how to tell if golf cart batteries are good

Golf Cart Battery Testing Methods

• Digital Volt Meter Test. A digital volt meter is only going to get you so far in the event you want to check the health...
• Testing Your Batteries With A Hydrometer. Check the electrolyte specific gravity with a hydrometer. ... If the specific...
• Battery Load Test. For example – On a full charge a good set of golf cart batteries will...

Full Answer

How do you test a golf cart battery?

By pressing a button on the tester, a resistor is brought into the circuit and puts a load on the battery. A healthy battery will only drop in the voltage by about .2 to .4 volts. More than this indicates a possibly faulty or failing battery. How To Test …

What is the best battery charger for a golf cart?

Feb 07, 2019 · Golf Cart Battery Testing Methods Digital Volt Meter Test. A digital volt meter is only going to get you so far in the event you want to check the health... Testing Your Batteries With A Hydrometer. Check the electrolyte specific gravity with a hydrometer. ... If the specific... Battery Load Test. ...

How to properly charge a golf cart battery?

Jun 29, 2019 · Your electric cart will accommodate either 6, 8, or 12V batteries. Its volt electrical drive system will have a 36V or 48V system. If you are not able to determine if it’s a 36V or a 48V electrical drive system, lift the cart seat so you can bring the battery compartment into view. You will be able to see 3, 4, or 6 holes.

How do you fill the battery in a golf cart?

Aug 02, 2019 · A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system. Six 6 volt Battery Configuration 8 Volt Batteries

What is the average life of golf cart batteries?

How do I know if my 6 volt golf cart battery is bad?

Does my golf cart need new batteries?

What voltage should golf cart batteries read?

What should a 48 volt battery read when fully charged?

How long do 6 volt golf cart batteries last?

Should I leave my golf cart plugged in all the time?

When should you replace your golf cart batteries?

Should I charge my golf cart after every use?

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

How do you revive golf cart batteries?

What should 36v golf cart batteries read?

How many volts should a golf cart battery be?

For example – On a full charge a good set of golf cart batteries will allow you to surely play a few rounds of golf. Using a 48 volt Club Car for example you can play a round of golf with a new set of fully charged batteries and after round is complete the cart will still be above the 48 volt threshold on the battery banks capacity. One because the start / stop load not very demanding vs all out start stops continuously without letting the golf cart or batteries catch their breath per se… Though this is also because a fully charged 48 volt cart with say 6x 8 volt batteries will be around 51 volts not 48 volts.

Why is my golf cart battery undercharging?

Undercharging: Undercharging caused by using a cheap golf cart battery charging system ( One that does not apply enough amperage in the charging cycle) can cause lead sulfate to gradually build up and crystallize on the plates greatly reducing the. battery’s capacity and ability to be recharged.

What can reduce battery life?

Improper Maintenance: Low electrolytic fluid and corrosion on battery connections can greatly reduce battery life and performance.

What is the specific gravity of a battery?

If the specific gravity measures between 1.100 and 1.220, the battery must be. recharged. If the specific gravity is between 1.225 and 1.265, the battery is ok to test. If the hydrometer has a temperature correction chart, be sure to adjust the reading for the battery’s temperature.

What happens if you loosen a battery?

Incorrect Installation: Loose battery hold-downs cause excessive vibration, which can result in damage to the plates and internals of the battery. Especially important with new batteries as the lead has not cured yet and is very soft.

Do you need a volt meter before a load test?

Check voltage before each test with Digital Volt Meter or If you purchase the Load tester Pete recommends it has a volt meter on it to help facilitate a proper test.

How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?

1. Charging Issues. First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out.

How to check if golf cart is charging?

First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out. Plug it back into the charger and follow the instructions. Just in case the charger is the issue, check that the battery charger is turned on. There should be an indicator light to show that it is charging the batteries. In the morning, disconnect ...

What hole does a golf cart stop dead?

It’s a real hassle if your golf cart stops dead and you’re only at the 15 th hole of play. Not only is this an embarrassing event, but it’s a major pain to have to arrange for the cart to be towed back to the parking lot.

How to check if a battery is sealed?

Inspect the batteries to see if they are sealed lead-acid batteries or if there are caps on the top of the batteries . If there are caps (lids) present – then open them and check that the cells inside are adequately covered with the clear fluid. This fluid is the acid – so be careful not to splash it near your eyes or on clothing. It will burn.

Why won't my cart fire up?

But more often than not, your cart suddenly refused to fire up and go due to a dead or bad battery.

Can you top up golf cart batteries?

Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries. If this is the case, you will notice how several individual batteries have been “daisy-chained” together to form one large battery. 4.

Can you top up a golf cart battery with distilled water?

You need to leave enough room for expansion, so the acid should only be filled to just above the lead cells inside. Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries.

How long does a golf cart battery last?

With proper maintenance, a golf cart battery should last anywhere between 5-6 years.

How to tell if golf cart has 36V or 48V?

