Sorry for the late reply - I missed the notification regarding this message!
In any event, the Lester charger is probably a 48v model - charging less than 48v worth of batteries may cause it to blow a fuse. On 1975 models, the 12v system was powered from two of the four 6v batteries on the right side of the vehicle. The 18v system (wiper motor, volt meter on dash, maybe the horn) was powered by three of the four RH battery set. If you have a 12v charger in the Citicar, it was probably modified to have an accessory 12v battery like some 76 and newer C-cars had. The traction batteries (should be eight 6v batteries in a stock c-car) would cause problems if charged individually with a 12v charger - you could charge two of them at a time, however.
Smoke from the dash area is commonly a misplaced wire - a ground placed where a hot wire should be, something 'fell off' and shorted, etc. The connections are push-on type, and can be easily disconnected when moving the dash, reaching behind to check a relay, etc.
Again, sorry for the late reply - let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Tom,
I just purchased a 1975 citicar, and could REALLY use some basic help to get it started.
I'll give you my disclaimer, that I am in no way a mechanic, but I did a lot of research on these vehicles, and I think I can at least get it going, and then take it from there, or have a local tech school improve on it.
Second disclaimer.....I have a bad habit of buying things , and "letting them sit", this time it is not going to happen.
Anyway....I bought it as follows.........complete, vg shape, all batteries are there ( not sure how many will hold a charge ), on-board charger not working.
Previous owner says riding it up until 6 months ago, then some smoking near the ignition, and has not run since, decided to sell. Their mechanic thinks the charger is not working due to whatever is causing the vehicle not to run ( but he is an ICE guy, so did not work on it ).
Since I got it on 09/20, I have ::: Charged one battery with a 12v charger ( all still wired together ), then tried to charge a second battery, and it blew the 12 v charger. This is all I have done so far. I have not looked under the dash yet.
Also, did these have a dc-dc converter for the accessories ?. I do not think the early ones had this. I would like to add one with a separate 12v ? battery eventually, like most ev set-ups. While I have a "million questions" , can you give me an idea what to look for in the dash area ( re: "smoke coming from that area " ), maybe I can at least get it started.
P.S.---I know the Smart Charger is the way to go, but a little too soon for the expense, any tips on getting the Lester oldie working, and also I will probably buy another 12v anyway for general use( or 6/12v combo ), I am assuming the obvious way to charge the batteries is disconnecting them & one at a time ???.
