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how to check an electric golf cart charger

by Terrence Bins Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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An easy preliminary way to test your golf cart charger diodes without opening the charger is to test at the battery bank. Locate your main positive and main negative lead to your battery bank. They should be the only posts that are not connected to another battery in series.

Turn on the Charger – Once you have the voltmeter attached to your battery charger, turn on the charger to read the electrical output. Typically, the needle on the voltmeter will move from left to right – with right being higher – to gauge the amps produced. A reading of about 36 amps is typical for a battery charger.

Full Answer

What is the best battery charger for a golf cart?

PROS:

  • This product is designed in a fully automatic manner so that it can easily charge a golf cart battery.
  • This is great for golf carts – and can be used for many other different batteries, which may be important to some consumers.
  • This charger was designed with reverse polarity protection.
  • There is a power on, power off, and fully charged indication.

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How to check the generator on your golf cart?

  • Remove the fan belt from the vehicle or machine the generator starts. ...
  • Attach the jumper wire to the armature terminal on the generator.
  • Touch the other end of the jumper wire to the positive terminal on the battery.

How to test a golf trolley battery charger?

  • Wear protective eyewear and work in a well-ventilated area when performing this test. ...
  • A hydrometer kind of looks like a turkey baster with a little measuring float in the middle of the tube. ...
  • In a golf cart battery, a hydrometer will measure the charge of the battery by measuring the weight of the water. ...

How to jumpstart a golf cart?

How to Start a Golf Cart

  • Check for flat tires before you begin operating the vehicle. ...
  • Decide if you want the vehicle to move forward or backward and switch the driver select lever accordingly.
  • Put on the seatbelt. ...
  • Golf carts, like most vehicles, are operated using a key. ...
  • If you notice that the vehicle’s engine is cold, engage the choke knob by pulling it out. ...

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How do I know if my golf cart battery charger is bad?

Bad Charger: IN GENERAL, if the charger kicks on, but doesn't charge fully or kicks off soon after, this is likely a charger issue. If the charger makes a loud clicking noise, this is likely a battery charger issue.

How do I know if my club car charger is working?

If the Club Car's computer is working correctly, the relay should make a “click” sound when you plug in your charger. If it does not, then you could easily have a blown fuse. If you check the fuse and it is okay, then you could also have a damaged relay, although this is rare.

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 do I test my EZ Go battery charger?

Use your voltmeter to test the positive end of the charger handle. Press the other end to the negative line coming in (near the fuse). This is just one last check to be sure, since often the handle of the E-Z-Go Powerwise Charger is where people tend to have issues.

How do you reset a golf cart charger?

Easily Reset the Club Car Golf Cart OBCKey switch to off.Set forward/reverse to neutral.Put tow/run switch to tow.Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery pack.Put the tow/run switch to run.Put forward/reverse switch to reverse.Put key switch to on.More items...

What do you do if your golf cart won't charge?

Golf Cart Won't ChargeCheck our outlet to make sure that you're getting power to your electrical outlet.Check the water level in your batteries, using distilled water to refill only. ... Check for corrosion or any loose cables on the batteries.Check the condition of your charger's cables (AC and DC cables).More items...

How do I know if my battery charger is working?

Running a test on your battery charger is an easy process.Plug in your charger to an electrical outlet. ... Turn on your voltmeter unit. ... Take a battery or battery pack that's compatible to your battery charger. ... Check the readout on the voltmeter and see where the pointer is indicating to.More items...

How do I reset my club battery charger?

How to reset your Club Car's OBC after a faultKey Switch to Off.Forward/Reverse to Neutral.Tow/Run Switch to Tow.Disconnect the Battery NEGATIVE (–) wire from the Battery Minus terminal on the battery pack.Put the Tow/Run to Run.Forward/Reverse Switch to Reverse.Key Switch to On.Lock the throttle pedal down.

What do the lights on a golf cart charger mean?

A green light flashing on the battery charger of your golf cart usually indicates the charge level of the battery. Short green flashes mean the charge level is below 80%, where long flashes mean the charge level is above 80%. If it is one solid green light it indicates the golf cart's battery is fully charged to 100%.

