1991 EZGO charging issues.
 

When I plug in the charger, within about 20 seconds I can hear some electrical snapping, arcing, crackling sounds that appear to be coming from the speed controller area although I can't be positive. I disconnected the lead from the controller to the battery, plugged in the charger and still hear the arcing noise. One thing I noticed was the voltmeter was measuring half charged until I removed the controller cable the it jumped to full charge. The charger meter is pegged on zero when plugged in. I've had issues in the past with the forward reverse switch and I believe I may need a new one. Is there some help for this poor old cart?