What are the best golf cart battery maintenance tips?
Whether you have a Club Car, EZGO, Yamaha golf cart, or one of the other golf cart models, below are our top nine golf cart battery maintenance tips to keep any golf cart batteries in excellent condition. 1) Keep the top of each golf cart battery dry, clean and tight.
How do you clean battery acid from a golf cart battery?
After the acid has been neutralized, you can then clean it up with paper towels and dispose of them properly. If you have an electric golf cart, inevitably, you will eventually have at least some battery acid leakage.
How much does it cost to recondition a golf cart battery?
The main reason why you want to recondition your cells is to avoid shelling out a hefty price for brand new ones which costs around $800 for lower-end brands, and up to $1,500 for expensive ones.The cost savings for reconditioned golf cart batteries is approximate, 25% to 50% of the retail cost for the brand new ones.
How much acid goes in a golf cart battery?
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.
Can you put battery acid in golf cart batteries?
Do you ever add acid to a battery? Under normal operating conditions, you never need to add acid. Distilled water is recommended but tap water works just fine if distilled water is unavailable. Once filled, a battery will only need water added periodically.
How do you recondition a dead golf cart battery?
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. ... Step 2: Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water: Stir thoroughly. ... Step 3: Put the battery or batteries on a charger.
How do you Desulfate a battery?
0:051:02How to Desulfate a Lead Acid Battery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipProcess you'll need a battery charger with an advanced desulfation mode like the genius 16 voltMoreProcess you'll need a battery charger with an advanced desulfation mode like the genius 16 volt boost mode in this charge mode the battery will be charged at a high voltage. Around 16 point 5 volts.
How much acid do you put in a battery?
Fill each cell of the battery to a level just covering the battery plates, and then go back and top off each cell equally. It is important to have the cells filled equally or the battery will not operate properly. The acid should reach a level about 3/16” below the cap ring as shown in the diagram.
What is the ratio of acid to water in a battery?
Answer: The correct ratio of water to sulfuric acid in battery electrolyte is approximately: 80 percent water to 20 percent sulfuric acid.
Can you reuse battery acid?
According to AA, the battery recycling industry has several options in dealing with the acid removed from batteries. “It can be neutralized and tested before being released to the environment; or it can be converted to sodium sulfate, a product used in fertilizer, dyes and other products, or reused in new batteries.”
How do you revive a battery that won't charge?
First, you need to light a fire and let it burn down to hot ashes. Then remove the filler/vent caps from the top of the battery, take the battery off the car, and place it on the hot ash. Be careful and make you it doesn't catch fire. The hot ashes should warm the battery up.
Does aspirin help golf cart batteries?
Be warned that adding aspirin will shorten the battery life, as the aspirin will react with the sulfuric acid to form acetic acid. Good for a boost, but bad for the innards of the battery.
How many volts does it take to Desulfate a battery?
Upon connection to a battery, the desulfation mode can only engage if no current enters the battery at a charge voltage of up to 14V. A sulfated battery's voltage will initially be typically in the 2 to 6V range.
How long does it take to Desulfate battery?
48 hours to weeksDepending on the size of the battery, the desulfation process can take from 48 hours to weeks to complete. During this period the battery is also trickle charged to continue reducing the amount of lead sulfur in solution.
How do you recover and recondition a sulfated battery?
Reversible sulfation can often be corrected by applying an overcharge to an already fully charged battery in the form of a regulated current of about 200mA. The battery terminal voltage is allowed to rise to between 2.50 and 2.66V/cell (15 and 16V on a 12V mono block) for about 24 hours.
How to know if there is any problem with the charger or battery?
Frequently, it is the battery that is the problem and seldom with the charger. To know if the charger is not working, you can test it with another...
Can my charger still charge my golf cart cells if their voltage is low?
For automatic chargers intended for golf cart cells, it cannot charge if the battery is completely dead. If you have 36 volts for your golf cart b...
What is the estimated life of golf cart batteries?
On average, if there are proper maintenance and usage, the cells can last between 4 to 6 years.