By multiplying these holes by two, you will determine the battery’s voltage. Multiply this number by the total number of batteries installed in your golf cart.

What voltage do golf carts use?

Outside of specialty carts, most carts operate on a 36V or 48V standard and need a series of cells to supply enough power.

What is amps in a car?

Amperage is akin to a gas tank in a car. Amps will determine how far the cart travels, and for how long, on a single charge. The more amps a battery generates, the further you’ll be able to drive. If you take your cart out for extended periods, this may be problematic.

What happens if you charge a battery with an underpowered charger?

An underpowered charger will cause a buildup of sulfation on the negative plate, affecting its performance. An overpowered charger causes an accumulation of corrosion on the positive plate. Ideally, you do not want your batteries to die, as charging a dead lead-acid battery can cause strain.

How to keep batteries clean?

Looking to keep your batteries clean? Use a bristle brush and a mild solution to clean the top of each battery. You can also use anti-corrosive solutions and sprays to prevent corrosion, which can be a problem with lead-acid batteries. Alternatively, you can use battery covers.

What are the two main electrical quantities to consider when replacing batteries?

Two main electrical quantities you will want to focus on when replacing batteries are voltage and current. Voltage is measured in volts, or “ V ,” and Current is measured in amps, or “ A .”

How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?

A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.

How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?

A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.

How much does it cost to replace a golf cart battery?

Pricing varies from pack to pack. The general consensus for golf cart battery replacement ranges from $600 on the low end to $1600 on the high end. If you are buying batteries in the lower end of the price range, then they are most likely cheap golf cart batteries that will not last as long (you really do get what you pay for when it comes to batteries). Some packs cost as much as $2500 when you start dealing with 72 Volt systems and sealed for lithium batteries. But, for the typical lead acid battery pack, $900 to $1500 is about the norm. This price range is assuming you are working with a local golf cart dealer.

How powerful is a golf cart battery?

Let’s take a close look at Voltage in a battery pack. For comparison, we like to take a look at cars since we are familiar with horsepower and miles per gallon (MPG). Therefore, voltage in a battery pack inside of an electric golf cart has to do with power. It does not have to do with fuel. Therefore, voltage in a battery pack within a golf cart will be comparable to the horsepower in a car. With this knowledge in place, we can determine a 72 volt system can be more powerful than a 48 volt system, and a 48 volt system can be more powerful than a 36 volt system. If you took notice, we said that it “can” be more powerful. The reason for this is due large in part to the controller inside the vehicle. A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller.

Why are golf cart batteries so expensive?

Simply put, Golf Cart Batteries are expensive because you aren’t visiting the gas station every week. When you purchase them, you are essentially pre-paying for fuel. Yes, you still have to charge the vehicle, however the electricity cost usually breaks down to pennies per mile. In some studies, it was shown a golf cart costs less than $.02 per mile to operate in terms of electricity cost. Buying higher quality batteries versus cheaper ones will be better in the long run and will actually cost you less since you are replacing them less frequently.

How many miles can a golf cart go in a day?

However, if you have determined your Golf Cart use will be driven less than 5 miles per day, than you can have your pick of battery packs. Keep in mind though that a standard 18 holes of golf ranges between 5-7 miles per round depending on your handicap ;).

What to do when buying an electric golf cart?

If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...

How many volts does a golf cart battery have?

Now, just because a battery pack displays 48 volts or more after a full charge does not mean they’re good. The real test would be to test them after they have been used for a few miles. The reason is that a deep cycle golf cart battery will not exhibit signs of needing replacement until after they are fully discharged.

How far can a golf cart go on a single charge?

Most Golf Carts can travel at least 7 miles or more on a single charge. However, if you are used to playing golf with no battery charge issues, but then one day you start to notice you can barely finish nine holes without having to limp home, then this could very easily be a sign of weak batteries.

How many volts does a battery pack have?

Typically, a charged battery pack will have 2-3 volts higher on a charger than its rated voltage. For example, a 48 volt system will have 51 to 52 volts after a full charge. We can test this by using a Volt Meter. Now, just because a battery pack displays 48 volts or more after a full charge does not mean they’re good.

Why is my electric golf cart not going fast?

3) Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. Electric Golf Carts are known for being fast and having acceleration power. However, the day you start to feel your electric golf cart being slower to reach top speed is typically a sign of your batteries needing to be replaced. Also, another sign may be that it has trouble climbing hills ...

What happens if a battery goes bad?

Batteries that are going bad will expand and have bulges on the battery cases themselves. Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg.

Do batteries hold a charge?

As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. Unfortunately the charger will not know that, so the charger will continue to charge the batteries thinking they will eventually get to a full charge which means it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.

Can batteries leak acid?

Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg. RELATED: Symptoms of a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart.

How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?

Before talking about probing or testing, lets, at first, find out the signs and symptoms of a bad battery…. 1. Charge evaporate too fast. This is the first indication that most of the golf cart batteries provide. With the full charge, a 36Volt battery should pass more than 30 miles.

