How to test golf cart batteries?
How To Test Golf Cart Batteries With Load Testing. A load tester will give you more insight as to the health of your battery. By putting a dummy load on the battery, you can see how the battery performs when actually being used. The load tester hooks to the terminals of the battery and displays the voltage.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
How Long Do Batteries Last In A Golf Cart? 4-6 years is the average life of a battery. Simply put, after a few years the plates lose enough substance to stop working properly. If you are unsure of the age of your battery, check the labeling on the top or look at the stamp on the battery post.
Can I change the batteries in my GEM car?
If you change the batteries in your GEM car it will cause a major problem with the charging system’s ability to properly charge the batteries you have installed. These smart electric vehicles came equipped with a smart charger that was programmed specifically for GEL battery technology and charging parameters.
Why do gas golf carts have bad batteries?
Gas golf carts also have a battery just like the battery on your gas car does. A common issue with gas golf carts is that vapor gets into the fuel line, causing the cart not to start as easy putting more strain on the battery. This will cause the battery to die faster than it otherwise should.
How do I know when my golf cart is fully charged?
1:494:02How Do I Read My Golf Cart Charger? | ASK DAVE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThing. When first connected a charger like this one should start at a high amperage. And graduallyMoreThing. When first connected a charger like this one should start at a high amperage. And gradually decline as the charge completes eventually reaching zero and shutting.
What should a 12v battery read when full?
A fully charged battery will typically display a voltmeter reading of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts. If your voltmeter is showing a voltage anywhere between 12.4 and 12.8, that means your battery is in good shape.
What voltage should golf cart batteries read?
Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts. Keep in mind that the high number doesn't mean that the batteries are instantly good. This measured value doesn't take the load or cart's power consumption into consideration.
What should a 6 volt battery read when fully charged?
A 6V battery is actually fully charged when it reads slightly over 6V on a multimeter. A 6 volt charger is typically designed to produce about 7 volts so that it can attain a full charge.
How many volts is a full charge on a 48 volt golf cart?
55.2 to 56.6 voltsThe peak charging voltage for Gel batteries is 2.3 to 2.36 volts per cell, and for a 48 volt charger this works out to 55.2 to 56.6 volts, which is lower than a wet or AGM type battery needs for a full charge.
At what voltage is a 12-volt battery fully charged?
12.6 voltsThe standard automotive battery in today's vehicles is a 12-volt battery. Each battery has six cells, each with 2.1 volts at full charge. A car battery is considered fully charged at 12.6 volts or higher. When the battery's voltage drops, even a small amount, it makes a big difference in its performance.
How do you know the battery is fully charged?
1:552:33How to check your battery charge level and troubleshoot issues?YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBeing charged if you're testing a battery and it comes up lower than 10 point 5 volts which is deadMoreBeing charged if you're testing a battery and it comes up lower than 10 point 5 volts which is dead flat your battery has likely been discharged.
How do you read a golf cart battery meter?
To Read a 36 Volt Golf Cart Battery Meter There are four zones in the display area of this meter. The zones are (from left to right)- red, white, green, and red zones. The white area labeled CHG indicates that your battery is charged. The red zone to the right of CHG indicates that your battery is overcharged.
How far can you go on a full charge on a golf cart?
Depending on the manufacturer, most gas golf carts have between a 5 and 6 gallon gas tank and get about 40 miles to the gallon. Electric golf carts with fully charged batteries in perfect condition get about 35 miles to the full charge.
How do I know if my golf cart battery is bad?
1:3013:31Diagnosing Bad Golf Cart Batteries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can see that this one is showing negative 1.12 which i mean is showing reversed polarityMoreAnd you can see that this one is showing negative 1.12 which i mean is showing reversed polarity anyway so that's kind of odd. But this one has very very low voltage. So with the golf cart batteries.
How many volts should a fully charged 6v battery have?
A battery is made up of a number of cells, and the lead acid chemistry dictates a fully charged voltage of about 2.12 volts per cell. Thus, a nominal 6 volt battery has three cells with a full charge voltage of 6.3 to 6.4 volts, and a 12 volt battery has six cells, and a full charge voltage of 12.7 volts.
