If you have a 36 volt system with 6 volt batteries, you’ll want to see readings of around 6.2 to 6.3 volts per battery (37.2 to 37.8 total volts). If you are showing something like a 4 volt charge on a 6 volt golf cart battery, you have a bad battery and will want to replace it. One bad battery can bring the performance of the entire set down.
Full Answer
What should my golf cart charger read when fully charged?
If the batteries are full, the ammeter reading will quickly drop below 15 amps. As the batteries charge the ammeter read out will eventually drop to about 2 or 3 amps. This indicates a near full charge in the batteries.
How many volts should a 48v golf cart have when fully charged?
The target voltage for a 48 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 57.6 to 58.8 volts.
How do I know if my golf cart is charging?
1:564:02How Do I Read My Golf Cart Charger? | ASK DAVE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOff if you're using a more modern style charger like this one you'll find led indicator lights toMoreOff if you're using a more modern style charger like this one you'll find led indicator lights to show that charging is in progress depending on the make.
How many volts should a 36 volt golf cart have when fully charged?
For example: a 36v battery pack will read 38.2v fully charged. Maximum drop under load should not be more than 6v below 38.2v equal to 32 volts or less.
What is the full charge of 48V battery?
So to get the cell voltage you divide the fully charged output voltage with 10 (for 36V battery), with 13 (for 48V battery), and with 14 (for 52V battery).
What should a fully charged 6 volt golf cart battery read?
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.
Can you overcharge golf cart batteries?
Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.
How do I know when my EZ Go golf cart is fully charged?
The charger will begin charging as soon as it is plugged into the cart. Allow the charger to complete the full charging cycle; unplugging the charger before the cycle is complete will result in damaged batteries. When the LED displays long red flashes, the battery is fully charged.
What should a 8 volt battery 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.
What is the best voltage for a golf cart?
48 Volt Golf CartThey are easily converted into hunting buggies or offroad carts.They use 1/3 less amperage than 36 Volt carts, so they are more efficient.Parts, especially upgrades, are more readily available for 48 Volt systems.Golf carts with 48 Volt systems have higher resale values.
How many volts is a fully charged 36 volt battery?
A 36 volt battery is a 10 cell battery. That means at full charge, you should be at 42 volts.
How do you know if your golf cart batteries are bad?
8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart BatteriesCharge Times Are Out of Hand. Just like any rechargeable battery, the repeated cycles of draining and charging your battery can take a toll on it. ... No “Get Up and Go” ... You See Visual Signs. ... Driving Until They Die. ... People Are Always Running The Radio.
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How many volts does a golf cart battery use?
Most modern-day golf cart batteries come in either 6, 8 or 12 volts (the voltage being the force needed to create an electrical current, indicating the strength of the battery).
How long do golf cart batteries last?
Golf cart batteries can last anywhere up to 10 years if you charge them correctly.
Why does my golf cart make a hissing sound?
However, if your cart uses a sealed battery (such as a gel or AGM battery), then a hissing or bubbling sound may indicate damage.
What type of lead acid is used in golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries do come in different types and models – including Flooded Lead Acid; Gel Lead Acid; and AGM Lead Acid – so it’s important to seek clarification if you’re uncertain about which replacement to buy.
Why does my charger make a noise?
Some chargers may pass a current through the battery at a higher level, and this can intensify the noise that it makes.
What is the most fun way to navigate the golf course?
Golf carts are one of the most fun ways to navigate your way around the golf course.
How long does it take for a battery to recharge?
Your batteries should be fully recharged after 8-10 hours, but may require longer if they are older.
How to charge a golf cart battery?
You just hook up the red wire (the positive) to the positive terminal on the first battery in the set, and then hook the black wire (the negative) to the negative terminal on the last battery in the set. So, positive to positive, negative to negative. Forget about the blue wire (for more on the blue wire read What's the Blue Wire? ). The ring terminals on the leads are universal and will fit on all batteries. Because all of the golf cart batteries are connected with battery cables, all batteries will be charged in series.
How many volts does a golf cart battery need?
An automatic golf cart battery charger needs a minimal amount of voltage in the golf cart battery to even start working. They need somewhere in the range of 20-35 volts in the batteries to allow the chargers to know that they are connected up to batteries and to kick on.
What voltage do you need for a 36V golf cart?
You must match volts to volts. A 36V cart requires a 36 volt golf cart charger. A 48V cart requires a 48 volt golf cart charger. You can burn up your batteries if you do not charge with the proper voltage.
Why is my golf cart battery red?
Every golf cart battery charger is different with respect to indicator lights, but in general the red light is a fault light that indicates something is wrong with the charging process. Occasionally a red fault light on a golf cart charger can mean that the batteries do not have enough voltage in them to allow the charger to kick on (see Charging Dead Golf Cart Batteries above). However, most of the time, especially with EZ-GO Powerwise chargers, this is the "red light of death" or an internal charger failure indicating that the charger needs to be serviced or replaced.
Why is my golf cart battery charger not working?
Bad connections will cause any battery charger to not function properly. After you've charged up your batteries and checked every connection and you are still having issues, it's probably safe to say you've got a golf cart battery charger problem and may need to service it or buy a new one.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
If golf cart batteries are properly maintained they generally will last for around 5-6 years.
