Club Car 2008-2011 Maintenance And Service Manual page 277

HIGH FREQUENCY CHARGER (ONBOARD)
For 6 volt batteries: If individual batteries read above 7.0 volts and are within 0.5 volts of each other, go to
the hydrometer test (flooded lead-acid batteries) or discharge test (gel cell or AGM batteries). If any battery
reads below 7.0 volts and not within 0.5 volts of those batteries above 7.0 volts, replace battery. If readings
are below 7.0 volts but within 0.5 volts of each other, the batteries are old.
For 8 volt batteries: If individual batteries read above 9.3 volts and are within 0.7 volts of each other, go to
the hydrometer test (flooded lead-acid batteries) or discharge test (gel cell or AGM batteries). If any battery
reads below 9.3 volts and not within 0.7 volts of those batteries above 9.3 volts, replace battery. If readings
are below 9.3 volts but within 0.7 volts of each other, the batteries are old.
For 12 volt batteries: If individual batteries read above 14.0 volts and are within 1.0 volt of each other, go to
the hydrometer test (flooded lead-acid batteries) or discharge test (gel cell or AGM batteries). If any battery
reads below 14.0 volts and not within 1.0 volt of those batteries above 14.0 volts, replace battery. If readings
are below 14.0 volts but within 1.0 volt of each other, the batteries are old.
Old batteries may have enough capacity left to last several more months. Go to hydrometer test (flooded lead-
acid batteries) or discharge test (gel cell or AGM batteries).
TEST PROCEDURE 4 – HYDROMETER TEST – FLOODED LEAD-ACID BATTERIES
ONLY
A hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the battery's electrolyte. The higher the specific gravity, the
higher the state of charge of the batteries. A fully charged battery should read between 1.250 and 1.280 at
80 °F (26.7 °C). Never add acid to batteries to obtain a higher specific gravity.
Performing the Hydrometer Test
1. Be sure batteries have sufficient electrolyte to cover plates by approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm) and are
fully charged prior to beginning test. If water must be added, recharge the batteries before performing the
hydrometer test.
2. Remove the vent cap. Using a battery thermometer (CC P/N 1011767), record electrolyte temperature
of the no. 2 cell.
3. Squeeze the rubber bulb of the hydrometer and insert into the cell. Slowly release the bulb, drawing elec-
trolyte up into the glass tube of the hydrometer.
4. When the float rises off the bottom, adjust the electrolyte level so that the float rides free of the bottom
but does not strike the top of the glass tube. Remove the hydrometer from the cell and release the pres-
sure from the bulb.
5. Hold the hydrometer vertically, ensuring that the float is not touching the sides of the barrel. Hold the
hydrometer at eye level and read the scale at the level of electrolyte (Figure 10-4, Page 10-12).
6. Record the reading and return the electrolyte to the cell from which it was taken. Replace vent cap.
7. Repeat steps 2 through 6 on all cells.
Hydrometer Calibration
Most hydrometers are calibrated to read correctly at 80 °F (26.7 °C). The readings obtained as described
above must be corrected for temperature. For each 10 °F (5.6 °C) above 80 °F (26.7 °C), add 0.004 to the
reading. For each 10 °F (5.6 °C) below 80 °F (26.7 °C), subtract 0.004 from the reading.
2008-2011 Domestic Battery Charger Maintenance and Service Manual
10
Test Procedures
Page 10-11