I’ve been getting a “flashing dash” signal lately and my charges are running low. I’m guessing my biggest issue is the crappy Duracell’s that came w my G4 (see pic). Thoughts on this issue? Thoughts on best option for replacements? Lithium or no? Appreciate y’all.
Duracells are built by East Penn they are actually pretty good batteries but a group 24 in a gem is kind of like the Atlantic + HMS Titanic. Good for only abput halfway…
If you can throw down for lithium from the righr people you wont be dissapointed
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That half illuminated dash display is actually trying to tell you something beyond a battery issue.
Is this car operational when it is doing this?
(probably not)
What have you done to the car lately to get such a reaction?
The car is still operational but my charges aren’t lasting long. The flashing screen is a new phenomenon. When it occurs, the car does not run. I haven’t made any changes to the vehicle in year I have owned it.
- The car is still operational
- The flashing screen is a new phenomenon. When it occurs, the car does not run.
These two observations are contradicting each other, but I think I can guess they are two different events.
The flashing screen is usually from when the controller is not sending Data to the screen. This means that it might not be booting up properly. On top of the Motor controller is a multi wire connector know as the 23p. Locate and release the locking tab (pull out on the tab a bit to release) and inspect it for moisture or corrosion. Pay special attention to pin1. Re-install 23p with a firm push and see if that fixes the flashing issue.
I seem to remember also running into this flashing issue recently as also being triggered by a bad direction switch. Try flipping it back/forth a few times to see if it clears the issue.
// Report back with what you find.//
but my charges aren’t lasting long.
How old are these batteries? Look around for a date code sticker. It will have a letter that represents a month, and a number that represents a year. Chances are they are just worn out.
I suppose you could go through a load test to look for a failing battery, and try to balance the pack, but since they are not the ideal battery for this car, the remaining life may not be very long.
Lithium is a viable and worthwhile swap for some people, but it depends on a few things:
- What is your skill set?
- What is in your toolbox?
- What is this car being used for?
- How much range do you need?
- How big is your wallet?
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Thanks so much! Inspecting and cleaning the 23p resolved the flashing light issue.
I’m going to replace the batteries with lead acid. I really just use the Gem for riding a few miles per trip up and down flat beach roads.