how to bring back golf cart batteries that have been sitting

1. Open the Battery Compartment. Since golf cart batteries are generally under the front seat this requires that the front seat be lifted out of the cart.
2. Clean Corrosion Off the Battery. Wearing gloves and eye goggles for protection, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 quart of water and stir well.
3. Wash the Paintbrush and Dip Into Water. Wipe all surfaces of your batteries with plain water until you have cleaned away all of the corrosion.
4. Inspect the Battery. Check the battery for cracks or other defects. ...
5. Remove Plastic Caps. Remove the caps that cover the cells of the batteries. ...
Charge the Battery. Charge the battery overnight with a three-phase charger set to charge 6-volt batteries. ...
Check the Charge. After a night of charging, check the charge in the morning. ...
Drain the Battery Acid. Tip the battery on its edge and allow approximately half the battery acid to run out of each cell and into a plastic container.
Add New Mixture. Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water. Stir thoroughly. ...
Charge the Battery. Give the battery another overnight charge as described in Step 6. ...

Full Answer

How do you maintain your golf cart batteries?

You should always hook up your golf cart charger to your golf cart after use to keep the batteries in peak condition. Another good thing to have for your golf cart batteries is a watering system.

Can I delay buying new batteries for my golf cart?

This is an old fashioned way to possibly delay the purchase of new batteries for your golf cart. This is hit or miss depending on how long your batteries have sat without a charge or how long they last after they are charged, or if they take a charge at all.

How to charge a golf cart battery while on vacation?

Though due to recent advances in charging technology you can now purchase a Smart charger for your golf cart that will basically baby sit your batteries while you are away on vacation for the summer or whenever.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

The batteries used in the golf carts are mostly 6-volt lead batteries or 12-volt lead batteries. The life of these batteries is primarily low as they are mostly ignored. The improper storage and the way they are used also contribute to the battery’s short life. Most often these batteries, when not functioning properly, are thrown away.

What do you do when your golf cart batteries are dead?

Any time your golf cart needs towed or dies, you must use the “tow-run” switch on the cart and switch it to the “TOW” position. You can typically find the tow-run switch inside of the battery compartment of the golf cart in plain sight.

Can you recharge dead golf cart batteries?

0:417:14How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey can come on and start to charge the battery. If your batteries in your golf. Car be it a 48 orMoreThey can come on and start to charge the battery. If your batteries in your golf. Car be it a 48 or a 36 volt have dropped below that certain cut on voltage that the charger has to see to recognize.

How long can golf cart batteries sit?

Golf cart batteries should last for 4-5years. So after 4-5 years if you're finding your golf cart is getting sluggish, it may be time for a new set of batteries.

Does Epsom salt help golf cart batteries?

Mix 4 ounces of Epsom salts into a quart of warm distilled water and stir. Using a turkey baster fill each battery cell slightly over the lead plates. Do this for a cycle of 4 charges so the Epsom Salts remove the deposits on the battery plates.

How do you rejuvenate a battery?

You will need: distilled water, voltmeter, battery charger and syringe.Remove the battery and remove the rubber that protects the caps. ... Fill a battery with the distilled water and recharge it. ... You can also try to replace the acid inside a battery and mix a new acid with the distilled water.

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 long can golf cart batteries sit without being charged?

Still, golf cart batteries should be recharged after four hours of use. Nobody likes to be stranded. It takes several hours to re-charge golf cart batteries that have gone completely dead. To lengthen the lifespan of batteries, make sure they are fully charged before each use.

How often should you add water to golf cart batteries?

Adding water after charging prevents acid from spilling over. You'll want to add water to 1/2 inch from the top of the battery. 2) We recommend service once or twice a year. 3) Always use distilled water so you don't add additional minerals into your battery.

How can you tell if 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.

Does Desulfating a battery work?

If you own a battery desulfator, you can lengthen its lifespan and enjoy even more miles on the road. Plug your car battery into a desulfator and you'll enhance its effectiveness even as it ages.

What happens if golf cart batteries run out of water?

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.

How do you use Epsom salt to bring back a dead battery?

Replace battery cell solution – Mix 4 cups of water with 4 ounces of Epsom salt. Stir until the water is clear. Boiled water speeds up the process but isn't necessary. With the funnel, refill the cells with the new electrolyte solution.

What happens if golf cart batteries run out of water?

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.

How do I know if my 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.

Do golf cart batteries lose charge over time?

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.

Why won't my golf cart batteries hold a charge?

If your batteries aren't hooked up correctly, or the connections between them are weak or frayed, this can quickly lead to a loss of power and cause your charger to fail. Make sure you check each battery terminal for corrosion; any buildup will impede the flow of electricity, and could likewise cause problems.

Simple Steps in Reviving Old Golf Cart Batteries

If you want to get some use out of your old golf cart, there are steps that you can take to revive your old battery and make it functional again.

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.

The battery works extremely slow after charging it overnight, will the Epsom solution work? Epsom salt help?

Saltwater can be a good solution to fix your battery, but if you have tried this and it did not work, then it is time to replace your batteries.

How do I know if my golf cart batteries are healthy?

One definite way is by undergoing a load test which can be done when charged fully. This is to ensure that your golf cart batteries are in proper condition and not showing any signs of problems or defects such as an old battery.

If the batteries are fully charged, how long should I expect for it to work?

If you have new batteries, then 30-50 miles should be possible. There are two ways to know how old a car battery is. The easiest way is by looking at the date code on top of it and if you have trouble deciphering that, then there's always an easy solution by performing a load test.

After a few attempts to charge the batteries, tried trickle charge as well but still won't work?

