Charge your golf cart battery between 8 and 10 hours with the proper charger and plug. Try not to allow your battery to drop below 20% capacity, especially for lead-acid batteries. When charging deep cycle batteries do not let these batteries discharge completely.
How do I care for the battery of my golf cart?
Charge the deep-cycle battery fully between two consecutive uses of the golf cart. The battery must complete at least one full cycle before use. Check the water level periodically. Old batteries consume more water just as batteries dry up faster in hot weather. Use only distilled water for replacement. Keep the battery clean and dry all the time.
Why is the water level in my golf cart battery low?
The water level in the golf cart batteries is far below the desired level. Check the water levels of the batteries and top up the ones with low water levels. The golf cart is kept in a very cold area.
How many volts are in a golf cart battery?
(Each cell is 2 volts.) Then just multiply that number by the number of batteries found in you golf cart or application. Usually the number of batteries or the power in each golf cart battery bank is going to be determined by the golf cart batteries’ discharge rates from the electric motor or accessories running off of it.
How do you charge a deep cycle golf cart battery?
Charge the deep-cycle battery fully between two consecutive uses of the golf cart. The battery must complete at least one full cycle before use. Check the water level periodically. Old batteries consume more water just as batteries dry up faster in hot weather.
How low can you discharge a golf cart battery?
between 50-80 percent7) Do not discharge golf cart batteries beyond an 80% discharge. We recommended that you discharge your golf cart batteries to between 50-80 percent, do not go beyond 80 percent or to the point where your golf cart batteries are completely dead since this is not beneficial for the battery life.
What should the water level be in golf cart batteries?
¼ to ½ inchFill battery cells (aka water fill holes) with distilled water (not tap water) ¼ to ½ inch above the plates. With ¼ inch of water you'll have to check your batteries more often, but at ½ inch you'll likely have more acid accumulation on the tops of the batteries. Either level is acceptable; it's really your call.
What happens if golf cart battery water is low?
If the water level in your golf cart battery is too low, the plates inside the battery will dry out and begin to flake off. When this happens, you will lose the ability to recharge your golf cart, and you will have to replace your battery altogether.
Should I charge my golf cart after every 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.
What happens if you put too much water in your golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries produce electricity using electrolytes and water, which means you will need to occasionally add some more water. But be careful of the amount! Too much water can lead to the electrolytes overflowing. Too little water can cause sulfation, which damages the lead plates.
When should I fill my battery with water?
While a battery should only be filled after it is completely charged, you should also check the water level before charging to make sure there is just enough water to cover any exposed plates. After charging, add enough water to bring the level to the bottom of the vent, about ¾ below the top of the cell.
How often do you need to add water to a battery?
A battery should only be watered after it is completely charged. But, you should always check the water level before charging. Before charging, make sure there is just enough water to cover any exposed plates (rectangular metal parts visible when you look inside a battery).
Is a battery ruined if it runs out of water?
What Happens If A Lead-Acid Battery Runs Out Of Water? If that happens, the lead plates will be exposed to the existing oxygen and hydrogen gas in the battery. This exposure will cause an exothermic reaction with the battery terminals, emitting huge amounts of heat. The heat will further evaporate the water.
How can I make my golf cart batteries last longer?
Tips for Making Your Golf Cart Battery Last LongerDon't Let Your Batteries Lose All Voltage or Run Till Empty. ... Make Sure You Don't Overcharge Your Golf Cart Battery. ... Remember to Turn Off All Electrical Components. ... Don't Push Your Golf Cart to the Limit With Either Distance or Slope.More items...
What is the best way to charge golf cart batteries?
6:057:14How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo charge each individual battery for a half-hour. And then plug. In your old charger your regularMoreSo charge each individual battery for a half-hour. And then plug. In your old charger your regular golf car charger. And if it clicks on and starts to register voltage.
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 use a trickle charger on golf cart batteries?
If you tend to use the golf cart during the warmer months and store it during the winter, pick a trickle charger to make the battery last longer. These chargers connect to the battery over weeks or months at a time. They provide enough power to the battery to keep it charged but without harming the internal components.
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.
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 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.
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.
How to tell what voltage a golf cart battery is?
Another quick way to determine what the voltage is of the batteries in your golf cart is to just count the caps on top of the battery. In some instances they will have a quick release car that covers all the cells filler holes. Either way count the caps or the holes that are being covered by one. (Each cell is 2 volts.)
How many batteries are in a golf cart?
These batteries are configured within the golf cart’s frame rails and depending on the type of motor they are running you could see between (4) four and (8) eight batteries. These batteries will make up ...
How long do lithium batteries last?
Lithium batteries will last 10x as long as traditional lead acid batteries and have less than .01% discharge rates in static situations. (This is why they usually cost 10x as much.)
Do golf carts come with batteries?