Can you repair a golf cart charger?

Golf cart chargers are relatively simple to repair, and for most common failures, they can be easily and inexpensively fixed. Other, more significant failures - like a faulty circuit board or burned up transformer - can get a little more complicated and more expensive.

Where is the reset button on an ezgo golf cart?

Locate the motor Remove the panel so the electric motor is visible. Electric motors usually include reset buttons that can perform similar to circuit breakers. Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button.

How do you test a golf cart diode charger?

To adequately test a diode, you must remove the transformer wires from them, as this can skew your results. With your multi-meter set to the diode function, or just simple continuity, press one probe to the end of the diode where the wire was and the other probe to the portion near the heat sink.

Why are the Golf cart battery chargers essential?

Before we proceed to the main topic of testing a golf cart battery charger, let’s watch why it is essential. Golf cart battery chargers are an essential part of owning a golf cart. It is also needed for the Golf Cart Battery Reconditioning.

How will you test a Golf cart battery charger: step by step guide?

Usually, the charger doesn’t take up the charge if the product is not original. But, the automated chargers require minimum voltage.If you are using a charger, it will have some indicator that indicates when the battery has been charged up or discharged.

How to fix club car charging problems?

Many people among you may own a club car. After using it for some time, you will observe that the particular car’s battery is neither charging nor draining on time. This is a problem which you need to fix. First, check the voltage output. If you find it is weak, follow the below steps:

What are the varieties of Golf cart batteries?

Lead-acid batteries are by far the cheapest option on this list, but it doesn’t last nearly as long as most other options.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

Golf carts are not usually driven regularly like cars. Instead, they are typically only used when necessary, and the average lifespan for an AGM battery is between two to five years depending upon how often they’re being charged, but that can vary from model to model.

What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?

Following are the issues you will get in your golf cart with the bad solenoid.

How to test a 36-volt golf cart battery charger?

Do you find yourself wondering how to test a 36-volt golf cart battery charger? It’s an important question and one that many people have. Here, we’ll tell you all about the process of testing your battery reconditioning charger!

How to Tell if Your Golf Cart Charger is Going Bad

It is a general question that we are analyzing and get confused between our Golf cart charger and golf cart battery. This situation occurs many times when the power supply is not up to the mark, or the charger is not getting enough voltage so that it can charge golf cart batteries.

Why Should You Test Your Charger?

If any person has a golf cart, you must be required to upgrade your golf cart in various ways. However, users need to test golf carts in different ways. Such as checking out the output from the charger. There are various types of reasons available.

Process of How to Test Golf Cart Battery Charger

Testing your battery charger necessitates several steps that will assess not only the charger but also your battery and cart.

Why Is It Essential to Test the Golf Cart Battery Charger?

Although a good golf cart battery charger will typically last for years without being upgraded, this unit will eventually wear out. A variety of issues, such as wiring issues, complications with the charger’s operating elements, and various other issues, can contribute to decreased charger effectiveness.

What happens if my golf cart is not charging?

If you do not have any voltage in the batteries you will need to get some back into the battery bank before the golf cart charger will charge again .

What voltage do golf cart batteries work on?

All golf cart battery chargers usually operate on 110VAC but some have the ability to operate on multiple voltages for other power grids like in Europe vs US. 110/230VAC would reflect this feature on charger. Good DC side connection. This is the wire or cord with a connector that you would plug into the golf cart.

What is the third pin on a golf cart?

Then the third pin is usually a low voltage signal for a lock-out feature on these newer style golf carts. This is so the user cannot drive off with a golf cart “If the charger is still plugged in”.

Where to find battery in golf cart?

You will usually find the batteries to your golf cart under the front seat which opens or folds out towards the golf cart steering wheel on most Club Cars, Ezgo and Yamaha golf carts. Look for the two terminals with the most wires going to them. Usually this is the positive and negative most terminals in the battery bank.

Is electric transportation good?