What voltage is too low for a 6 volt battery?
The lowest limit is 10.5 volts (used in testing) and obviously unsatisfactory in practical use. Experienced RVers try to use no more than 20% to 50% of the energy available in a battery before recharging. That means they never let resting voltage get below 12.5.
How many volts should a fully charged 6 cell lead acid battery have?
The typical charging voltage is between 2.15 volts per cell (12.9 volts for a 12V 6 cell battery) and 2.35 volts per cell (14.1 volts for a 12V 6 cell battery). These voltages are appropriate to apply to a fully charged battery without overcharging or damage.
What is the voltage of a fully charged 48 volt lithium battery?
58.4 volts48V LiFePO4 Battery Voltage Chart They rarely make sense for small-scale projects. They are fully charged at 58.4 volts and fully discharged at 40 volts. They are made by connecting 16 3.2V LiFePO4 cells in series.
How long does it take to charge a 48V battery?
between 2.5 - 6 hoursFully charging a battery typically takes between 2.5 - 6 hours, depending on the type of battery charger. Here's how to work out how long a charger will take to charge your bike battery: Let's say you have a 48-volt battery with 10 amp hours* and a 2 amp charger.
Should I charge my golf cart after each use?
Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.
How do you tell if a 12-volt battery is fully charged?
Check the voltage of your battery using the voltmeter to help determine your next course of action. 12.6V volts or above - Your battery is healthy and fully charged.
What should a 12 volt deep cycle battery read when fully charged?
Voltage on a fully charged battery will read 2.12 to 2.15 volts per cell, or 12.7 volts for a 12 volt battery. At 50% the reading will be 2.03 VPC (Volts Per Cell), and at 0% will be 1.75 VPC or less.
What should a 12-volt battery read on a multimeter?
Measure and Analyze When the probes touch the terminals while the car is off and the battery is resting, the multimeter display should show a reading of 12.2 to 12.6 volts (full charge). This voltage range means the battery is in good condition for starting the vehicle.
Is 12.6 volts fully charged?
With the engine off, you should get a reading of 12.6 volts. If the battery isn't fully charged, it will diminish to 12.4V at 75%, 12V when it's only operating at 25%, and down to 11.9V when it's completely discharged.
How to tell if a Gem golf cart battery is dead?
An electric charging station will also tell you if the battery is dead or functional. If charging the battery does not fix your Gem golf cart, then test for more problems. First, release the parking brake lever and ensure it is in the off or down position. Then depress the accelerator.
How to check if a Gem cart is moving?
Difficulty: Moderate. If the cart is not moving in one direction, first check the Gem's driver controls. These are located on the dashboard in many Gem models. Open the panel under the dashboard to access the wires behind the switches and inspect the area. If there are burnt wires, the driver switch must be replaced.
What is wrong with my Gem golf cart?
The most common problem with the Gem golf cart is a lack of performance and slow drive speeds.
What causes a golf cart to move slowly?
When the golf cart starts under-performing or moving very slowly, the most common problem is the battery. Gem uses a 72-volt electrical system. Test this theory by turning the key on and ensuring it is in the "on" position. Press the pedal; if the cart does not move or barely moves, the battery is dead.
What to do if your cart doesn't move?
If the cart does not move, check the springs on the brake and brake assembly to ensure it is not locked on the wheel. Step 4. Inspect the battery terminals to ensure there is no corrosion around them. Also inspect the cables for cracks or exposed wiring .
What to do if your golf cart has burnt wires?
If there are burnt wires, the driver switch must be replaced. Other Gem golf carts have a pull lever that changes the direction of the vehicle. The access to the lever is under the seat. Perform the same inspection and replace the part by ordering another one through Gem or your retailer. Step 2.
Can a Polaris Gem be used on golf courses?
By Steve Smith. The Polaris Gem electric vehicle has increasingly found use on golf courses as golf carts. Gem vehicles can experience problems that relate to the battery and drive mechanism. There are other problems that arise from the parking brake and driver controls, which are different on some models.
What happens if you change the batteries in a GEM car?
