Dried Out Batteries in 2009 DS

[OLD MEC]

Also if he wont give you a NEW SET OF QUALITY TROJAN BATTERYS turn him into better buisness beaurea locally. Your reputable dealer is a ripp off if he has done this before and so local people should be warned.

[Timdelta]

Could go nuclear! Go to city hall and get a permit for protesting, usually just a formality to inform you of the rules, and to let the police know what your up to. Then go with the cart and sit just off of his property with a sign explaining what has happened. Have a web site set up that explains what has happened. He will crack in a hour!
Actually be very nice and slowly step up the issue until you have to do the nuclear option, explain how and what you will do next, then do it.

Be polite and clear with what you think is fair. Document everything.

[stinkyboy]

Thanks for all of your help guys. This is a great forum

The dealer did exchange my batteries no questions asked and was very apologetic

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by stinkyboy

Thanks for all of your help guys. This is a great forum

The dealer did exchange my batteries no questions asked and was very apologetic

SEE!? Dealers aren't all bad people .... mistakes happen but dgood people take care of them..... glad to hear good news ....

NOW! Read read read about how to properly break in the new batteries so they reach 100% and last a full useful life


NEW BATTERIES?
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...attery+Breakin

NEW BATTERY BREAK-IN PROCEDURE:
Following proper break-in procedure can increase the strength and the useful life span of your new batteries. New batteries are initially about 75% of their full strength. The following procedure will insure they reach their full potential.
The 1st 10 to 20 complete charge/discharge cycles are critical to insure they reach 100%. New batteries should be charged before use and thereafter as follows:
Plug the charger in and leave it alone until charger shuts off by itself. Then drive to discharge the batteries to 75% battery pack capacity (see chart) Plug the cart back in and repeat the charge cycle.......It is very important you let it charge until it is completely done. Repeat this for the first 10 - 20 cycles......by the 12th cycle you will notice a difference in power, speed, and run-time.........I have never had a customer say they have not noticed the increase.
Most importantly, NEVER run the battery pack down below 50% of capacity throughout their entire life. Never leave the batteries in a state of discharge for extended periods of time. Recharge the pack once a week if the cart is sitting idle or in storage. And when in doubt, recharge it.
During the break-in procedure, keep an eye on the water levels. T can take 12 hours or more for the 1st few Charging times. These extended charge cycles may evaporate some of the water. ( use distilled water only )
As the batteries break in you will notice the charge time gets shorter. Eventually going from 12 to 5-6 hours per recharge.
ONCE A MONTH:
Routine maintenance is the 2nd most important thing to insure you get the most use out of your new battery pack. It is critical that you get into a routine of spending 10 - 15 minutes a month to keep the cable connections clean and check the water levels. Proper water level is critical. Dry batteries die quickly.
Keep the Distilled Water level up to the bottom of the fill hole sleeve or a half inch above the lead plates. Do not fill to the top.
Use a hard nylon brush to remove any visible corrosion. Carefully check that all of the cable connections are tight. Loose connections cause arching which will melt the soft lead terminals. Spray-on Battery Terminal Protector is available from the auto parts store and greatly reduces corrosive build up.
I hope this helps you get the most use possible out of your battery investment.

[TahoeDawgZ71]

Originally Posted by stinkyboy

Thanks for all of your help guys. This is a great forum

The dealer did exchange my batteries no questions asked and was very apologetic

With brand new batteries? If so, what kind? I'm guessing Crown.

[stinkyboy]

They replaced my 2009 batteries with another set of 2009's from another cart. I'm fine with that as that is what I paid for.

I don't know if the ones I returned were damaged - the cells were a burnt rust color, while the new ones I got are grey inside. Just didn't want to take the chance.

Anyway, why is it that you shouldn't run the batteries down below 50%?

The dealer said I should run them down until the light comes on then recharge them. He said deep discharges and full charges will provide longer battery life.

[OLD MEC]

On the newer Club Cars OBC indicator lights I am not sure of what percentage rate of discharge is when it comes on, but I consider that its an extreme discharge and is what I would call an "IDIOT LIGHT" meaning hey stupid you went too far without recharging? I will quote from Trojan Battery Literature as follows
"Lead acid batterys do not develop any type of memory. This means you DO NOT have to deep discharge or completly discharge a battery before recharging it. For optimum life and performance we generally recommend a discharge of ( 20% to 50% ) of the battery rated capacity, even though batterys are capable of being cycled up to 80%"
THIS IS ONLY MY OPINION of what your dealer said is just this ( He either doesn't know what good battery maintianace is OR HE wants to sell batterys and parts so there is no skin off his nose if you ruin batterys sooner than normal )? NUFF SAID?

[scottyb]

I STAND BY THE MANUFACTURES' RECOMMENDATION OF NO MORE THAN 50% DISCHARGE.... and don't take too much battery advice from a man who sells dry batteries

[OLD MEC]

STINKYBOY--By the way what brand of batterys did dealer install ( TROJAN OR WHAT OTHER BRAND? ) you said "another 2009 cart" so they were ( used ? ) batterys and what is the date stamp on battery terminal? The batterys could have been from a 2009 BUT how old and used were they, as you could have almost any old batterys? After what dealer did to you, sending out a cart with dry batterys I would check everything he does and doubt everything he says? Do yourself a favor and give us the serial number from ( YOUR CART ) so that it can be confirmed that it is in true a 2009 Club Car. This may seem extreme but had local person purchase a Club Car through EBAY and found that it was a 10 year older cart than what was advertised???
Dealer could be correct about all info but it doesn't hurt to double check so you know where you stand with him?

[shadowman]

Originally Posted by scottyb

I STAND BY THE MANUFACTURES' RECOMMENDATION OF NO MORE THAN 50% DISCHARGE.... and don't take too much battery advice from a man who sells dry batteries

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