Charging Problem

[basstracker1959]

I have a 1992 Ezgo 36 volt electric cart, I have 5-8 volt batteries in my cart(I was told this would work on 36 volt carts) and it has. My problem is my Textron total charge III charger keeps cutting off a few seconds after plugging in to cart. I keep trying it and sometimes it will charge for a hour or so then cut off again, on rare occasions it will stay on for a full charge. I have put new receptacles on charger and cart. The batteries are 1 year old, also all new cables on batteries and cart runs fine. Could the problem be in the charger? What might be the problem?

[gornoman]

Welcome to BGW!

What shape and how old are these batteries? Are they properly filled with distilled water over the plates? Any corrosion present? Bulging battery cases? Old cables? Does the cart run at all? Is this a new problem?

[golfcarfixer]

Welcome to BGW

[dougmcp]

Welcome.
The batteries you have are mismatched with the charging system you are using. You need to have 6x6v batteries in the cart not 5x8v.

[sunking]

Originally Posted by basstracker1959

I have a 1992 Ezgo 36 volt electric cart, I have 5-8 volt batteries in my cart

Welcome. It will not work. You wil never get a full charge.

I assume whoever told you this only told you half the story, or you missed something. The stock controller and motor will work fine at 40 volts, but not the charger will not without modifications to set the cut-off point 4 volts higher.

A 36 volt charger is made to supply a constant current up to a set point voltage. For a 36 volt stack around 44 volts and then it shuts off. A 40 volt stack needs a constant current up to around 48 volts before it cuts off. A 36 volt charger will never make it 48 volts.

[scottyb]

You could try a 42v charger, If you can find one??? or just add the 6th and go to 48v.... Charger and all

[dougmcp]

Originally Posted by scottyb

You could try a 42v charger, If you can find one??? or just add the 6th and go to 48v.... Charger and all

A 42v charger will overcharge the batteries but going to the full 48v and getting a 48v charger would work. Note, before trying this, be sure your controller can handle 48v. They are usually good for about 6v over the rating but not much more.