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I have a club car precedent with a 4x12 battery set up. For about a month the battery light has been randomly coming on and off while in use and especially when I step on the brake. Just recently I have had problems with it not going when I push on peddle like its dead but after a minute or two will go and run fine. I just replaced one battery that measured at 9 volts now all batterys are above 12 and together above 48 still have problem with light and randomly not going?
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It's important to consider the individual battery voltage readings. The battery light illuminates if the pack voltage drops below 48 volts or if the On Board Computer (OBC) detects a diminished capacity remaining in the batteries. Now to understand state of charge, let's break it down.
A fully charged 12 volt lead acid battery typically measures around 12.6 to 12.8 volts. Therefore, for a 48 volt system, each battery should ideally measure between 12.6 and 12.8 volts when fully charged. Consequently, a 50% state of charge would correspond to each battery registering around 12.0 to 12.2 volts.
The expected lifespan of lead acid batteries varies depending on factors such as usage patterns, maintenance practices, and environmental conditions. Generally, deepcycle lead acid batteries can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years with proper care. Regular maintenance, including proper charging, watering (for flooded batteries), and periodic equalization, can help extend battery life. However, as batteries age, their capacity and performance gradually decline, eventually necessitating replacement to maintain optimal performance
One primary cause of degradation is sulfation, where sulfate crystals form on the battery plates as it discharges and recharges. This process reduces the active plate area, limiting the battery's capacity and performance. Additionally, repeated charging and discharging cycles cause plate corrosion and electrolyte loss, further diminishing battery efficiency. Exposure to high temperatures, overcharging, undercharging, and excessive deep cycling can also accelerate battery degradation.
To diagnose this battery light issue further, you'll need to perform a load test on the battery pack using a multimeter, you'll need to set up the multimeter to measure voltage and attach the alligator clips securely to the battery main terminals. While driving, monitor the voltage readings on the multimeter. Drive up hills to increase the load. A healthy battery should maintain its voltage within the expected range under load conditions. If the pack exhibits a significant voltage drop or fails to maintain voltage during the load test, it may indicate weakness or failing. This method allows you to assess the overall health and performance of the battery pack while it's under the typical operating conditions of the vehicle.
Next lets perform an individual battery load test, you can use a Harbor Freight 12V battery load tester. First things first, make sure your battery's all charged up, then let it sit for an hour to rest. Label and disconnect those battery cables and hook up the positive and negative leads of the load tester to the right terminals on the battery. Set that load tester to the correct voltage setting for a 12V battery. Now, kick that tester into gear to put a load on the battery for about 15 seconds. Keep an eye on that voltage readout while the test is running. A good battery will hold its own under the load, showing hardly any voltage drop. But if you spot a dip or if the voltage doesn't bounce back after you ease off the load, that's a telltale sign of a weak or failing battery cell. Run this test on each battery in the pack to pinpoint any potential gremlins. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
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