Why do you need to clean a golf cart battery?
You will need to clean it off because if it builds up it may cause the battery cables to lose contact with the battery and keep your cart from running. Again, please see our Golf Cart Battery Maintenance article for further details.
How powerful is a golf cart battery?
Let’s take a close look at Voltage in a battery pack. For comparison, we like to take a look at cars since we are familiar with horsepower and miles per gallon (MPG). Therefore, voltage in a battery pack inside of an electric golf cart has to do with power. It does not have to do with fuel. Therefore, voltage in a battery pack within a golf cart will be comparable to the horsepower in a car. With this knowledge in place, we can determine a 72 volt system can be more powerful than a 48 volt system, and a 48 volt system can be more powerful than a 36 volt system. If you took notice, we said that it “can” be more powerful. The reason for this is due large in part to the controller inside the vehicle. A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller.
How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?
A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.
How much does it cost to replace a golf cart battery?
Pricing varies from pack to pack. The general consensus for golf cart battery replacement ranges from $600 on the low end to $1600 on the high end. If you are buying batteries in the lower end of the price range, then they are most likely cheap golf cart batteries that will not last as long (you really do get what you pay for when it comes to batteries). Some packs cost as much as $2500 when you start dealing with 72 Volt systems and sealed for lithium batteries. But, for the typical lead acid battery pack, $900 to $1500 is about the norm. This price range is assuming you are working with a local golf cart dealer.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?
A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.
Why are golf cart batteries so expensive?
Simply put, Golf Cart Batteries are expensive because you aren’t visiting the gas station every week. When you purchase them, you are essentially pre-paying for fuel. Yes, you still have to charge the vehicle, however the electricity cost usually breaks down to pennies per mile. In some studies, it was shown a golf cart costs less than $.02 per mile to operate in terms of electricity cost. Buying higher quality batteries versus cheaper ones will be better in the long run and will actually cost you less since you are replacing them less frequently.
How many miles can a golf cart go in a day?
However, if you have determined your Golf Cart use will be driven less than 5 miles per day, than you can have your pick of battery packs. Keep in mind though that a standard 18 holes of golf ranges between 5-7 miles per round depending on your handicap ;).
What to do when buying an electric golf cart?
If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...
How many volts should a golf cart battery be?
For example – On a full charge a good set of golf cart batteries will allow you to surely play a few rounds of golf. Using a 48 volt Club Car for example you can play a round of golf with a new set of fully charged batteries and after round is complete the cart will still be above the 48 volt threshold on the battery banks capacity. One because the start / stop load not very demanding vs all out start stops continuously without letting the golf cart or batteries catch their breath per se… Though this is also because a fully charged 48 volt cart with say 6x 8 volt batteries will be around 51 volts not 48 volts.
Why is my golf cart battery undercharging?
Undercharging: Undercharging caused by using a cheap golf cart battery charging system ( One that does not apply enough amperage in the charging cycle) can cause lead sulfate to gradually build up and crystallize on the plates greatly reducing the. battery’s capacity and ability to be recharged.
What can reduce battery life?
Improper Maintenance: Low electrolytic fluid and corrosion on battery connections can greatly reduce battery life and performance.
What is the specific gravity of a battery?
If the specific gravity measures between 1.100 and 1.220, the battery must be. recharged. If the specific gravity is between 1.225 and 1.265, the battery is ok to test. If the hydrometer has a temperature correction chart, be sure to adjust the reading for the battery’s temperature.
What happens if you loosen a battery?
Incorrect Installation: Loose battery hold-downs cause excessive vibration, which can result in damage to the plates and internals of the battery. Especially important with new batteries as the lead has not cured yet and is very soft.
Do you need a volt meter before a load test?
Check voltage before each test with Digital Volt Meter or If you purchase the Load tester Pete recommends it has a volt meter on it to help facilitate a proper test.
How to save a golf cart battery from overcharging?
To save your battery from overcharging, you can use an automatic golf cart charger that will shut off once the batteries are fully charged.
What affects battery life of golf cart?
One of the most important things that affect battery life is your purchasing power. Do not buy a charger simply based on lowest cost. Consider the quality of the golf cart charger before buying.
How to save batteries from damage?
Avoid direct heat exposures such as radiators to save your batteries from damage.
Why is water important for batteries?
Add water when the batteries are completely charged. It's important to add water at the right time and in the right amount for optimal performance.
Can changing batteries affect the battery?
However, improperly changing the batteries can surely affect the batteries. The wrong charger can break down the internal battery cells, so make sure to use the charger designed for your batteries.
Can you drive a golf cart on a steep hill?
Driving your golf cart forcefully on the steep hill could leave you stuck and damage your batteries.
Can you leave a golf cart inactive?
Leaving the golf cart inactive for an extended period reduces battery life. Using the batteries in a partial state of charge or storing the discharged batteries may damage them badly.
How does a Lester golf cart battery charger work?
