Power Drive charger normal operation?

[src9]

just put new batteries, interstate 8v, in my 2001 ds and charger hasn't turned off after 8+ hours charging. Isn't this charger suppose to kick off automatically when fully charged? The charger gets down to about 2 amps before i unplugged it because of strong smell of battery acid--didn't boil over/leak. This is a new cart and charger to me and is the first time i've tried to use it so i can't speak of it's use before now. Of course the previous owner claimed it just needed new batteries. Thanks for the help.

[GLEEMO]

The charger works in conjunction with a OBC (On Board computer) to determine when the batteries are fully charged.
New off shelf batteries could take as long as 12 hours to charge if they were depleted (sitting for a while). the smell is normal for the batteries and a bubbling sound .
The charger will trip off after 16 Hours worse case.
Wait about 1 hour after you have turned the charger off then
get a digital volt meter and check battery Voltage.
Use this chart to determine how close to full charge U have http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...-readings.html
It will take many charges for batteries to reach full potential so be patient.

[scottyb]

Yes, your charger is fully automatic
It will shut off when the charging cycle is complete. The first 10-20 cycles are critical to battery serviceability through out their usable life.
Do not interrupt the charger. It may take up to 12hrs. to fully charge the batteries. It has a 16 hr shut off built in. Follow the new battery break-in procedures .... do not draw the pack down below 75% capacity for the first 20 cycles then gradually increase to 50% MAXIMUM for their usable life... If you follow these guidelines you will get the maximum life and use from your batteries.... drawing them down too far will shorten their usable life..... You very next purchase should be a digital voltmeter
Print this chart and keep it handy....

[src9]

thanks for the help guys. I was afraid I might do something stupid and ruin the new batteries. they are marked nov 09, so I assume they are as new as you can get. Are they shipped fully charged?

[scottyb]

Charge Before Use !!!!

[golfcarfixer]

No,new batteries dont come fully charged.yes,they need to be cycled to come up to full cap. you can also equalize the batteries after charging by backing up about 20ft or so and then pulling forward.then you can put them on charge again. It helps,trojan rep told me that.