batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

Bought a 2005 CC Precedent in September. It was part of a golf course fleet, so I have no maintenance history. Cart ran great at first (36 holes of golf easily done). Two weeks ago, it wouldn't make 27 holes. Now, it won't make 18 holes. After about 8 holes, amber battery LED light comes on when I am coasting (or braking) to a stop, and goes off about 3 seconds after stopping. By end of 16 holes, it is pretty much on constantly.

Have read all the many posts in this forum, so I know you want voltage readings (I don't know battery numbers, so I'll describe by location):

(Readings are : No Load, Under Load, While Charging)
Pass. Front 11.8, 9.8, 13.4
Pass. Rear 12.0, 10.0, 13.2
Driver Front 12.8, 10.8, 13.2
Driver Rear 12.4, 10.4, 13.2
Pack 51, (not tested under load), 54

Readings were taken 24 hours after complete charge cycle, then while under load, then while charging again.

Hydrometer readings vary widely within batteries -- anywhere from 1.05 to 1.26 within a battery.

Today, I charged just the passenger side batteries individually for one hour each, then plugged up to cart charger for a full cycle. Will advise results when completed.

Does this sound like new batteries are needed? I've read about so many other problems with CC 48V carts and their charging systems in this forum that I'm scared to plunk down $800 for new batteries, then find out they weren't the problem!

Really appreciate any help and/or advice!!

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

Hey you are starting in the right direction. U have a Volt Ohm meter and a Hydrometer :)
I assume the batteries is the same age of the cart and 12 Volt.
1. how long are you leaving the batteries on to charge ?
2. Have you checked all the Cables and their connections (batteries and other 2 Large Cables)

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

I assume the batteries are the original ones that came in cart (2005).

I use a PowerDrive 2 charger that came with cart. I hook it up after every round of golf and verify that it starts, but I never stay until finished so I can't say how long it charges.

I checked all the connections in the battery area and all appear clean and tight. Not sure what you mean by two "large" cables. All cables that I saw appeared to be the same size.

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

There are the large cables which daisey chain the Pack together,
then there is 1 large (same size as Bat Cable) which is connected to the Pos. of the first
Battery
and another 1 large (same size as Bat Cable) which is connected to the Neg. of the last
Battery.

Anyway does the charger stay plugged in overnight ?

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

I checked all battery connections, and all appear OK. Did not check any connections to motor, etc., as I don't know how to access. Would that be necessary?

Charger is always plugged in.

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

Probably not except one + goes to the OBC (On Board Computer) which talks back to your charger , to tell it to start and when to shut off.
Just trying to rule out everything before U spend $$ on Batteries.
So are you leaving the charger on all night ?? how many hours ?

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

I leave the cart with the charger running. It cuts itself off, but I don't know how long it runs before doing so.

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

Ok so let me ask this ?
The charger has a default safty timer which will not allow it to charge more than 16 hours.
If you are leaving this from lets say 3:00::PM until 11:AM THE NEXT DAY , THIS IS 20 HOURS.
So the charger may be timing out insted of charging completely ?
So today when you plug it in ,
1. Check the entire pack Voltage Before plugging charger up
2. Check every hour or so to see if charger has shut off
3. As soon as charger shuts off Check Pack Voltage
4. wait 1 hour then check pack Voltage again
If it has dropped much (1 Volt) check each battery
** if charger is still on and only shuts off after Timeout

** are these batteries

More info ------------------
Misc. Info

Voltage on a fully charged battery in good condition will read 2.12 to 2.15 volts per cell (about 12.75 volts for a 12 volt battery, or 6.40 for a 6 volt)


Specific Gravity Readings to determine State of Charge:

12.75 & Above = 100% Charged
12.60 to 12.74 = 85 to 100% Charged
12.40 to 12.59 = 75 to 85% Charged
12.20 to 12.39 = 50 to 75% Charged
12.00 to 12.19 = 25 to 50% Charged
12.00 & Below = Fully Discharged


In both voltage and specific gravity readings, consistency among cells and among batteries is important.
------------------------------

PS: can you post a picture of your Battery Compartment here

Re: batt / chg system troubleshooting
 

Welcome to the forum Edro................