The Lester Electric Golf Cart Battery Charger you purchased is a transformer style charger that is designed to apply amperage and voltage for a length of time that replaces the energy used from last discharge. This is fairly old technology but very effective to charge your golf cart batteries. Depending on the battery chargers output (Amperage), the batteries size (Capacity), and DOD (depth of discharge), all this will determine the amount of time required to fully charge the battery bank in question. In the process as they reach maximum capacity the more electricity that is forced into the batteries the more it excites the electrolyte and gets electrons moving in the battery itself… (That is the boiling sound you hear)
How high does a 48V battery run?
No worries … I have seen 48v systems run as high as 58-60v when charging, but it is normal to see voltages around 50v-52v when sitting static for several days after a fresh charge cycle. Most common size lead acid batteries will be from .6 volts to .8 volts over advertised voltage on battery when fully charged. Always good to re-charge cart at the end of the day, never let it sit 1/2 -3/4 charged. re-charge then store when not in use.
Why are AGM batteries so picky?
AGM and Gel style batteries are even more picky than traditional lead acid batteries because they like more voltage and amperage to complete the same process. Hopefully this was helpful and insightful to ease your worries about your golf cart batteries and the golf cart battery charger.
Why do Trojan batteries get hit harder?
So no worries as the charger is just doing its thing… Trojan batteries actually like to get hit harder ( More Amperage applied) than others thru the bulk phase and finishing phase of a charge cycle because the lead plates are thicker than most competitors.
How long does it take for a lead acid battery to cure?
It takes on average 15-20 cycles at 50% DOD “Depth of Discharge”, to completely cure the new lead plates in a new lead acid battery and allow the battery to reach full capacity (That will be the advertised Ah rating at the 20hr rate.)
Why do lead acid batteries make noise?
Make no mistake lead acid batteries will always make noise in the charge process and finishing phase because of the specific chemistry and design that make a lead acid battery. It is also an important part to insure good battery health as well.
Why is the Ah rating of a new battery 80%?
any new battery pulled off the line at the manufacture will only test out at about 80% advertised Ah rating because the lead hasn’t been cured (still too soft). Something that is really impossible for the manufacturer to do in house because of the process involved.
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.
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 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 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.
When do golf cart batteries discharge?
The state of charge or discharge golf batteries are in at the end of the day depends upon the type of play and the number of holes the golf cart was used for. The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time. When charging, allow enough time for a complete charge cycle.
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.
Why disconnect battery bank?
Disconnect any loads from the battery bank to protect any sensitive electronic components.
What voltage do golf carts use?
Outside of specialty carts, most carts operate on a 36V or 48V standard and need a series of cells to supply enough power.
How long does a golf cart battery last?
With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.
How to tell if golf cart has 36V or 48V?
By multiplying these holes by two, you will determine the battery’s voltage. Multiply this number by the total number of batteries installed in your golf cart.
What is amps in a car?
Amperage is akin to a gas tank in a car. Amps will determine how far the cart travels, and for how long, on a single charge. The more amps a battery generates, the further you’ll be able to drive. If you take your cart out for extended periods, this may be problematic.
What happens if you charge a battery with an underpowered charger?
An underpowered charger will cause a buildup of sulfation on the negative plate, affecting its performance. An overpowered charger causes an accumulation of corrosion on the positive plate. Ideally, you do not want your batteries to die, as charging a dead lead-acid battery can cause strain.
How to keep batteries clean?
Looking to keep your batteries clean? Use a bristle brush and a mild solution to clean the top of each battery. You can also use anti-corrosive solutions and sprays to prevent corrosion, which can be a problem with lead-acid batteries. Alternatively, you can use battery covers.
What are the two main electrical quantities to consider when replacing batteries?
Two main electrical quantities you will want to focus on when replacing batteries are voltage and current. Voltage is measured in volts, or “ V ,” and Current is measured in amps, or “ A .”
Should Golf Cart Batteries Make Noise When Charging?
Do you own a golf cart that makes noise while charging? If yes, then you might be wondering about what really causes this noise and how to stop it! Well, if your golf cart battery makes a gurgling or bubbling sound when charging, then you don’t need to worry as you are not alone.
Why Do Batteries Make a Gurgling or Bubbling Sound?
While charging, a golf cart battery makes clicking, bubbling, or gurgling sound. These sounds might be pretty normal, but if you hear a pop or a hissing sound, that is abnormal and might be a sign of further issues.
Is it bad if Batteries are Making Noise When Charging?
Charging a golf cart battery is a must from time to time as it ensures the smooth and efficient running of your golf carts. However, you may sometimes experience an adverse reaction from your cart batteries as it charges, like bubbling or hissing sound.
Is There a Way to Stop Golf Cart Batteries From Making Noise?
Are you wondering about how to stop golf cart batteries from making noise when charging? If yes, then there’s no way out for this. Yes, you read that correctly. There’s no way to stop your golf cart batteries from making noise, and there’s nothing to worry about it because it is normal for the golf cart batteries to make noise while charging.
Wrapping Up
Charging your golf cart batteries is not as challenging as it sounds; you just need to follow specific tips that can help you charge the batteries properly. If you believe you need a new battery for your golf cart, J’s Golf Carts can provide you with the correct battery or charger for your cart .