Can you refurbish Golf cart batteries?
Yes, it is reasonably possible to recondition your golf cart batteries. But, there will be a condition for that. If the battery is not fully dead...
What kind of batteries go in a golf cart?
There is a lot of confusion about golf cart batteries. There are three types of lead-acid batteries: flooded, gel and AGM. Golf carts use flooded o...
How does low temperature affect golf cart batteries?
A low temperature can slow down the charge and discharge rate of any golf cart cells. Likewise, it decreases its charging capacity.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is bad?
Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following: 1 You may notice the battery power and range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf after charging back to the advertised voltage using a full trickle charge cycle. 2 A “Shutter” feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake rapidly. 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. Use a volt meter to measure each battery individually to isolate individual battery health. 3 On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the speed controller not engaging, a faulty maintenance switch, or when the voltage falls below a preset value. 4 A deep cycle battery charge time takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had a battery bank installed. As the battery bank ages, it will not hold a charge as well as it used to. The automatic charger has no way to know this and will continue to charge the battery bank trying to get to a full charge – meaning it will take a longer charge time for the batteries than normal.
How long does a deep cycle battery last?
Battery charging is performed when you are parked for the day. With proper maintenance, a deep cycle battery only lasts a set number of years before the plates get corroded over and are no longer efficient. Some cart batteries are not too far gone and can be rejuvenated using Epsom salts.
How to clean battery terminals?
Clean the battery terminals posts using 2 tablespoons of baking soda mixed with a 1 quart of water. A Wire scratch brush does the job nicely (it looks like a metal bristle toothbrush). Do not allow any of the baking soda water to enter the battery. Rinse the battery thoroughly and air dry or use a paper towel.
Why is my golf cart not moving?
On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the speed controller not engaging, a faulty maintenance switch, or when the voltage falls below a preset value.
What does it mean when your cart is low on charge?
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.
How many volts should a 6 volt battery charge?
If you do not have a hydrometer, use a multimeter instead. Measure across the terminals on each individual battery. On 6-volt batteries, you should have a battery charge of slightly over 6 volts, like 6.1 to 6.3. If you get a reading of something like 4.1, then one of the battery cells in this unit is bad or shorted.
What to do if battery is cracked?
If a battery is cracked and leaking acid, it should be replaced. With the cell caps removed, check the water level and ensure the battery plates in each battery cell are covered and not exposed. Add distilled water to any that are low. Replace the battery caps. Step 4.
What do you need to recondition a golf cart battery?
Golf cart batteries are lead-acid types, so you need to wear your safety gear before doing the reconditioning process. The safety gear you need are goggles, rubber gloves, and apron.
What type of batteries are used in golf carts?
There is a lot of confusion about golf cart batteries. There are three types of lead-acid batteries: flooded, gel and AGM. Golf carts use flooded or AGM-type batteries.
How many volts does a golf cart battery need to charge?
For automatic chargers intended for golf cart cells, it cannot charge if the battery is completely dead. If you have 36 volts for your golf cart battery set, then it must have at least 20V to 25V, for your automatic charger to recharge it back. For a 48-volt golf cart battery set, it must retain 30V to 35V for your automatic charger to recharge it.
How to know if a battery charger is not working?
To know if the charger is not working, you can test it with another cell. To examine if each cell has the right voltage capacity, use a voltmeter. Charge your battery to full capacity before reading its voltage with a voltmeter.
How many volts does a golf cart have?
In that case, you probably own a personal golf cart. It usually has 4, 6, or 8 6-volt lead -acid batteries – a lower capacity but similar cell to the ones used in standard lead-acid car batteries. There will come a time that your golf cart batteries will die out or reduce its charge capacity. Replacing all those 4 to 8 power packs would cost you ...
Why can't you dispose of golf cart batteries?
You cannot readily dispose of these kinds of waste because it contains chemicals detrimental to the environment.
Can you refill a golf cart if it is not charging?
Check for the water level of your golf cart cells. If it is not at full level, do not refill unless you are done charging it to 100 percent full capacity. Filling the water at a full level before charging can cause spillage during the charging process. Work in a well-ventilated area for the reconditioning.