If you change the batteries in your GEM car it will cause a major problem with the charging system’s ability to properly charge the batteries you have installed. These smart electric vehicles came equipped with a smart charger that was programmed specifically for GEL battery technology and charging parameters. If you change the batteries expect to change the charger or have it re-programmed by an authorized dealer. Another issue, since the sale of the company to Polaris, it is hard to come by knowledgeable dealers to do so.
Who made the Gem Car?
Unknown to alot of Gem Car Owners the Chrysler Corp. created the GEM brand and first mass produced electric Vehicle “Global Electric Motorcars LLC” which was later purchased by Polaris. Chrysler Corp. and Lee Iacocca’s idea of creating a vehicle that was in essence an affordable alternative transportation for the masses ...
Has battery technology come full circle?
Mostly related to battery technology. Just as computers and technology have come full circle many times… battery technology has come full circle only a few times. Especially when talking about affordable batteries that will still get the job done.
Do lead acid batteries get discharged?
Performance. Traditional lead acid batteries do not like to get severely or deeply discharged. If they are they become stubborn to revive and will cut the cycle life or life expectancy of the battery in general significantly.
What causes GEM car battery failure?
Undercharged batteries are a major cause of system failures in GEM Cars. Deficit Charge is a charge cycle in which less charge is returned to a battery bank than what was withdrawn on discharge.
Does Zivan keep batteries?
A: The early model GEM Cars used Zivan and the charger will complete one charge cycle and shut off regardless if left plugged in. Zivan will not maintain the batteries.
Do deep cycle batteries consume water?
Are flooded cell type and will consume water when the batteries are recharged. Typically, the flooded cell type deep cycle batteries have higher amp hours and lifecycles compared to AGM or Gel deep cycle batteries.
What to do if your charger is not charging?
If the charger is not charging and the AC LED light is on, check the battery. Your battery has to be connected and in excellent state for the charger to start the charging. Verify nominal voltage and ensure this isn’t lower or higher than the voltage of the charger, as either case the charger will not start.
What does a flashing LED on a charger mean?
For charger 0606-00423, a flash on LED or light-emitting diode can mean, battery failure, high voltage, the battery is being charged by another power source or an open circuit. It’s recommended that you disconnect the connections and confirm condition of the battery.
What is a GEM car?
A GEM car is normally power-driven by a 72-volt-battery, which powers the electric-drive motor and custom controller.
How to tell if battery life is nearing?
Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer several times to allow the thermometer to adjust to the temperature of electrolyte and note the reading. Observe also the electrolyte color. A gray or brown coloration shows that the end of your battery life is nearing.
What is a golf cart battery charger?
The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time.
How to tell if your golf cart battery is bad?
Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following: 1 You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. 2 A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. This is a classic sign of low voltage. If this is experienced, your cart may be low on charge, the charger may not be functioning properly or you may have a battery issue. 3 On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the controller not engaging when the voltage falls below a preset value. 4 It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. The charger has no way to know this and will continue to charge the batteries trying to get to a full charge – meaning it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.
What temperature should a battery be when charging?
This will also initiate the equalizing charge. The batteries should begin gassing and bubbling. Keep the battery temperature between 115 degrees and 125 degrees.
What is a Trojan T-105 battery?
Trojan T-105 batteries are the best-known premium battery and have nearly 100 years of manufacturing experience. Trojan Battery Company was founded in 1925 and developed the golf cart battery for the Autoette in 1952. The distinctive maroon color of the T-105 makes it easy to distinguish from its competitors.
How many amps does a golf cart battery take to recharge?
To recharge, the batteries will require 90 ampere-hours + 20% to make up for any charge deficiency.
How to tell if your golf cart is low voltage?
You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. This is a classic sign of low voltage.
How to check if a golf cart battery is dead?
There are four methods of checking whether your golf cart battery is dead. Use a multimeter to check the voltage of each battery in your golf cart. Use a hydrometer to check the gravity of the electrolytes in the batteries. Use the Load Testing method.
How many amp hours does a golf cart battery last?
A bigger voltage drop is a sure sign of a failing or faulty battery. A golf cart battery comes with a specific amp hour rating at 20 hours. This is usually mentioned in the battery information sticker.
