Maintenance while stored for 3 months

[golf-girl]

We have just bought a used Yamaha G16E Golf Cart - used for golf only.

We have to keep it in another location until we move into a new house in a few months and are just wondering how much does it need to be driven and/or charged? So far we just gave it one full charge and only driven it about 1000 yards every two weeks.

Does it need to be driven more than this?

Should we let the battery drain down before topping it off again - or charge every time even after a short trip down the block and back? Obviously we wouldn't want to just leave it on the charger either...

Thanks in advance for input!

[cre73]

I think most are going to tell you to keep it on the charger. Your charger is automatic and will only keep the batteries fully charged while it sits. Hopefully I am correct.

yep ... and if you don't then at least charge it every 2 weeks ..
also every 2 weeks check water (distilled only) and keep cables clean and tight

if possible drive it a little ..poor thing will feel lonely

[lockman1]

Welcome to BGW golf-girl!

If... you don't feel comfortable leaving it on the charger for 3 months,
You could do what I did with my 98 CC 48V while storing it for 5 to 6 months in a cold Wisconsin winter!

If you have the ability... get the batteries to a full charge, unplug the charger from the cart,
wait 10 minutes, and plug the charger back in, and then let it shut off again.
Then... disconnect the main Positive and main Negative to the whole pack, and off you go!
When you get back, attach the main positive and negative cables to the pack, charge again, and you should be good to go!

It's saved my batteries, charger, and everything else from any possible catastrophe that could have happened electrically!

my .02

[smallblock450sl]

Your G16-e should have come with a Lester automatic charger. Although, it is an automatic charger (will turn it's self off after predetermined charging), it is not a fully automatic charger, meaning it can not restart a charge cycle by it self if left plugged in. My best advice would be to charge the batteries at least once a month. Just unplug it from the car and replug it in, the charger will only stay on as long as needed to get the batteries back up to full voltage. Hope that made sence.

[golf-girl]

Wow - thanks for so many helpful replies and the warm welcome!

We'll keep on charging then and drive a bit too - it's only a few months, not a whole winter.

[scottyb]

Wet cell lead acid golf cart batteries loose about 1% of their charge per day sitting idle. This is a significant loss. Leaving them for more than a month at a time without recharging is inviting irreversible damage from sulfation of the plates. Ideally run a little and recharge every 2-3 weeks. This type of battery likes to left fully charged all the time. Good luck with your new toy.

Visit > http://cartsunlimited.net/Home_Page.html
For helpful battery info every cart owner should know.