Volt meter problem

[Scott71]

I have a 2008 Drive electric. I purchased a Yamaha volt meter to add to the cart. I installed it per instructions but the voltage never shows to drop. When the cart quits the meter is still showing full charge. I verified the meter was 48 volt. I then tried a Hobbs meter and it does the same thing. I am using 14 gauge wire with the positive wire going to main positive terminal and negative going to main ground on opposite battery. I recently replaced the Trogan T1275 batteries with Exide group 31 deep cycles. Any thoughts???

[golfcartg]

You've followed the instructions and connected the meter using 14-gauge wire, with the positive wire going to the main positive terminal and the negative wire to the main ground on the opposite battery. This wiring configuration seems correct, but let's explore additional steps.

It sounds like there might be some interference causing the voltage meter to not display accurately. To troubleshoot, let's try wiring the meter directly to the controller, bypassing any potential interference from the solenoid. If the issue persists, it's a good idea to run new wires from the battery pack to the gauge to ensure a clean connection. Additionally, check the voltage at the meter and compare it to the voltage at the battery pack's positive and negative terminals. A bad connection can cause a voltage drop, leading to inaccurate readings on the meter.

You mentioned trying both a Yamaha volt meter and a Hobbs meter, but both exhibited the same behavior of not showing a voltage drop when the cart quits. This consistency suggests that the issue might not be specific to the meter itself but rather related to the wiring or connections.

Considering your experience with the current meters, it might be worth considering an alternative option. Investing in a digital voltmeter with a voltage readout can provide more accurate measurements and eliminate the need for interpreting bar graphs or percentage displays (see pic). With a digital voltmeter, you'll have precise voltage readings at your fingertips, helping you monitor the battery status more effectively. By consulting the SOC chart, you can quickly determine the battery's condition and take appropriate action to maintain its health. One important consideration when using a voltage meter is to avoid letting the voltage drop below 48 volts when the cart is parked or stopped.

Troubleshooting the issue involves checking the wiring connections, comparing voltage readings, and considering alternative meter options for more accurate measurements. If you have any specific questions feel free to ask!