[dfn8tly]

I have an electric golf cart that has been idle/unused in my garage for about 4 months. I want to start using it again but I'm unsure what my startup procedure should be. Since it has been sitting for so long I'm sure it needs water in the batteries. However, it has been sitting unplugged from the charger as well. Do I plug in the charger first and then add water or vice versa? I certainly do not want to damage the batteries or any electrical components.

Your advise will be very much appreciated.

[cybermuda]

I do not know if this is the "recommended" procedure, but it works for me when my cart has been unused for a long time:

1) make sure the water level in each battery is just above the metal plates

2) plug in charger and charge fully

3) unplug charger then fill batteries with water to their usual "full" level

I fully-charge the batteries and top them up with water before leaving for a long time

and, if you can, have a neighbour recharge them every month while you are away

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by cybermuda

I do not know if this is the "recommended" procedure, but it works for me when my cart has been unused for a long time:

1) make sure the water level in each battery is just above the metal plates

2) plug in charger and charge fully

3) unplug charger then fill batteries with water to their usual "full" level

I fully-charge the batteries and top them up with water before leaving for a long time

and, if you can, have a neighbour recharge them every month while you are away

Good advice.

[mrdills]

after you charge the batteries, wait about another 1/2 hour and pug it back in again that equalized the batteries. This is good even if you run you cart all the time, its good for the batteries and they will last longer

[jchase]

Cybermuda has the best advise. That's the same advise Trojan batteries recommend.

[bargee]

If your charger does not start up your batterys may be too low to accept a charge.You then will have to charge them for a time with a regular battery charger.After you start to get a voltage reading you can then proceed to charge with the regular golf cart charger.

[RichieLion]

Originally Posted by cybermuda

I do not know if this is the "recommended" procedure, but it works for me when my cart has been unused for a long time:

1) make sure the water level in each battery is just above the metal plates

2) plug in charger and charge fully

3) unplug charger then fill batteries with water to their usual "full" level

I fully-charge the batteries and top them up with water before leaving for a long time

and, if you can, have a neighbour recharge them every month while you are away

Your advice seems sound. I would only add that first he should CHECK ALL BATTERY CONNECTIONS AND CLEAN AND TIGHTEN AS NECESSARY. Also after your step 3 I would charge the batteries again.