Newby with Club Car DS model - battery charging questions

[gordon]

I love the support the Internet proviides. I frequent some automotive forums and thought if I can find an online forum for golf carts it will probably help me solve my problems.

My golf cart began having charging issues and since the batteries were most likely original I ordered new batteries. My son installed them for me while I was out of town but the batteries keep charging and building heat but the charging light never goes off.

The cart drives in forward and reverse but has limited power.

I suspect we have a very simple issue with the wiring but welcome suggestions.

[roady89]

Welcome to BGW Gordan!

I would grab a diagram from the stickies at the top of the forum, and double check all your wiring. I'm gonna guess he might have wired one in parrallel by accident and thats why the light is on....(just a guess) but something to look for. It's a common thing, happens all the time.

[gordon]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll copy one of the diagrams and go check the wiring.

Gordon

[gordon]

Everything appears to wired correctly.

When I connect the charger it pegs at full charging rate and pretty much stays there. If I leave it charging the batteries get hot. As I said before, the cart will drive but runs like it has weak batteries. And, the needs charging light stays on.

I may pull all the batteries and start all over.

[roady89]

If the charger pegs the needle when you plug it in there is something wired wrong. Try not to run it till you get it sorted.

[gordon]

OK, after closely reviewing the wiring diagram and my batteries I have found a culprit.

The negative post on my final battery in series only has one heavy gage black wire connected to it. It does not have a secondary smaller black wire. After inspecting the battery compartment and rear electronics compartment I cannot find another black stray wire needing a home.

Inspecting the batteries indicates the top of the plates are exposed. I know that wasn't the case when they were installed but we have been trying to get them charged for a couple of weeks now so we probably boiled away some acid. I'll get distilled water to raise the fluid levels.

So, should I absolutely have a second black wire connected to the negative post on the final battery?

Appreciate the help.

Gordon

[roady89]

Which diagram are you using?....so I can be on the same page as you.

Please use ONLY distilled water in your batteries.( I know you will)

[gordon]

Here's the link to the wiring diagram I have been referencing:

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/attac...890336vpw2.jpg

[roady89]

Ok...If I'm on the same page as you.

On the last battery, one cable should go to the speed controller B- and the other goes to the negative charging receptacle. Follow your charging receptacles negative cable...it should go to the last batteries negative terminal. I bet its going somewhere else.

[roady89]

Your charging circuit is mis-wired. That will make the battery charger peg out like you describe. I'm pretty sure there are some other cables mis-wired as well and thats what is causing the slowness.