How to charge a 6 volt battery overnight?
Connect the battery to a three-phase charger that can charge 6 volts batteries and let it charge overnight. Check the charger status in the morning. If it indicates a full charge, check the battery cells once again and add some more distilled water to the cells with exposed battery plates.
Why does my golf cart battery keep going dead?
The reason why your golf cart battery keeps going dead may be due to loose connections, incorrect battery wiring, or having a faulty voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is at fault and tends to affect the starter solenoid.
Why does my golf cart battery drain so quickly?
The reason why your golf cart battery keeps losing charge or drains quickly, may be due to loose wires, corroded connectors or an insufficient amount of water in the battery. The battery connections may have become loose or the connectors are corroded.
How to check the specific gravity of a golf cart battery?
Using a Hydrometer. You can use a hydrometer with a thermometer to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the golf cart batteries. If this value lies between 1.1 and 1.2, you must consider recharging the battery. Alternatively, if the value is between 1.225 and 1.265, you can continue testing your battery.
How much sulfuric acid is in a battery?
It’s worth keeping in mind that the sulfuric acid to water concentration for a fully charged battery is 1.28 while it’s 1.145 for a discharged battery. It’s highly recommended that you wear a pair of safety gloves and safety glasses when you use a hydrometer. Pour the electrolyte into the hydrometer.
How does a 12 volt battery charger work?
So being in a pinch a 12 volt battery charger will work to get some energy back into your dead golf cart batteries and revive them. The sole purpose here is to just get some energy back into the batteries so the golf cart battery charger itself can do the brunt of the charging and charge the batteries properly.
Why does my golf cart beep?
If you can get enough voltage and energy back into the batteries to make the golf cart move, beep or lights to work usually means there is enough voltage present at this point for the original golf cart battery charger to be plugged in and it will turn on to charge the batteries completely.
How many volts does a golf cart battery need?
Others require a little less. So for example a 36 volt battery charger would require approx. 25-30 volts to activate, whereas a 48 volt charger would require 30-35 or even 40 volts present to activate.
What does it mean when a golf cart battery is bad?
So being if the golf cart battery cable lug connector or connection between two batteries is bad the cart will usually not work, drive or charge. So check all the connections and cables for signs of corrosion or wear or completely broken off battery.
Why is my golf cart battery charger not working?
Ok…. So the first guess or main reason why your golf cart battery charger is not working right now is because the batteries in your golf cart are completely dead. ( Not always but usually 90% of the time) This is because the federal government years ago made it mandatory that all manufacturers ...
What to do if golf cart battery is broken?
Again if the golf cart battery cables are broken or corroded they need to be replaced and reconnected accordingly. Also it is recommended to use some type of corrosion preventative on all terminal connections to avoid the elements eating away at your connector, cables or terminals.
Can you use a 12 volt battery charger on a golf cart?
Hence tricking the charger to turning on. Otherwise you can use a regular 12 volt or 24 volt battery charger for a car, boat or Rv to get some energy back into those dead batteries.
Should golf cart batteries be charged?
Another common issue is golf cart owners who think that golf cart batteries should only be charged when they've become very low. If you drive your golf cart that day? Charge the battery. Letting golf cart batteries run down until near-empty or totally dead will damage them over time just as much as overcharging them.
Can you drive a golf cart up steep hills?
Forcing your golf cart up very steep hills or to go longer distances than it is made for will run the battery down and could leave you stranded. Just keep a careful eye on distance traveled and consider using a truck or trailer when transporting your golf cart longer distances.
Can you use an automatic battery charger when it is fully charged?
It's important to make sure you're using an automatic battery charger that will stop being active as soon as the battery is fully charged. We've had clients come in with what they felt were "bad" batteries, only to have to explain to them that the battery had simply been damaged by being overcharged too many times.
Can you turn off the radio on a golf cart?
Any lights, radio, or electric components in your cart should always be turned off when you stop using it. Leaving the radio or lights running on an idle golf cart can run down the battery incredibly quickly. In the case of a gasoline-powered golf cart, you may end up having to jump-start the cart to get it working again if this happens.