb]

Add distilled water 1/4" above the plates. I wouldnt charge with the plates exposed, others may disagree. They say to add water after charging but i dont think that means charge with them exposed on purpose.
Welcome to bgw.
And happy carting.

[jakesnake27]

Put in enough water so the plates are just covered, and no more. The levels rise while charging...

[swarrick]

Thank y'all for the information .

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Epb

Add distilled water 1/4" above the plates. I wouldnt charge with the plates exposed, others may disagree. They say to add water after charging but i dont think that means charge with them exposed on purpose.
Welcome to bgw.
And happy carting.

The rule of thumb is to only add water to the batteries when they are fully charged, except when the plates are exposed, then add enough water to cover plates before charging and bring up to the proper level after charging.

The reason for this is that the electrolyte volume expands as the battery charges and if too much water is added to a partially discharged battery, it might be overflowing when it is charged.

In addition to getting sulfuric acid on things, the net result is weakening of the cells due to loss of the sulfate ions in the spilled acid.