# 2002 GEM E825 charging issue **URL:** \ **Category:** GEM Forum\ **Created:** [June 8, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-e825-charging-issue/6125 "2016-06-08T17:07:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Boultonm11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df788c/32.png) [@Boultonm11](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Boultonm11)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 5:07pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-e825-charging-issue/6125/1 "2016-06-08T17:07:42Z")
Over the winter, I did not charge my GEM for several months. When I plug it in now, the is an audible alarm and a sturdy red flash light on the steering wheel. Prior owner put in Duracell marine/rv batteries. Does anyone know, is this alarm signaling batteries are dead, or is there an issue with the charging system on the GEM? I have located the 2 large batteries in the front of the GEM, but I’ve seen reference to posts in these forums about 6 batteries on the GEM. Is this true? Where can I find the other 4? Thank you very much in advance for any thoughts, guidance and suggestions. ---
**Author:** ![Old\_Houseboater](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/old_houseboater/32/544_2.png) [@Old\_Houseboater](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Old_Houseboater)\ **Post date:** [June 8, 2016, 8:46pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-e825-charging-issue/6125/2 "2016-06-08T20:46:31Z")
Your batteries are dead. There has to be a minimum voltage in the batteries for the on board charger to start working. Charge each battery with a 12 volt charger then your charger should take over. I’d be interested in knowing why you let the cart set so long without charging. GEM battery packs should be charged every 2 weeks when setting. ---
**Author:** ![Boultonm11](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/df788c/32.png) [@Boultonm11](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Boultonm11)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2016, 12:40pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-e825-charging-issue/6125/3 "2016-06-09T12:40:36Z")
Thanks for the help. I did attempt to charge the batteries, but still received the alarm when I plugged the Gem in. I think I’ll take the batteries to an auto parts store to see if they can test them. Do you know, are here just the 2 batteries located in the front end? That’s a reasonable question. I acquired the Gem in a barter and really don’t know anything about maintaining or working on it. It wasn’t a priority over the winter. Big mistake I now realize from the issues I’m having. ---
**Author:** ![Piranha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/bbce88/32.png) [@Piranha](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Piranha)\ **Post date:** [June 9, 2016, 1:01pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2002-gem-e825-charging-issue/6125/4 "2016-06-09T13:01:02Z")
Should be another 4 batteries under the seat, total of 6 batteries.