Almost all golf carts come from the manufacturer with cheap batteries. Or at least cheap reliable chemistry. Batteries can be very expensive depending on the chemistry and anatomy of the specific battery in question.
What is the best way to think of an electric golf cart battery?
A good way to think of your battery is to consider it as a gas tank.
How high should water be before charging a battery?
You need to keep water levels about ¼ inch to ½ inch above the lead metal plates.
How to clean a battery terminal?
Remove dirt and debris from the terminals with a cloth and brush. Use a solution of water and baking soda. Above all, don’t allow the cleaning solution to get inside the battery. Rinse and dry with clean water. Use this cleaning method about once a month.
Can a golf cart battery be discharged?
Tip: Never allow for the golf cart battery to fully discharge to where the vehicle won´t run as this also shortens the battery life and can permanently damage it. Besides, at some point, the deeper the discharge the harder it will be to charge again.
Can you use tap water to refill a battery?
Be sure that when you refill the tanks that you only use distilled water. At all costs, avoid using tap water as it has chemicals that harm the battery. Tip: Don’t charge a battery without the right water levels, as this will seriously shorten its capacity and life expectancy.
Can a golf cart battery be left out in cold weather?
Note that batteries also discharge faster when left out in cold weather. Keep the golf cart battery plugged in while parked. Do not keep it off the charger for a long period of time. Remember the more discharged the battery the longer it will take to charge.
How often should you charge golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries should be kept fully charged at all times – this means hooking them up to a charger as soon as you are finished using the cart. Regular charging will prevent damage to the battery and give it longer-lasting life.
Should golf cart batteries be charged after every use?
Yes. Charging your golf cart batteries after every use – even if you’ve only spent five minutes driving – is crucial for maximising their lifespan. Leaving batteries in a prolonged state of low charge can decrease their capacity over time and wear them out quicker.
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.
Should your golf cart be turned on when charging?
No. You should turn your golf cart off when charging its batteries. Trying to charge a golf cart while it is running is a pointless exercise, as the battery will be draining while you’re trying to charge it. A golf cart should only be turned on once its batteries are fully charged.
Should golf carts be plugged in all the time?
No, you should not leave your golf cart plugged in all the time. While automatic battery chargers are designed to shut-off once at full capacity, leaving a battery connected to power for long periods leaves it susceptible to damage should the electrical circuit be overloaded.
Should golf cart batteries make noise when charging?
If your golf cart uses a standard 12 volt flooded lead acid battery, then it is quite normal to hear a bubbling sound when it’s charging. However, if your cart uses a sealed battery (such as a gel or AGM battery), then a hissing or bubbling sound may indicate damage.
How long should golf cart batteries last?
If you play golf twice a week – and use your golf cart for each round – you can expect a standard, brand-new battery to last just under 10 years before needing to be replaced. If you charge your battery correctly after use, you can maximise its shelf life.
What is the 'Run/Tow' switch on a golf car?
If your golf car is an electric RXV, make sure the 'Run/Tow' switch is set to the 'Run/Storage' position. Remember, if it's left in the 'Tow" position, it will continue to drain the batteries over time.
Do golf cart batteries self discharge?
Before leaving your golf cart, ensure that the battery is clean, fully charged, and has been disconnected from any source of electrical drain. Batteries will continue to self-discharge, even during periods where they are not used or are being stored away. If you don't disconnect your battery's wires, you may find yourself with a golf cart battery ...
Can you put away a golf cart in winter?
If you're the type to put away your golf cart or ATV for winter storage, there are a few steps you'll need to take to ensure that your battery stays in peak condition, even if you're not heading out on the course or into the woods during the colder months. We've spoken before about winterizing your ATV, but we haven't really taken a close look ...
How to keep golf cart batteries charged?
Another good thing to have for your golf cart batteries is a watering system. Make sure you check the water level in your golf cart batteries monthly to make sure they are still saturated. ( always do this after your batteries are fully charged because if you check them and fill them before you charge them 100% you could over fill them and acid will leak out the top of the batteries while they charge and get all over your cart and in the garage or where ever you store the golf cart. Which is not good because battery acid will eat away at your concrete floor in the garage. Checkout Pete’s great deals on a new One point golf cart watering system to avoid over filling them and making a mess or getting battery acid on your cart, clothes or garage floor and do it with ease. ( In minutes – not an hour or more… weekends are meant to be spent with the family or watching the game not in the garage filling batteries… so get yours today!)
What to do if your golf cart battery hasn't taken a full charge?
If the battery has taken a charge, replace the cell caps and use your golf cart for a long ride and see how long the charge lasts.
How to clean a battery with acid?
Step 1: Tip the battery on its edge: Allow approximately half the battery acid to run out of each cell and into a plastic container. Clean the battery with your paintbrush dipped in a baking soda solution. Rinse your battery with plain water, making certain none of the water gets into any of the cells.
