2008 Tomberlin Emerge Battery Issue (died on the way home)

[portland]

I purchased an Emerge in October this year and have ~160 miles on it. I primarily use my vehicle to golf. Per round, I put about 13-14 miles on it (that includes the 6 miles round trip to and from my home). Never any issue with the battery (the battery meter is normally around 1/4 when I get home)

Yesterday, we had a shotgun start, and my starting hole happened to be the furthest point from the club house. So, add another 3 miles or so total.

Long story short, on the way home my Emerge died on me. Outdoor Temp was 40-50 degrees the entire time, I had 1 passenger with me.


Is there any way to check if any of my batteries are bad? Its not easy for me to get my Emerge to the dealer since he is about 50 miles from me.


FYI, I always leave my vehicle plugged in. In this case, I had not driven it in 7 days.



One other thing, on a full charge, after about 3 miles of driving, the battery meter always goes to half. Its been this way ever since I purchased the vehicle.

[gornoman]

Originally Posted by portland

Is there any way to check if any of my batteries are bad? Its not easy for me to get my Emerge to the dealer since he is about 50 miles from me.

Use a digital multimeter and get a voltage reading on each battery. Post the results and we can go from there.

[portland]

bought a digital multimeter today, but it only reads voltage for a 1.5, 9 & 12 volt battery

looks like I have to go find one that reads the 8v battery in my Emerge

[mikesmotortoys]

Have you been adding water to your batteries? It's possible that you might also have a bad cell in one of the batteries.

If the cart is under warranty, won't the dealer come pick it up for warranty repairs?

[portland]

Originally Posted by mikesmotortoys

Have you been adding water to your batteries? It's possible that you might also have a bad cell in one of the batteries.

If the cart is under warranty, won't the dealer come pick it up for warranty repairs?

It is under warranty for 2 years and they will pick it up, I am just trying to do some tests beforehand to save everyone the trouble. Plus, the dealer is 50 miles from me, so I would (more than likely) have to pay for some of the towing.


Regarding water, I have been checking it, and the levels are good.

[mikesmotortoys]

10-4 on the water check.

Now a note from a Factory Authorized Warranty Center - STOP working on it! Call them and have the problem repaired. Not that you can't do it, but just in case you do something else while you're checking it, you may cause additional damage or problems to void the free repairs. I cannot tell you how many times the owner causes more harm than good - even with the best of intentions

You probably have a bad cell in a battery, or a charger issue. First check that I would suggest is the owner maintenance items like water in batteries and the battery cable tightening. Beyond that - leave it to your dealership

[gornoman]

Originally Posted by portland

bought a digital multimeter today, but it only reads voltage for a 1.5, 9 & 12 volt battery

You need to spend about $25 and get one similar to this (generic picture):


It's the best tool a sparky cart owner can own.

[GLEEMO]

Originally Posted by gornoman

You need to spend about $25 and get one similar to this (generic picture):


It's the best tool a sparky cart owner can own.

Yup gotta have a decent meter

[portland]

any links with which meter I should buy?

[gornoman]

Originally Posted by portland

any links with which meter I should buy?

Here is a perfectly good digital multimeter:

http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_101...ord=multimeter