Batteries OK?

[AHIII]

Hi guys. I'm hoping someone may be able to tell me if my batteries are ok. My "new to me" cart seems really sluggish compared to another one I've driven lately. I'm testing using a voltmeter.

Test 1: Drove the cart about 30 minutes... then the cart was left sitting for a couple of weeks. Checked the voltage across the system at 36.3V. I hooked up the voltmeter across each individual battery and drove at ~90% throttle. Each battery started at around 6.0V and, while driving, settled in ~5.68V.

I then charged the batteries fully and checked voltage at 37.0V. Again, I drove the cart ~ 90% throttle and the voltage dropped and settled around 34.2V while driving. After 8 minutes of driving, I stopped the cart and the voltage came up to 36.0V. After sitting 5 minutes, the voltage rose to 36.4V.

Can anyone tell me if this sounds normal? Is this a good type of test?

Thanks, in advance, for the help!

Alek

 

[HotRodCarts]

The voltages look low. If the cart has been sitting all winter they may get better with a couple charge cycles but it looks like they may be on their last leg. Have yo checked to see if they need water?

 

[AHIII]

Thanks HotRod. Water's good and I've been through 5-6 recharge cycles over the last month or so. After driving the other cart, I was afraid of that

! I DO appreciate the help! Will start another thread to look at my options.

 

[AHIII]

Got the new batteries and upgraded to 4 gauge wiring throughout cart. MAN WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!

. Totally different cart!!!
I'm having another small problem with go-no-go. Sometimes I have to hold "gas" down for a minute before it'll go. The solenoid will click, but it might take it a few seconds for it to take off. Once it "kicks in", it's doing really well. I've read in other posts where this sounds like a loose connection. I've removed, cleaned, and re-tightened all of my connections... and I don't think that's it. I'll mess with it a little more this weekend to see if I can come up with the cause.
Thanks, again, for all the help. This is the cart I was hoping for!!

 

[HotRodCarts]

Glad you dgot the battery problem sorted out...

What year is the cart?

 

[AHIII]

1997...
Also, I found the nameplate info on the controller when I was rewiring. Was glad to at least know what it is. It's a 400A Curtis... can anyone tell me if that's stock?
Thanks,
Alek

 

[HotRodCarts]

I believe the Freedom model EZGO came stock with a 400 amp controller and a 3.5 hp motor. Normally the other models come stock with a 275 amp controller.

 

[shadowman]

make sure you break those batteries in right.........they are approx 70 to 75% when new so you have to run them thur 10 to 12 charge/discharge cycles..........when you put it on the charger leave it on till it shuts off by itself unless theres any really hot heat from charger or cart........don,t be surprised if the 1st few charges it takes 16 to 17 hours...............just did a 94 and the 1st charge 17 1/2 hours...............once you break them in you,ll know it you,ll get on the cart and when you hit the pedal you,ll say whoa whos cart is this......................break them in right............................

 

[AHIII]

Thanks, again, for the help guys. I did find an article regarding batteries, including break-in, and figured out just how little I actually knew! This is a great forum and I really appreciate all of the help!
Alek

 

[htmcardude]

Hey iam new too the cart battery charge is it ok to use cheap cosgo engerizer batteries i think i didnt charge them right the cart is on the charger and its getting slower please help....

 

[HotRodCarts]

I haven't heard anything bad about the energizer batteries. I see a lot of people buying them but I guess only time will tell. Theres a post in the resource section here on battery break in and maintenance that my help you out with your new batteries. Make sure you keep them topped off with distilled water.