how to refurbish completely depleted deep cycle golf cart batteries

by Mrs. Nakia Nitzsche Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Take the suspect golf cart battery or batteries and drain approximately half of the fluid into a plastic or non-volatile container. Rinse off any of the acids that remain on the case, avoiding getting any water into the cells. Use Epsom salts to make a replacement for the drained battery 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. ...
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.

May 17, 2016

Full Answer

What is a deep-cycle battery in a golf cart?

How to repair golf cart batteries?

These are the steps to attempt a repair and refurbish golf cart batteries: Lift out the front seat to access the battery compartment. Since not all of your cart battery pack will go bad at the same time, you need to identify the failing cart batteries that have under-performing battery voltage and work on the bad ones only.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

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. Note: Electric Golf carts will have 6,8, or 12-volt batteries.

What happens if you discharge a golf cart battery with sulfuric acid?

The sulfuric acid is extremely corrosive and can cause serious chemical burns. Avoid completely discharging a golf cart battery. Doing so causes sulfation, a process in which the sulfur in the electrolyte collects on the lead plates inside the battery, blocking the flow of electricity.

How do you bring a deep cycle battery back to life?

Fill each of the battery's cells with distilled water and baking soda solution. Using a funnel, go gently with this approach. Replace the battery caps. For around 30 seconds, shake the battery.

Can you bring golf cart batteries back to life?

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.

Can old deep cycle batteries be reconditioned?

Deep cycle batteries may die before their life expectancies. This may occur due to continuous usage without reconditioning the batteries. Batteries should be reconditioned after every single year to improve their functioning as well as efficiency. If not reconditioned, they may die or perhaps fail to function.

Can a deep cycle battery be fully discharged?

BATTERY TIP 4 - Never fully discharge a deep cycle lead acid battery! The deeper you discharge the battery the more it will reduce the battery's total cycle life. We recommend discharging a battery to no lower than 50% DOD, with a maximum of 80%.

How do you charge a completely dead golf cart battery?

3:335:42How to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries Manually - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on toMoreWe recommend starting by charging each battery for 5 to 10 minutes at a time and then moving on to the next. One.

Can I put Epsom salt in my 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 fix sulfated deep cycle batteries?

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.

Does battery reconditioning really work?

A good thing is the fact you can recondition them and end up with a new battery. The main fact you should know is that a reconditioned battery will have up to 70% of the power of a brand-new unit, but this is more than your car needs.

How do you recondition a dead battery?

Add distilled water to Epsom salt to forma thick liquid and stir it properly to dissolve Epsom Salt well. Pour the mixture of distilled water and Epsom salt into every battery cell battery as much as possible. Plug in your charger after having the battery covered and set the charger for High Amps (high current).

What happens if a deep cycle battery goes flat?

If you do flatten / over-discharge a deep cycle battery, charge it back up ASAP. Use the right size and type of charger, and on the right setting (if in doubt contact us). Leave the battery on a trickle-charge when not in use, or top-up the charge monthly.

How long will a deep cycle battery last if not used?

Deep cycle batteries can last for a long time without charging when not in use. It's also possible to recharge a dead deep cycle battery fully. Experts claim that depending on the size, type, and usage of the battery, it can last up to 30 days without being charged.

How do you fix a deep cycle gel battery?

Gel batteries are sealed units, so unlike fluid-based batteries you cannot access the cells. The best way to fix and restore a gel battery is to discharge it as much as possible and then charge the battery slowly.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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.

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.

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.

How does a 12 volt battery charger work?

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.

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 ...

Can you baby sit your golf cart batteries?

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 to clean golf cart battery?

Remove a golf cart battery to charge it, using a crescent wrench to loosen the battery cables. Use a mixture of water and baking soda to clean any deposits around the battery terminals and cables. If it is not a sealed battery, remove the cell caps and top them off with distilled water.

Why don't golf cart batteries last?

However, batteries in golf carts often don't last as long as they could because of neglect and improper storage. You can do several things to make a golf cart battery last longer, including reconditioning the batteries. You also can reduce problems by making sure all electrical devices on the cart are turned off when it is not in use.

Why does my golf cart discharge so deep?

Deep discharges most often result from long periods of disuse or accidentally leaving electrical devices on the golf cart on when the cart isn't running. Make sure the cart is fully charged before each extended use. Writer Bio. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, W D Adkins has been writing professionally since 2008.

Can you charge a golf cart battery with a solar charger?

Although lead-acid batteries hold a charge well, they will drain if they sit on a shelf long enough, resulting in a deep discharge. You can leave the golf cart battery connected to a regular charger set on trickle charge or use a small solar-power charger.

Can sulfuric acid burn a golf cart battery?

Can you use tap water to charge a battery?

Do not use tap water because it contains chemicals that will damage the battery and shorten its life. Turn the charger off while you connect the power leads (make sure positive is connected to positive and negative to negative). Set the charger according to manufacturer's instructions and turn it on. When charging is complete, turn the charger off, ...

Can you recondition a golf cart battery?

Recondition lead-acid golf cart batteries to extend their useful life. Even with proper maintenance, the lead plates in a golf cart battery may become sulfated. This is relatively easy to remedy. Remove the battery as you would to charge it.

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.

What is a golf cart battery?

A golf cart battery, also called a deep-cycle battery, is a 12-volt battery with six 2-volt cells. A deep-cycle battery contains lead acid. When a deep-cycle battery sits for long periods of time in bad weather, damage occurs. When you purchase a new battery, pour additive into the terminals, which prolongs the life of the battery ...

How to clean a battery that is not made of metal?

Turn the water source on and empty the contents of the battery into a container that is not made of metal. Make sure you have your safety gear on properly. Rinse out the battery cells with running water, pouring the water into the container.

What happens when you buy a new battery?

When you purchase a new battery, pour additive into the terminals, which prolongs the life of the battery and readies it for reconditioning in the future. Every battery comes with a guaranteed lifespan; however, the level of maintenance determines whether it reaches its full lifespan potential.

Why do batteries need water?

Work next to a continuous water source because a lot of water is required. Water helps dilute the acid of the battery; work in a well-ventilated area.

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.

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.

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. ×.