It is possible that your battery has gone too far and will need to be replaced. This can happen if you have not been able to charge it for a while or when the voltage does not increase after several hours of charging.

What will happen if the battery gets overfilled (watering system)?

The worst thing you can do to a battery is to overfill it. 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 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.

How to deal with golf cart batteries?

The better way to deal with them is to rejuvenate golf cart batteries as it will save a lot of costs and is also an environmentally friendly way to live. There are simple steps in which the golf cart batteries are rebuilt. These steps should be followed in the same sequence to gain the right amount of revived battery power.

How to clean a battery that is corroded?

First, put on the gloves and the goggles and mix two tablespoons of baking soda into water. Stir the mixture well. Now, use a paintbrush and dip it in the mix. Use this brush and solution to paint all over the battery where there are signs of corrosion.

What is the difference between golf cart batteries and other vehicles?

The difference between the batteries of golf cars and that of other vehicles is that they do not need a lot of power. It just needs enough to work on smooth roads but for a longer time. The batteries used in the golf carts are mostly 6-volt lead batteries or 12-volt lead batteries.

How to clean a sandbag cart?

Step 1: The battery should be removed. Most of the cart batteries are placed under the front seat, and you will have to lift the seat up to remove the battery. This could be different for some other cart models who have a hinged seat which can be lifted straight to take the battery out. Step 2: Start with cleaning the battery.

How to charge a battery with a negative pole?

Connect to charge. Carefully connect the positive wire to the positive pole on the battery and the negative charge to the negative pole on the battery. Plug it in and then switch it on for charging after it is safely connected to the battery. Step 7: Leave it for the night. Check the charging level in the morning.

Can you walk too far with a golf cart?

If you are, then you must also use the golf cart to get around the course easily. No one wants to walk too far with all the heavy golf equipment at hand. Golf carts make it easy for golfers to navigate their way all over the course.

How to clean a battery with baking soda?

Clean the battery with your paintbrush dipped in a baking soda solution as described in Step 2. Rinse your battery with plain water, making certain none of the water gets into any of the cells. Step 9. Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water. Stir thoroughly.

How to get corrosion off batteries?

Wearing gloves and eye goggles for protection, mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda into 1 quart of water. Stir well. Dip your paintbrush into this mixture and then liberally paint onto all areas where there is corrosion on the batteries, especially on and around the battery terminals.

How to check if battery charger is full?

If the battery charger indicates that the battery has taken a full charge, inspect the cells and add more distilled water to any cells in which the battery plates are exposed to the air and then replace the cell caps.

How to change battery in golf cart?

Step 1. Open the battery compar tment. Since golf cart batteries are generally under the front seat this requires that the front seat be lifted out of the cart. On some cart models the front seat is hinged and the front of the seat is lifted straight up. Step 2.

What to do if battery charger does not indicate full charge?

However, if the charger does not indicate that the battery has accepted a full charge, you need to take extra measures (see Step 8). Tip the battery on its edge and allow approximately half the battery acid to run out of each cell and into a plastic container.

What to do if battery won't take full charge?

Check the battery in the morning. If the battery still won't take a full charge, it likely cannot be saved. If the battery has taken a charge, replace the cell caps and use your cart normally.

How to clean a battery that has a cracked case?

Wipe all surfaces of your batteries with plain water until you have cleaned away all of the corrosion. Inspect the batteries for cracks or other defects. Remove and replace any batteries that have a cracked case, especially if it appears to be leaking battery acid into the battery compartment.

Why are golf cart batteries banned?

Lead-acid batteries are banned from landfills and incinerators in every state because they are toxic. Golf cart batteries contain lead and acid, whose properties are hazardous to both the Earth and people when not properly disposed of. The acid can cause serious burns or injury to people and animals as well as damage your property.

Why is it important to recycle old batteries?

Recycling old batteries reduces the risk of soil and water contamination. 97% of Lead in old batteries is recycled into other battery parts and lead plates. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that up to 80% of the plastic and lead in any new battery you purchase is recycled.

What happens if you leave old batteries lying around?

If you leave your old batteries lying around for an extended period of time, the lead within the batteries can become toxic. The acid in the batteries contain hazardous corrosive powers that can contaminate and poison soil and water.

How to stop acid from leaking out of car?

A solution of water and baking soda will work to neutralize any leakage that has already occurred on your property. Transfer the component to a leak-proof container, and make sure you keep it upright so the acid cannot leak out. Boxes made of plastic or fiberglass are best and are generally sold at auto parts retailers.

Is it good to recycle batteries?

Regardless of where you choose to recycle your old batteries, recycling is good for your community, the environment, and your health and the health of those you love. Plus, there are many organizations that help make recycling efficient, quick and rewarding. ×.

Can battery acid eat concrete?

The acid can cause serious burns or injury to people and animals as well as damage your property. Battery acid can even eat through concrete surfaces. Lead poison can lead to numerous health issues such as nausea, abdominal pain, reduced cognitive abilities and more.

1. Make sure the battery is in good condition

You should ensure that you check your battery on a frequent basis to ensure that it is as robust as possible. This phase is a little overkill and can drive you insane by requiring you to measure the power level of your battery, ensure that the water levels are balanced, and conduct other unnecessary tasks.

2. Maintain a fully charged battery

The procedures below should make charging your battery very simple for you, and they may be used on any cart model currently on the market:

3. Water Cells must be filled

The techniques below should help prevent your battery from this potential problem:

5. Ensure that the batteries are in good working order by cleaning them thoroughly

The instructions below should be sufficient to assist you in this situation:

6. Choose a Safe Storage Location for Your Batteries

It doesn’t matter where you go as long as you pick one that fulfills the following criteria as nearly as feasible for your battery’s requirements: