Using voltmeter

[bassman]

I have a 1999 48v club car, just cleaned all terminals and filled batteries and charger still isn't shutting off. I do not want to spend the money on a new OBC for the fear I do not need one. The charger is showing only 4 after 16 hours so I know charger works. The batteries are 5-6 years old Trojans should I just suck it up and buy new ones. The cart seems to run fine and isn't that slow. I just bought it so not sure how long they actually last though. The batteries are reading 30 when charger is done. To test individually do I have to disconnect all wires from battery before testing? If this is the case what do I set me voltmeter to? Another question I have is what is a hydrometer? Sorry about long questions just hoping someone can help.

[scottyb]

A little concerned about this reading of 30? How and where did you get that?
5 yr old batteries could be at the end of their life.... THe charger should shut off in 5 to 6 hours....normally. Set the voltmeter to 200volts DC and connect where the charger plugs in ..... what do you read?

[bassman]

I got the reading by touching pos and neg with voltmeter to batteries. I didn't have on right setting. I tried touching them where charger plugs in and nothing happened also se to what you told me to.

[scottyb]

I want you to try to get a reading in the charger recepticle... Set the voltmeter to 200 VDC and wiggle them around in the sockets until the meter gives you a reading......30 is not right ..... the charger wouldn't even come on for that!

[bassman]

Going to try now, when I did that earlier I was getting numbers like 5-10.

[scottyb]

Wrong setting.....try 200vdc