Service Manual

TESTING ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
4 - 4 Carefree Mower Service Manual
Charger Testing
This charger’s control system cannot be tested using
common testing equipment. However, if the charging
lights work, the charger is likely working.
There is one test that can indicate if the charger has
output. Attach a DC voltmeter to the battery terminals
(positive on one end of the pack and ne
gative on the
other). You should read about 24 or 36 volts,
depending on the model. Plug the charger into the
mower and wait for it to go through its testing cycle.
when the red light glows steadily, note the reading on
the voltmeter. If you cannot see a voltage increase,
wait a few minutes and check the reading again. When
the charger starts charging, it may take as much as 30
minutes to get up to full voltage. If it reads the same as
before, the charger has no output. Before replacing
the charger, check the transformer and wires that
supply power to the charger. If there is power going
into the charger but not coming out, the charger is bad.
Remember if the batteries are fully charged, the
charger will read that and turn off. If you suspect that is
the problem, run the mower for a time to drain the
batteries somewhat.
Charging Indicator Lights
There are two sets of indicator lights (actually light
emitting diodes or LEDs). One set is the charging
indicators and the other indicates the charge
remaining. In the next few paragraphs, we’ll be
covering the information communicated by each of the
lights (Figure 40).
Figure 40
0674-013
Flashing Yellow Charging Indicator
A flashing yellow indicator shows that the temperature
is either too hot or too cold. When the temperature
situation is corrected, the red indicator will illuminate
and the charger will resume charging at the rate last
determined (Figure 41).
Note:
If left in the garage over the Winter, the charger
may flash yellow for months, only to begin charging on
the first warm Spring day. This situation is perfectly
normal. The unit should be left plugged in while the
yellow light flashes.
Figure 41
5306-111