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how to tell if my golf cart batteries are bad

by Marcelle Marquardt III Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago
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8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries
  1. Charge 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. ...
  2. No “Get Up and Go” ...
  3. You See Visual Signs. ...
  4. Driving Until They Die. ...
  5. People Are Always Running The Radio.
Aug 2, 2018

How do I know if my golf cart batteries are holding up?

 · In many cases, you should be able to determine if a battery is going bad by giving it a quick visual examination. Dodgy batteries may bulge and expand, and oftentimes show cracks. There may also be signs of corrosion along the top or sides. In worst-case scenarios, there may be leaking battery acid.

How to fix a golf cart battery that won’t charge?

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 …

How do I know if my car battery is 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. RELATED: Symptoms of a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart. Or lastly… Another way to see how your batteries are holding up is to test the voltage of the golf cart batteries. Typically, a …

How to test a golf cart battery with a multimeter?

Start with the #1 battery. If there is a difference of 50 points or more between cells you have a bad battery. Here is an example of a good battery. 1265 1275 1265 Here is an example of a bad battery: 1265 1175 1265 That's it your done replace the bad batteries and be on your way. 00:00.

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How do you know when your golf cart needs a new battery?

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.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.

What happens if one golf cart battery is bad?

Replacing just one or two batteries in your golf cart battery pack can result in difficulties with charging and a shorter lifespan for the new ones you just purchased.

How often does a golf cart need new batteries?

When you take care of your golf cart's battery, you can expect it to last anywhere between five and ten years.

How do you test golf cart batteries?

0:426:18How to Test Golf Cart Batteries - Troubleshooting Batteries - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe battery voltage can be buy tested by probing with a simple voltmeter by pushing the probesMoreThe battery voltage can be buy tested by probing with a simple voltmeter by pushing the probes deeply into the lead not in not into the stainless steel put into the lead.

How can you tell if a battery is still good?

Replace the battery if it bounces when you drop it. A fresh battery will plop down without bouncing. It may roll over onto its side, but won't bounce back up. An older battery will bounce up several times before falling over. Use the battery's behavior to tell if this is a fresh or old battery.

How do you reset golf cart batteries?

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.

Can you replace just 1 golf cart battery?

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.

Can you revive a dead golf cart battery?

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.

Should I charge my golf cart every day?

Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.

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.

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

Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

At the very least, your golf cart battery should easily last you for 18 holes. Most batteries last even longer than this, with some lasting for as long as 36 holes, and more.

Can a golf cart battery go bad?

When not in use, golf cart batteries will naturally discharge – slowly. If a battery is going bad, then this may start to happen faster than it should. This would create problems when, say, you leave your cart unplugged overnight, and then come to use it in the morning, only to find that the battery has fully discharged.

Can you abandon a golf cart battery?

Pushing it all the way to the parking lot wouldn’t really be an option, and you can’t just abandon it – so you’d have to arrange for it to be towed. This would be annoying, expensive, and, let’s face it, embarrassing.

Do deep cycle batteries charge?

Deep-cycle batteries are designed to go through regular cycles of discharging and charging. For the most part, the amount of time it takes to fully charge your batteries will be consistent, assuming that you always use the same charger. Over time, however, the constant charging will inevitably take its toll on the chemical processes of the batteries, causing them to charge up slower than before.

How to tell if your golf cart battery is bad?

Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following: 1 You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. 2 A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. 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. 3 On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the controller not engaging when the voltage falls below a preset value. 4 It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. The charger has no way to know this and will continue to charge the batteries trying to get to a full charge – meaning it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.

When do golf cart batteries discharge?

The state of charge or discharge golf batteries are in at the end of the day depends upon the type of play and the number of holes the golf cart was used for. The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time. When charging, allow enough time for a complete charge cycle.

What is the acid in a battery?

The acid (or better known as electrolyte) in a battery is a solution of water and hydrosulphuric acid mixed to a specific gravity. Charging and discharging measurably changes the specific gravity of the electrolyte. Some of the liquid will be lost a little at a time during this process due to gassing which is why we should closely observe electrolyte levels.

Is a hydrometer more accurate?

The instructions that come packaged with your hydrometer will be more accurate for your brand and should be used when taking readings .

How to tell if battery life is nearing?

Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer several times to allow the thermometer to adjust to the temperature of electrolyte and note the reading. Observe also the electrolyte color. A gray or brown coloration shows that the end of your battery life is nearing.

How to measure specific gravity?

Specific gravity can be measured using a hydrometer. These are inexpensive and can be purchased at most automotive parts stores.

How many amps does a golf cart battery take to recharge?

To recharge, the batteries will require 90 ampere-hours + 20% to make up for any charge deficiency.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

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 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 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 to tell if battery is good?

Probing or testing the batteries should be the appropriate ways to determine whether your batteries are in a good mood or not.

What is the electrolyte of a golf cart?

if the cables are not well proportionate and balanced, you will fail to get the exact service. At last, the electrolyte is the solvent of water and sulfuric acid.

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 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.

Why is my cart not providing services?

If your cart is not providing exact services, then maybe, you are using your batteries for a long time, and some of the cables are disproportionate. As a result, your batteries are not providing you the exact services that it should.

How to check if a golf cart battery is fully charged?

With a basic digital volt meter we check system voltage first. Whatever the operating voltage is of your golf cart you should check current voltage levels to know if the cart is in fact fully charged , partially charged or completed dead. 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.

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.

How to contact Pete's Golf?

Should you need any further assistance feel free to contact us at 772-247-GOLF (4653) If you have any questions Pete’s team is always standing by to help.

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”.

How to tell if a pin is positive or negative?

These will be easy to test – One pin will be positive in and the other will be negative. Your volt meter will give you either a normal reading or if pins are placed backwards it will just reflect a negative sign next to the voltage number shown.

What does the green circle on a golf cart mean?

Note – The green circles in image above indicate positive and negative most battery terminals to check voltage on your golf cart. These images cover all the basic golf cart battery configurations. If not hopefully you will now better understand how to determine which terminals to test in your application.

How to wire golf cart batteries?

No mater how many golf cart batteries you have it will always work the same. To wire multiple batteries in a series you would just connect each batteries positive terminal to the next batteries negative terminal. Then continue this process for however many batteries to intend to connect together. After you have done so you will always have two terminals left over. One will be positive and one will be negative. Those terminals will reflect the new operating voltage of said battery bank. For example as shown in image above – most golf carts these days operate on 36 volt or 48 volts. Which can be achieved in a few ways depending on the batteries used. Whether 6 volt, 8 volt or 12 volt batteries. All of which will have different capacity and or range limitations. Simply put the more batteries you have the larger your so called gas tank will be – or the longer run time and range possible.

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 does it mean when a battery is bad?

Special Note – If there is a variance of 50 points (0.050) in a battery whose specific gravity is 1225 or more, that battery is bad and should be replaced.

What can reduce battery life?

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

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.

How long does it take to load a golf cart battery?

Load the batteries to the advertised Amp Hour Ah rating at 20 hrs…. This information can be found on the top of all golf cart batteries – See learn how to interpret a Battery Information Sticker.

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.

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.

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