Yet you just went to take it for a ride and it doesn’t go.

Do golf cart batteries work the same?

Wiring batteries in a series style circuit is quite simple and always the same. No mater how many golf cart batteries you have it will always work the same.

How to troubleshoot a golf cart battery charger?

If your batteries get too low, you could be stranded. To avoid this, you have to ensure that your battery charger is working correctly. If your battery charger ever fails, ...

Why is my golf cart not charging?

If your batteries are carrying a minimal load, and your charger will still not charge them, it may be because your golf cart’s onboard computer is confused about how much charge they are currently carrying.

Why does my charger fail?

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.

How many volts does a battery charger need to charge?

When your charger can’t tell that your batteries are hooked up, it often won’t even turn on. A base charge of 25-30 volts is usually sufficient to wake up your charger and begin charging. To get around this problem, specific chargers offer modes that keep your batteries charged even when you’re not using them.

What to do if battery charger fails?

You can’t address every problem with a simple DIY repair, but a sound diagnosis can save hours of frustration. In many cases, the solution is simple, and you’ll be able to handle it with minimal expense.

Why won't my battery turn on?

Make Sure the Batteries have Some Charge. In the scenario that it doesn’t turn on, it might mean you waited too long to recharge them, and now the charge that they currently carry is too low for the charger to detect them. When your charger can’t tell that your batteries are hooked up, it often won’t even turn on.

What to do if battery is stuck at no charge?

However, if you’re stuck at no charge, a small, manual charger should provide each battery with enough juice to activate your regular charger.

How long does it take to charge an electric golf cart?

It can take anywhere from 3 to 10 hours to fully charge your electric golf cart. This is assuming the battery is nearly discharged. The exact time it will take depends on the age of your batteries and the type of charger you use. Generally, you can expect older batteries to take longer to charge (5+ hours).

Where is the charging plug on a golf cart?

Connect charging plug to the cart’s charging outlet – the charging outlet can be located on the exterior of the cart or underneath the seat. Leave the charger connected until the battery is fully charged – not allowing your battery to fully charge might reduce its lifespan.

What does a red light on a battery charger mean?

Others have indicator lights to let you know. For example, a red light might mean that the battery still needs to be charged while a green light usually indicates it is fully charged.

Can you charge a golf cart with a generator?

Most people choose to use a simple wall outlet from their home. If your golf cart is usually stored somewhere where this is not an option, you can also use a generator. ***Make sure you charge your cart in a well-ventilated area.

Can you overcharge a golf cart battery?

If you frequently run your cart until the battery is nearly dead, it will damage the battery and can significantly shorten its lifespan. On the other hand, it’s important not to overcharge your electric golf cart battery as repetitive over-charging can also lead to battery damage.

What wires are needed to charge a golf cart?

Only the red and black wires are needed to completely charge the golf cart. The blue wire is an optional safety wire. If hooked up to the motor controller it will not allow you drive the golf cart while charging it. Think about being at the gas pump and driving off with the pump still in the car.

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 is an OBC on a club car?

When you plug the charger into your Club Car, the OBC will tell the battery charger when to start and stop charging based on the voltage levels in your batteries.

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 charging red?

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).

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.

Why is my charger making a clicking noise?

If the charger makes a loud clicking noise, this is likely a battery charger issue.

Charger Diode Types

In the most general terms, a diode, whether in a golf cart charger or any other application, is a one way gate for electricity. It is direction sensitive and only allows power to flow one way through it. They are generally installed as protection against polarity reversal. Golf cart charger diodes do just that, protect against polarity reversal.

Testing

An easy preliminary way to test your golf cart charger diodes without opening the charger is to test at the battery bank. Locate your main positive and main negative lead to your battery bank. They should be the only posts that are not connected to another battery in series.

Internal Testing

To adequately test a diode, you must remove the transformer wires from them, as this can skew your results. With your multi-meter set to the diode function, or just simple continuity, press one probe to the end of the diode where the wire was and the other probe to the portion near the heat sink. Record your reading, and then reverse the probes.

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