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how to fix a golf cart battery

by Erika Lueilwitz Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair Golf Cart Batteries: A Simple Guide.

  • Step 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 ...
  • Step 2. Clean Corrosion Off the Battery.
  • Step 3. Wash the Paintbrush and Dip Into Water.
  • Step 4. Inspect the Battery.
  • Step 5. Remove Plastic Caps.

How to Repair Golf Cart Batteries: A Simple Guide
  1. Open the Battery Compartment. ...
  2. Clean Corrosion Off the Battery. ...
  3. Wash the Paintbrush and Dip Into Water. ...
  4. Inspect the Battery. ...
  5. Remove Plastic Caps. ...
  6. Charge the Battery. ...
  7. Check the Charge. ...
  8. Drain the Battery Acid.

Full Answer

How to refurbish a golf cart battery step by step?

Step-by-Step Guide: Golf Cart Battery Reconditioning

  • Safety goggles
  • Rubber gloves
  • Apron
  • Distilled water
  • Epsom salt
  • Bucket
  • Baking soda
  • Flathead screw
  • Wrench
  • Battery Reconditioning Chargers

More items...

How do you refurbish golf cart batteries?

You will need:

  • Battery charger
  • Epsom salts
  • Baking soda (and an old paintbrush)
  • Distilled water (and a turkey baster)

How to recondition golf cart battery in 10 Easy Steps?

STEP 1 Before preparing your battery for reconditioning, you need to wear your protective gear: apron, gloves, mask, and goggles. Likewise, make a weak baking soda and water solution on the side to neutralize any sudden spills and splashes. STEP 2 You need to remove the corrosion in the battery terminal.

How to restore old golf cart batteries?

How to Repair Golf Cart Batteries: A Simple Guide

  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. ...

More items...

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How do you bring a golf cart battery back to life?

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 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.

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

0:335:42How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNo matter how the batteries ran low if your cart does not have enough power to drive forward itMoreNo matter how the batteries ran low if your cart does not have enough power to drive forward it probably doesn't have enough voltage to activate a charger.

Can you replace only one battery in a golf cart?

Let's discuss in detail. When it comes to changing the golf cart batteries, technically, you can change just one at a time. However, this is not advisable as it can cause permanent damage to each battery. When a battery has gone bad, you should change all of the batteries.

How do you know if you need new golf cart batteries?

4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. ... Your Golf Cart loses power very quickly. ... Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. ... The batteries are leaking acid and are beginning to bulge.

Why would a golf cart not 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.

How much does it cost to replace golf cart batteries?

Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.

Can you use car batteries in a golf cart?

Can You Use Regular Car Batteries in a Golf Cart? The short answer is yes. Standard car batteries are 12-volts, and you could connect three or four of them in series to provide the required 36 or 48 volts to your golf cart motor. However, the design of car batteries provides a huge surge of current for short periods.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 color is a fully charged battery?

Observe also the electrolyte color. A gray or brown coloration shows that the end of your battery life is nearing. If you do not have a hydrometer, use a multimeter instead.

What happens if your golf cart battery fails?

Obviously, for electric golf carts, the battery is what provides power to your motor. If your batteries start to quit on you, the golf cart won’t move, or will drastically decrease in range. With a gas motor, the battery is what starts the motor and keeps it running by providing electricity to the spark plugs. Without it, your motor won’t crank.

Why is my golf cart battery failing?

The most common thing that leads to early golf cart battery failure is corrosion. The problem goes deeper, too. It will ruin your cables, terminals, and even cause damage to battery trays and tie downs. Replacing a whole battery cable can be costly and difficult, so it’s best to avoid that problem.

How to clean corroded battery posts?

Undo the terminals from the battery posts and soak the corroded area in the cleaner or baking soda solution for about 5 or so minutes, then put on some gloves, grab your wire brush, and keep scrubbing until it’s all gone. Repeat as necessary, then rinse with a lot of water.

How does a battery work?

