36 volt ezgo goes loses power on the 17th hole.

[mt.sledder]

My batteries are about 4 years old and have been maintained properly by keeping the tops clean and water levels topped up with distilled water. Towards the end of a round of golf on a hilly course the cart starts struggling to get up the last couple hills. When I check the voltage with a voltmeter I’m getting 36.2 volts. Shouldn’t that be enough to keep running fairly strong? Last year I was able to get 36 holes out of a charge. The one odd thing I’ve noticed this summer is my state of charge meter. It’s an aftermarket one that has the series of bars to show the charge left. In past years it always showed a full charge even after 36 holes of golf. I’ve never believed it ever. Now it shows about 1/3 charge even after the batteries have been fully charged.

[kgsc]

36.2 is around 50% charge. 38.2 is a full charge. Plug in the charger and if you can monitor the voltage. When is is near the end of the charge it should be around 45 volts. Once it is done check the voltage again a few hours later. If it is below 38.2 your pack is getting old or a single battery is failing. If during monitoring you never get to 45 volts your charger might have an issue.

[scottyb]

As batteries age their ability to store amperage diminishes. Equal to a cars fuel tank shrinking as the car aged. Sounds like it's time for a new set of batteries or a lithium conversion for even better results.

[Volt_Ampere]

Loss of performance after some driving is always a sign of weak batteries. If you got 4 years out of them you are doing well anyway. Sounds like you need a new set of batteries.

[dundeebarnbuggy]

Too bad for you that it doesn't lose power on the 19th hole!

[Volt_Ampere]

Mine always stops on the 19th hole! :-)

[mt.sledder]

Originally Posted by scottyb

As batteries age their ability to store amperage diminishes. Equal to a cars fuel tank shrinking as the car aged. Sounds like it's time for a new set of batteries or a lithium conversion for even better results.

Tell me more about the lithium conversion.

[Volt_Ampere]

There are a ton of Lithium conversion threads already. Go read them.

[bronsonj]

There are 36V lithium and 48V lithium drop-in kits. Each version starts out with the V slightly higher than what a lead acid pack is fully charged and when dead it's a little lower than a dead lead acid pack, so it works with your current golf cart electrical system.

The benefit is the V stays on the high side for a while and lithium weighs about 1/4th to 1/3rd as much as a lead acid pack. So your cart will accelerate better and be more likely to reach it's top speed. Most lithium packs offer a much greater range too.

The negatives are cost and sometimes ride harshness. If you have HD springs you may want to put on a set of normal springs and I reduced the pressure in my tires as well.

The lithium EZGO forum is here:
https://www.buggiesgonewild.com/forumdisplay.php?f=99

The Extreme DC Lithium forum is here:
https://www.buggiesgonewild.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97

You will find good info on both.

[Bama Brad]

Originally Posted by mt.sledder

Tell me more about the lithium conversion.

First thing to do is get your credit card paid down....because it will be needed $$$$! If you plan on keeping this cart, I would convert to 48volts with lithium. You will be amazed at the difference! But, substantial $$$ involved. But cheaper than getting a new one :)