# New batteries or new charger **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [June 19, 2017, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-batteries-or-new-charger/12475 "2017-06-19T19:15:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![drscott1959](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ba9def/32.png) [@drscott1959](https://community.electricforum.com/u/drscott1959)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 7:15pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-batteries-or-new-charger/12475/1 "2017-06-19T19:15:08Z")
I am trying to determine if I need new batteries or my charger is not working properly. My batteries Gem Gel batteries are now about 8 years old. My charger will not kick on and I often get a red blinking light. I also show a charge rate of about 50% on my dash indicator. So I thought I would charge all the batteries up separate. Then see what charge rate I was showing. Is there a way to charge these as a pack? all six 12 volt still tied together? or do you suggest I do all batteries separate? ---
**Author:** ![Inwo](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/inwo/32/1067_2.png) [@Inwo](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Inwo)\ **Post date:** [June 19, 2017, 9:03pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-batteries-or-new-charger/12475/2 "2017-06-19T21:03:34Z")
They can remain connected when you charge each one. ---
**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 20, 2017, 4:31pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-batteries-or-new-charger/12475/3 "2017-06-20T16:31:19Z")
[quote=“drscott1959, post:1, topic:12475”] determine [/quote At 8 years old you need new batteries any way. Do them forst Rodney ---
**Author:** ![RussJ](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a87d85/32.png) [@RussJ](https://community.electricforum.com/u/RussJ)\ **Post date:** [June 23, 2017, 3:38am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-batteries-or-new-charger/12475/4 "2017-06-23T03:38:11Z")
The charger will not turn on if the pack voltage is too low. If your batteries will accept a charge, you can charge them individually with a 12V charger to bring the voltage up to a point where the 72v charger will work. As previously mentioned, 8 year old batteries are not at all likely to be any good. ---
**Author:** ![electriceccentric](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/electriceccentric/32/1812_2.png) [@electriceccentric](https://community.electricforum.com/u/electriceccentric)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2017, 12:50am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/new-batteries-or-new-charger/12475/5 "2017-06-24T00:50:43Z")
2 years for good performance. Up to 5 years max. In my case, I have always had such deterioration that I replaced by year 3. And that data is over the life of several EV cart types and one commercial European EV (the CityEl). Last time I went with lithiums and have never been happier. Lithiums are now as cheap as staying with lead acid or gel.