How Much Do Batteries Discharge While Not Being Used

[simple man]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

In addition to what DOOmsman said:

Water expands when it freezes, so the case is probably cracked and the battery will leak nasty stuff when it thaws.
The SG won't be very high, or it wouldn't have frozen, but it is still acidic enough to damage concrete, not to mention skin and clothing.

Also, the expansion could have caused the plates to move and you might damage the charger if they are touching.

Even if the battery didn't explode or leak or kill the charger, it probably would be much of a battery anymore.

Well, you and " Dooms " cleared that right up for me!
Thanks!

[Rickochet]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

70%
I'd measure the voltage with a DVM a battery cable before letting it set and again before charging to verify self-discharge rate.
Also, I'd disconnect the battery to eliminate any parasitic discharge.

Here is the Trojan User's Guide. Storage info is on Page-11

Thanks for the info Johnnie. After talking to a couple of people who are using electrics where I plan to use one I have decided to go that route and yesterday picked up a nice '07 TXT PDS with brand new Trojan batts. I plan to install a DVM.

Regarding parasitic discharge I was told by several that as long as you do not have anything else wired to the batteries that placing the "Tow" toggle switch in the "Tow" position that it will kill the power and not allow such discharge. Is this correct?

Rick

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Rickochet

..........Regarding parasitic discharge I was told by several that as long as you do not have anything else wired to the batteries that placing the "Tow" toggle switch in the "Tow" position that it will kill the power and not allow such discharge. Is this correct?

Not 100% true, but pretty close.

If you look at the attached PDS schematic, you'll notice a 250 Ohm resistor across the main terminals of the solenoid that connects the battery to the B+ terminal on the controller.
The Run/Tow switch doesn't kill that, or at least not completely.

It's only about 20 Milliamps and in the overall scheme of things, that is only a 0.009% discharge rate. And, I believe it is even less than that in "Tow".
When I made the suggestion I wasn't aware you were getting a PDS cart and made a blanket statement.

If you haven't already, go to this post from the Stickies at the top of this forum and download the .pdf files.
They are the Owner, Service and Parts manuals for your cart.
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...g-manuals.html

Hopefully the new batteries were broken in properly by the previous owner, but it is never too late to get some improvement, so go to this site and read everything with "Battery" in the title.
http://www.cartsunlimited.net/

Have fun with your new cart, and be safe.

[Rickochet]

Originally Posted by JohnnieB

Not 100% true, but pretty close.

If you look at the attached PDS schematic, you'll notice a 250 Ohm resistor across the main terminals of the solenoid that connects the battery to the B+ terminal on the controller.
The Run/Tow switch doesn't kill that, or at least not completely.

It's only about 20 Milliamps and in the overall scheme of things, that is only a 0.009% discharge rate. And, I believe it is even less than that in "Tow".
When I made the suggestion I wasn't aware you were getting a PDS cart and made a blanket statement.

If you haven't already, go to this post from the Stickies at the top of this forum and download the .pdf files.
They are the Owner, Service and Parts manuals for your cart.
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...g-manuals.html

Thanks for the links Johnnie. I know squat about electric carts and have lots of homework to do.

Hopefully the new batteries were broken in properly by the previous owner, but it is never too late to get some improvement, so go to this site and read everything with "Battery" in the title.
http://www.cartsunlimited.net/

Have fun with your new cart, and be safe.

Actually the batteries are still on the pallet. The dealer still has the cart to install a rear flip seat, lights and new batteries so I will be the one to break them in.