48v golf cart batteries life cycle and need one replacement
#1
48v golf cart batteries life cycle and need one replacement
We have an EZGO MPT 1000 and someone stole one of the batteries. We have Trojan T-105 batteries in there. Last time we had the cart serviced, the tech said the batteries failed a load test.
Is there a way I can conduct this test myself to see if the rest of the batteries are in poor condition?
If they test ok, is there any issue adding a brand new battery to the system?
Is there a way I can conduct this test myself to see if the rest of the batteries are in poor condition?
If they test ok, is there any issue adding a brand new battery to the system?
#2
Group Moderator
Yes, you can test the batteries yourself with a battery load tester. They are relatively inexpensive or take the batteries to an auto parts store and they can check them for you.
#3
Probably more effective to buy a load tester than hauling 7 batteries in for testing.
If the batteries are 4-5 years old.... they're probably weak.
Remember.... any one weak battery will render the entire system sluggish/useless.
There is an easy to use inexpensive one in the link below. I have 3-4 of them.
For you application it will work fine.
Battery load tester
If the batteries are 4-5 years old.... they're probably weak.
Remember.... any one weak battery will render the entire system sluggish/useless.
There is an easy to use inexpensive one in the link below. I have 3-4 of them.
For you application it will work fine.
Battery load tester
#4
The HF load tester came in the mail. Is it possible to charge the batteries with on less in the circuit. As I mentioned in the OP, one was stolen. I imagine the charge is real low. Hooking the test up they are low on a charge to begin with and when I put a load on them they fail (well the ones I tested, only tested 2). I wanted to see if charging them before testing them would give a more accurate reading.
#5
You want to charge the seven batteries with the 48v charger.
It may work. It may overcharge them. You'd need to monitor the voltage on the batteries.
The charge should not exceed 6.8vDC on any battery.
Make sure they don't get hot or start spitting acid.
It may work. It may overcharge them. You'd need to monitor the voltage on the batteries.
The charge should not exceed 6.8vDC on any battery.
Make sure they don't get hot or start spitting acid.
#6
Group Moderator
You can also use a standard automotive charger that has a 6/12 volt switch. Disconnect the cables from the battery you want to charge and charge it on it's own using the 6v setting.
I personally wouldn't risk charging your entire bank with a 48v charger. Those big deep cycle batteries are pretty durable but they are also quite expensive so I wouldn't risk it but if you are in a pinch and careful it probably could be made to work. Definetely have the area well vented as there likely will be a lot of off gassing and make sure to check the water levels.
I personally wouldn't risk charging your entire bank with a 48v charger. Those big deep cycle batteries are pretty durable but they are also quite expensive so I wouldn't risk it but if you are in a pinch and careful it probably could be made to work. Definetely have the area well vented as there likely will be a lot of off gassing and make sure to check the water levels.
#7
Thanks, guys.
It seems risky. These batteries are form 2015 - the last tech that installed them labeled the date - so they may be on their way out anyways.
A prior tech had said they failed a load test before but I wanted to double check in case they were just trying to sell us new batteries.
I do have a car battery charger - I'll see if it has a 6v function - if it does, I can charge one and do a test to see if it passes.
It seems risky. These batteries are form 2015 - the last tech that installed them labeled the date - so they may be on their way out anyways.
A prior tech had said they failed a load test before but I wanted to double check in case they were just trying to sell us new batteries.
I do have a car battery charger - I'll see if it has a 6v function - if it does, I can charge one and do a test to see if it passes.
#8
Group Moderator
If your charger doesn't have a 6v feature you can connect two of your batteries together and charge them as a 12v battery.
#11
Member
I think I remember my service techs in the golf car side of our dealership telling me that if you install a new battery into a bank of older batteries, that the new battery will degrade to the level of the others rather quickly. Better to buy them in sets. Just saying,