What determines the capacity of a golf cart battery?

The better the voltage of your cart, the stronger your golf cart batteries are. Amperage determines the capacity of your golf cart battery. if the amperage is higher, it will reach a great distance, and if it is lower, it will not reach that much distance.

What happens if your golf cart battery is not producing enough amperage?

If your golf cart battery is not producing enough amperage, then it is the time to probe or test your golf cart, or to make a replacement. BEST GOLF PUSH CART WITH ELECTRIC CART REVIEWS.

How long does it take for a golf cart battery to charge?

This is another sign that shows that your golf cart batteries are not in good condition. A well-balanced golf cart battery should not take more than 5 hours to fully charge. If your golf cart battery is taking more than 8 hours to fully charged, then, for sure, you are using your golf cart battery for a long time, ...

What is voltage in golf cart?

Voltage is the production house of your golf cart battery. This is very common that after long years of use, the voltage system may not work properly. As a result, the battery fails to produce enough voltage.

What to do if your golf cart is showing symptoms?

If your golf cart is showing this kind of symptoms, then it’s the time to test your golf cart batteries , and in worse condition, you may have to replace the battery.

What are golf cart batteries?

Golf cart batteries are the lifeline of your cart that produces the fuel to move. In general, golf cart batteries come in two types. The first type is 36 volts, and the constituents are six 6V batteries. On the other hand, the 48V battery is the second kind, and the constituents are six 8V batteries. But, for many reasons, golf cart batteries may ...

How to test battery for shortened trips?

If your customers complain of shortened trips, test the battery with a load. Placing ordinary strain on the cells will give you a more accurate look at the battery’s operational strength. Isolating the battery with just a multimeter might give you a solid reading, which is deceptive to everyone involved with the repair.

What is a golf cart used for?

Golf carts are used for more than just teeing off and chasing that birdie. Your customers might use these carts around their gated communities, within a huge business complex or around a government institution. Regardless of the golf cart’s location, it always needs a reliable battery.

Why are deep cycle batteries reliable?

The reasons why deep-cycle batteries have these reliable charges is because of key, internal factors that include: Thick, internal plates for complete discharges with each ride. Extra, reserve capacity within the battery cells.

What happens when a battery breaks down?

When the plates decline and battery cells break down, your seven-mile distance will be significantly shortened. The voltage may seem to hold if you test the battery, but the performance truly reflects a declining battery.

Is a golf cart battery a deep cycle?

Battery is Visually Declining. Golf-cart batteries are also known as deep-cycle or lead-acid designs. Although there are many different types of batteries in the marketplace today, this particular style is still a go-to choice for cart engineers. The lead-acid battery is reliable, long lasting and inexpensive.

Can you replace a golf cart battery?

If you notice any damage to a golf-cart battery, it’s important to immediately remove it. Charging damaged batteries creates a mess within the cart, which can lead to expensive repairs. Buying a new battery will always be more cost effective compared to using a damaged one.

Is a lead acid battery good?

The lead-acid battery is reliable, long lasting and inexpensive. However, it does have a drawback. The chemicals within the battery that make charging and discharging possible are fluid. Once these chemicals break down or release from the battery’s housing altogether, it cannot be restored.

What is the best battery for a golf cart?

Lithium-Ion batteries. Lead-based batteries are the main topic of discussion in this article, they are the most common golf cart batteries. However, lithium-ion batteries are a new option to the market and ones to think about in terms of buying new batteries.

How many batteries does a golf cart use?

A golf cart will usually be powered by six of these 6V batteries. This means that the cart will have a total voltage of 36V to pull from. These are the cheapest batteries on the market and so are cheap to replace when they come to the end of their lives. They are perfect for flat courses.

What voltage do golf carts come in?

Golf carts come in a variety of total voltages which means that they require different battery configurations. Most carts come as 36V or 48V models. With this in mind, we then need to look at the fact that batteries come as 6V, 8V and 12V. From there it is basic mathematics.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

Keeping these power cells in the best condition is simply essential if you want them to last. A battery should last up to 7 years if you give it the TLC it needs. The worst thing you can do to a lead battery is run it dry, this causes sulphation of the electrodes and reduces the efficiency of the overall system.

What is a UPG battery?

This UPG battery is a sealed lead acid is a universal cell that fits into an array of golf carts. It is a very versatile battery in terms of how many systems can use it which is a huge advantage. This is a 12V battery that runs at 35Ah.

What is a lead acid golf cart battery?

This is a flooded lead acid battery, a standard type of battery that comes in the vast majority of golf carts. This is an older technology which means that it is heavier and less efficient than other alternatives on the market now.

What type of batteries are used in golf carts?

The batteries listed below are all lead acid-based cells. These are by far the most common types of battery in golf carts. Here are a few of the best performing and most popular batteries you can buy.