Simple question that I’m sure the experienced Gem people can answer. What happens when the batteries run low on a 2002 Gem??? Does it stop dead? Does the car slow down? Is there some type of warning like a beeping or a error code displayed ???
there’s lots of if/thens to that question since it’s not really specific.
Normally, well maintained batteries will gradually weaken and over time you’ll see your battery indicator go down faster over few miles traveled. And if you run it down, out of energy, you’ll probably get a code on your display when the car won’t move any. You can look for the list of error codes and see what’s a low voltage code.
if the batteries are in bad shape then one or more cells/or even a whole battery, can drop it’s voltage quickly and the car might stop. Then, with no load on the battery, you might not see a code if you cycled the key.
Generally you should notice reduced capacity and performance as you wear your lead acid batteries. Maintenance has a HUGE effect on how the capacity will degrade. Running batteries dry and charging dry then refilling has its own set of possible symptoms.
The error code for low battery is 15. This is thrown when the battery string voltage < 60V. Usually other things will pop up first.
Thank you for the response. I was just concerned about getting stranded somewhere. Hopefully it will give me a little warning and I will have enough energy to get back home. I’m usually no more than 2 miles from my house.
I read your question a little differently. I have a 2002 that emits a loud monotone beep when the batteries are due to be recharged. The alarm comes on at something around 20% charge.
Best to just watch the gauge periodically and learn your routes / speeds (ie: what is going to drain your battery vs backing off the throttle a bit and extending your range). Pretty sure that running any lead-acid battery you can stick in a GEM below 40% is going to damage it in the long run.
A good rule of thumb is on flooded lead acid cars. When your battery gauge reads 50% or less your on Borrowed time. Try and calculate your round trip so that you hit 50% battery life left when you get home and you will always be safe.
The top 50% of your flooded lead acid pack seems to have about 80% of the energy in your battery bank. The Remaining 50% that shows up on your dash mounted battery gauge is a Joke don’t rely on that 50% get you home. Or else you will end up pushing or Towing home like I have had to do twice now with my 2017. I got used to how far and fast my lithium car go. And once you jump back in a flooded lead acid car it’s like returning to the Horse and buggy era 