Your battery works by having two metals, a cathode and anode, react to each other to create chemical energy that we harness as electrical energy. With wet cell lead-acid batteries, these metals are kept in a liquid electrolyte, a liquid solution comprised of pure water and hydrosulphuric acid mixed to a set specific gravity. Other types of batteries typically use a gel, mat, or solid electrolyte to perform the same function. For the purpose of this topic however, the only battery we’ll be discussing is the traditional lead-acid battery, as this is the only type of battery for which you will have to worry about electrolyte levels.

Why is my battery puddled?

If your battery gets dirty, muddy, grimy, or anything else, make sure to clean that off too. These things can cause extra resistance in your electrical system, putting an unnecessary drain on your battery and shortening its life.

How long do batteries last?

All joking aside, every battery is different, but most properly maintained batteries will last about 4 to 6 years depending on usage, charge cycle, and a bunch of uncontrollable variables. Lead acid batteries will require a lot of maintenance to do so, however.

What happens when hydrogen gas is released from a battery?

Look for corrosion often, and neutralize it immediately. It’s a long and never ending war, but your wallet will thank you. Corrosion happens when hydrogen gases, released from your battery, mix with other chemicals and gasses in the atmosphere, and then bond to the metals of cables, terminals, and battery posts.

What happens if your golf cart battery is low?

Weak Battery Voltage. One or more of your golf cart batteries are likely to have a low voltage. This can stop the batteries from being able to pick up charge. Check the voltage of each battery separately. When you find a battery with a low charge, try charging it to its full voltage using a smaller auto charger.

What is a golf cart battery light?

A golf cart’s battery light is undoubtedly an indispensable accessory of any battery-operated golf cart. This light notifies you when your golf cart battery or batteries are low on charge. It saves you the hassle of worrying whether you would be stranded because of a drained battery.

Why does my golf cart light flash red?

The light, usually red, starts flashing when the battery has got less than 10 percent charge left, in an electric golf cart or less than 10 percent fuel in a gasoline-powered golf cart. The golf cart has several other warning lights. For example, there is a warning light to indicate if there is any problem with the engine of your cart.

Why is my battery light flashing?

One reason why your battery light is flashing could be because the batteries are not getting a full charge from the charger. The flashing indicates that the charging is less than 90 percent.

What is the warning light on a golf cart?

The warning light on an electric golf cart is the battery light . True to its name, this light gets illuminated to warn you of a low battery or low batteries. It serves as a signal for you that it’s time for battery recharge.

Why do my batteries flash?

A mistake in the installation of batteries can cause flash ing battery lights. This can be something like a wrong polarity connection. Analyze how your battery connections have been made. One or more batteries have likely been connected in the reverse order.

What to do if there is no power supply?

If there is no power supply between one or more wire connections involving the headlight, use a voltmeter and check if there is power going through all the wires connected to the headlights .

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 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!)

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 to prevent battery malfunction in golf cart?

To reduce the risk of battery malfunctions, do general maintenance on a regular basis by making sure your batteries are properly watered and free of corrosion. The most obvious sign of an issue with the batteries is when your golf cart doesn’t start. The first thing to do in this case is to fully charge your battery.

What are the problems with electric golf carts?

With frequent use, problems with the battery, tires, and other parts are extremely common.

Why is my golf cart not clicking?

When the solenoid isn’t working properly, you might stop hearing the clicking sound, and your cart might have intermittent issues starting. If your battery is working well and your car is having trouble starting, it might be time for a solenoid replacement. Properly maintaining your golf cart will help to ensure it’s in prime condition ...

What to do if your cart doesn't start?

The first thing to do in this case is to fully charge your battery. If after doing this, your cart still doesn’t start, then your battery is probably dead. Before changing the battery, take a look at the terminal cables to see if they’re the root cause of the problem by cleaning them and making sure they look alright.

What is a solenoid on a golf cart?

A solenoid is a cylindrical coil of wire responsible for carrying electric current to the motor. It’s not uncommon for this part to stop working because it has to work constantly when you use your golf cart.

How to fix a flat tire that won't inflate?

If a flat tire refuses to inflate due to a leak, replace it. Begin by raising your car with car jack. Then, unscrew the lug nuts, and remove the tire and wheel rim. Then, replace the old tire with a new one.

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