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 much are batteries for a golf cart?
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 know when golf cart batteries are dying?
When your batteries are starting to die, there will be a few signs to look out for. If you have been taking care of your batteries as we have taught you , then you should be happy with the years of use you have gotten from them.
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 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.
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 ...
What Are The Best Golf Cart Batteries?
These brands have shown a dedication to creating quality batteries. Quality control and innovation are the main focus of these companies, ensuring that buyers get the latest and greatest. Find out more below!
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 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.
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 .”
What is the life span of a golf cart battery?
The average life span of a golf cart battery is four to five years. It is best to get new batteries when they die. But if you're not keen on spending money, Epsom salt is a cheap and effective alternative for powering your cart around the block that you can try before replacing them with new ones.
What is the first sign that the golf cart batteries are failing?
The first sign is when the battery voltage drops significantly, or If the batteries are not charging fully , then they are starting to fail.
What will happen if the battery gets overfilled (watering system)?
This results in loss of acid or changes the level of electrolyte (acid) inside, which then damages the plates within and shortens its life expectancy.
How to clean battery acid from floor?
To clean your floor from battery acid, you will want to use an alkalizing cleaner that will neutralize the acid. Baking soda can be used in this case. If it is a small spill, you can simply pour the baking soda over the acid and allow some time for it to neutralize the acidic liquid.
What to do if battery acid spills on floor?
If you have battery acid that has spilled onto your floor, you will want to clean it up as soon as possible. First and foremost, before you touch anything that has to do with battery acid, you will want to take precautions and make sure you are wearing safety gear.
How to avoid battery leaking?
The best way to avoid this is to always charge your batteries first and then check the water levels only after they are fully charged.
What to wear when working with batteries?
Always wear proper clothing including gloves and safety glasses anytime you are working with your batteries. You just never know what will happen and it’s always best to be prepared.
Do golf cart batteries leak?
Under normal circumstances, properly functioning golf cart batteries will not leak. These batteries generally leak when they are filled with water before they are fully charged. When they are filled with water when cold, the water will heat up and expand as they are charged.
Can battery acid damage concrete?
What I learned the hard way is that cardboard is not enough to ward off the potentially damaging effects of battery acid. Battery acid will eat right through cardboard and will end up on your floor, causing damage to the concrete beneath the cardboard.
Can you refill golf cart batteries after they are fully charged?
Here are a few tips that will help you prevent your batteries from leaking onto your garage floor. Only refill your batteries after they are fully charged.
What type of battery is used in a golf cart?
Systems comprised of 6x 6 volt batteries… Usually found in older golf carts ( Pre-1990’s) across the board Club Car, Ezgo and Yamaha Brands but also Columbia, Harley Davidson ( Yep – Harley used to make a golf cart as they also made boats under AMF) other carts include Fairplay, Par Car or Western. For this system you will need either a 6 volt battery charger to charge individually by placing the charger connections on the positive and negative terminals of each individual battery. Or you can use a 12 volt battery charger and place the charger connections on the positive terminal of the first battery and then the negative connection on that of the second battery. This will cut charge time down as you have less connections to make and depending on the charger output could decrease charge times. See Illustrations and images above.
How to charge a 12 volt golf cart battery?
For these systems you can just use a 12 volt battery charger to charge each battery individually by placing the charger connections on the positive and negative terminals of each individual battery. You can again speed up the process if you happen to have that heavy duty battery charger with a 12v/24v adjustable output feature. ( Usually common on car lots and dealerships back in the day) Then you can charge up the bank even faster ( limited by charger output) place the charger connections on the positive terminal of the first battery and then the negative connection on that of the second battery that make up 24 volts. This will cut charge time down as you have less connections to make and depending on the charger output could decrease charge times. See Illustrations and images above.
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.
Why does my golf cart charger not know if it's plugged in?
So basically if the batteries in your golf cart are dead then the charger does not know it is plugged into a golf cart because it does not sense any voltage.
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.