Can you replace a golf cart battery?
If the ride and power is short lived it is still likely you will need to replace your golf cart battery. It is also quite possible that your golf cart battery charger is not charging properly. You will need a volt meter to check the power output of your battery charger.
How often should I water my golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries need to be watered on a regular basis. By regular basis, I mean checking them AT LEAST once a month and then adding DISTILLED water if needed (Do not use tap water. It will hurt your batteries.). When checking them, make sure they are fully charged.
How many rounds of golf can you use a golf cart battery?
To give you some kind of comparison factor, fleet golf cart batteries, are used for two to four rounds of golf every day ...
What is the best way to not overcharge a battery?
This refers to a charger that does NOT sense when the battery is becoming fully charged and either shuts down at the right time or slows down to a trickle charge as the battery approaches saturation point. Newer battery chargers either close down or slow down as the battery becomes fully charged since they have a built in algorithm that knows when the batteries are fully charged. A lot of the time a manual charger will come with a built in timer that you set. However if this is not the case, it is highly recommended you get a kitchen timer or set an alarm clock, because over-cooking your batteries is a sure way to sacrifice longevity.
How long do batteries last?
In the worst case scenario, your batteries may only last you three years. In the best case scenario, they may last you ten years. If your batteries only last three years or less, then it means a combination of factors. It usually entails a few of the following items:
Can you recharge a cart with lead acid?
However, fully charging batteries before reusing the cart is recommended. That said, lead-acid batteries don’ t last as long if you let them drain down to zero before recharging them. And, remember, top quality chargers are recommended, so that recharging is safer and the charging is steady and fully automated.
Is battery life important for golf carts?
In a nutshell, battery duration is certainly a major concern and a major expense for golf cart owners. Taking the recommended maintenance steps very seriously will lead to extended life and keep costs down. author- Timothy Baler.
Do you need to fill batteries if they are discharged?
When checking them, make sure they are fully charged. You do not want to fill them if they are discharged as this could cause overfilling. One of the biggest “battery killers” is not properly maintaining them with water, so be sure to check them on a regular basis.
How long does a golf cart battery last?
With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.
How many batteries are in an electric cart?
Your electric cart will accommodate either 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system. If you are not able to determine if it’s a 36V or a 48V electrical drive system, lift the cart seat so you can bring the battery compartment into view. You will be able to see 3, 4, or 6 holes.
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.
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 .”
How to clean lead acid batteries?
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. Check battery wiring.
What are AMG batteries?
Also called absorbent glass mat batteries, these are different from their lead-acid counterparts – the electrolyte is held in the glass mats as opposed to it free floating. These tend to hold their charges better than lead-acid batteries. Deka Solar Batteries.
Do you need to maintain a standard for a 36V cart?
To ensure effective and safe pass-through of power, you will need to maintain a standard. For example, if you own a 36V cart that requires a pair of 6v batteries, it’s essential to use that same combination when finding a replacement. While you can “upgrade” batteries, it’s not for the faint of heart.
How to charge a deep cycle golf cart battery?
The following tips give an insight into the effective charging of a deep-cycle battery. Charge the deep-cycle battery fully between two consecutive uses of the golf cart. The battery must complete at least one full cycle before use. Check the water level periodically.
How to choose a golf cart battery charger?
How to Choose the Best golf Cart Battery Charger. You must choose a battery charger according to the voltage of your cart to prevent the possibility of damage to your batteries. Check the charging receptacle of your golf cart and select your charger accordingly.
How many volts should a wet cell battery be charged to?
A typical wet-cell lead-acid battery should be charged to about 14+ volts. Some manufacturers allow their batteries to support a maximum charging voltage of 14.3 volts. A sealed battery like a gel battery must generally not be charged beyond 14.1 volts. You may want to check whether the manufacturer offers a variation.
How many volts does a golf cart charger have?
There are about 8 different types of charger plugs that you can find across various golf cart models. While some of plugs are exclusively for either 36 volts or 48 volts carts, others will work with both voltages.
What is the power of a golf cart generator?
The generator can charge the batteries that supply the power to an electric motor responsible for moving the cart. The 48 volts system in a golf cart usually features an onboard computer (OBC) that controls the battery pack charging process and restricts the charging when the cart is moving.
Why does my golf cart go into tow mode?
Your golf cart usually runs in tow mode when it does not have enough power to get moving on its own. One reason may be that the batteries are old and do not have the same power as new ones. If this happens with new batteries, the most likely reason is that they don’t have enough charge.
How long does it take for a 5 year old battery to charge?
On the other hand, a 5 year old battery may take up to 10 hours to fully charge. With a good charger, you should be able to get your cart on the move with a few hours of charging. The charging time depends on various factors and following the right steps can help you get the best out of your battery.
