how to renew old golf cart batteries

1. Tip the battery on its edge: Allow approximately half the battery acid to run out of each cell and into a plastic container. ...
2. Mix 8 ounces of Epsom salts into 2 quarts of warm distilled water: Stir thoroughly. ...
3. Put the battery or batteries on a charger

Full Answer

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 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 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...

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.

Can I refurbish my golf cart batteries?

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 and you can charge it up to a certain extent, it will be possible to refurbish it.

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.

How do you recondition an old battery?

Stuff you'll need: Goggles, gloves, battery acid pack and a voltmeter.Buy an acid pack.Replace the existing acid and add in fresh distilled water.Charge the battery up for between 10 and 12 hours if your charger is slow. If you have a fast charger, charge your battery for 6 hours.

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 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.

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.

Does reconditioning batteries 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 fix a battery that doesn't hold a charge?

Answer provided by. If jumpstarting your car battery doesn't fix your problem, your battery might be dead. But if it's not, you may be able to repair a car battery that won't hold a charge by performing a few tests, cleaning the cells, and reconditioning the battery.

How do you bring a dead sealed battery back to life?

0:0017:01How to Revive a dead 12V Sealed Lead Acid Battery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday we show you how to revive a sealed lead-acid battery. Using simple methods and some tricks.MoreToday we show you how to revive a sealed lead-acid battery. Using simple methods and some tricks.

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.

How do you preserve golf cart batteries?

Golf Cart Battery Maintenance1) Keep the top of each golf cart battery dry, clean and tight. ... 2) Charge for 8 to 10 hours with the proper golf cart battery charger. ... 3) Fill all golf cart battery cells ONLY AFTER charging, and do not over fill. ... 4) Use golf cart batteries often.More items...

Can you Desulfate a golf cart battery?

When you want to desulfate your golf cart battery, there are just a handful of different tools that you'll need for this process. Thankfully, most people should be able to handle this process with little difficulty, as long as you understand how to open up your battery and handle a few simple tools.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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?

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. In addition, sulfation corrodes the lead plates.

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.

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. ×.