what are the signs of golf cart batterys going bad

^{Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following:}

• You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf.
• 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. ...
• 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 ...
• It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. ...

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

Another way to see how your batteries are holding up is to test the voltage of the golf cart batteries. Typically, a charged battery pack will have 2-3 volts higher on a charger than its rated voltage.

Why do golf cart batteries fail?

The never ending war on corrosion. 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.

Do golf carts have batteries?

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.

How can you tell if a battery is going bad?

If the previous 3 are not prevalent enough, then the batteries themselves will exhibit signs of deterioration. 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 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.

When should I replace my golf cart batteries?

When you drive a battery-powered golf cart model, it's important to charge it correctly and maintain your cart so that your battery will last as long as possible. When you take care of your golf cart's battery, you can expect it to last anywhere between five and ten years.

What is the average lifespan of batteries in a golf cart?

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?

Poor Battery Life Replacing just one or two batteries in your golf cart battery pack can result in difficulties with charging, as well as a shorter lifespan for the new ones you've purchased.

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.

Should you leave your 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 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 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.

How often should I charge my golf cart batteries?

4) To keep your golf car batteries at maximum capacity, use golf cart batteries often. Always remember to do a refresh charge every 45 to 60 days, and even more frequently in hotter climates.

How do you fix a weak golf cart battery?

How to Repair Golf Cart Batteries: A Simple GuideOpen the Battery Compartment. ... Clean Corrosion Off the Battery. ... Wash the Paintbrush and Dip Into Water. ... Inspect the Battery. ... Remove Plastic Caps. ... Charge the Battery. ... Check the Charge. ... Drain the Battery Acid.More items...

Can you mix new and old golf cart batteries?

Generally, mixing old and new batteries is not recommended due to possible issues with performance and safety. No matter what type of battery you use and the brand manufacturer, all batteries will eventually lose their electrical capacity as they age.

Why are my golf cart batteries dying so fast?

The reason why your golf cart battery keeps losing charge or drains quickly, may be due to loose wires, corroded connectors or an insufficient amount of water in the battery. The battery connections may have become loose or the connectors are corroded.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

How to tell if your golf cart is low voltage?

You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. 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.

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.

What is a golf cart battery charger?

The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time.

What temperature should a battery be when charging?

This will also initiate the equalizing charge. The batteries should begin gassing and bubbling. Keep the battery temperature between 115 degrees and 125 degrees.

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.

What to wear when driving a golf cart?

Long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and protective eyewear are a must. I would even have a fire extinguisher handy, just in case. There are different types of batteries used in newer style golf carts (Absorbed Glass Mat, Lithium, Gel) that require different testing procedures.

No Pick-Up

Every golfer wants to hop in the cart and drive to the next hole quickly. This is a nearly impossible feat if the motor isn’t running as it should. Consider replacing the batteries if the cart has no pick-up. There’s nothing worse than spending ten minutes searching for a ball because the engine is moving slowly.

Funky Charging Times

Most golf carts should stay charged long enough so that a person can finish an entire round of golf. Golfers should think about replacing the golf cart batteries if the charge doesn’t hold. No one wants a cart to die while on the course. Luckily, Golf Cart Stuff has tons of golf cart parts and accessories to help resolve this issue.

Leaks & Bulging

Sometimes drivers can actually see when their batteries need to be replaced. Look into getting new batteries if there’s a strange leak under the vehicle. Acid leaks indicate that the cart is on its last leg, and the batteries have to go. Another visual sign it’s time to replace your golf cart batteries is if they’re emerging from their cases.

What does voltage mean in battery?

Basically, the voltage specifies the power generating house of a battery. The more voltage power you choose, the more chance of getting a long time backup. Not sure whether it will work seamlessly all time.

How many miles should a 36 volt battery have?

The first and this point is the initial symptom of dying batteries. 36 capable batteries should have at least 30 miles passing capacity.

How long does it take for a battery to charge?

Depending on the battery capacity, it requires charging time slightly more or less., Generally, it should not want more than 7 hours for charging. Doesn’t matter if you use batteries for a long time. Its charging time should not exceed 7 hours.

Can you disconnect a charger when it is not full?

We often disconnect our charger while the charge is not full. This is not fair as your battery must be fully charged. Full charging allows you to use the cart for extra time. Therefore, make sure you charged it 100%.

How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?

Signs That Your Golf Cart Battery Is Going Bad. Sometimes, batteries can fail completely out of the blue. But more often than not, a battery will exhibit warning signs that it may be approaching failure. These tend to develop slowly, over time. And if you catch them early, you can easily prevent the damage from becoming too great.

How to tell if a battery is bad?

Visible Wear and Tear. More often than not, the signs of a failing battery walk hand-in-hand with visible evidence of wear and tear. Upon a simple inspection of your battery, you could quickly determine whether or not there is a problem. First, you should check to see if the battery has bulged and bulked up.

How many points should a battery read?

Take a reading of each cell, and adjust the reading to the temperature as necessary. Compare the readings of each cell. A healthy, fully charged battery should read between 12.60 to 12.74. Each of your readings should be within 50 points (0.050) of each other.

How to tell if battery is deteriorating?

One of the most obvious signs of a battery deteriorating is when its charge depletes faster than normal. This could be either when you are using it, or when it is parked away for the night.

What test is used to test a battery?

Hydrometer Test. If the voltmeter has shown that your batteries are fine in terms of voltage, then that’s great! Now we need to test the chemistry of your batteries. A hydrometer test will provide a more accurate means of testing the condition of your battery. To conduct this test, you’ll need:

Is it a good idea to test a battery?

If your battery is showing signs that it might be on the way out, then it’s a good idea to test it, so that you can know for sure. Even if your battery isn’t suffering from any obvious symptoms, it is still worth testing it in order to determine its health and performance.

Is it normal for a golf cart battery to go bad?

It’s normal for a golf cart battery to eventually go bad after a certain amount of time. They have a limited lifespan, and there’s not much you can do to prevent the inevitable. But if you suspect that your battery is going bad before its time, you can carry out these tests to be sure. Just make sure you have the necessary safety equipment, ...

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.

1. Excretion of Hydrogen Gas

When it comes to the main reason why golf cart batteries blow up, the answer is simple; golf cart batteries excrete a flammable and combustible fume known as hydrogen gas. Hydrogen gas is a by-product of batteries that occurs during a chemical reaction involving the water and sulfuric acid solution and lead plates.

2. Poor Quality Chargers

If you are using a charger that is poor in quality, you will be taking the risk of causing an overcharge to occur (which will be discussed further later in the article) and ultimately producing an explosion. Overcharging, along with blocked or clogged vent plugs, can cause the by-product hydrogen gas to accumulate within the cell.

3. Clogging in Vent Caps

Golf cart batteries require a vent in order to release the gases and fumes that form inside the pack, if the vent plugs or caps become clogged or blocked from dirt, corrosion, or dust, the accumulation of hydrogen gas is highly combustible.

4. Frayed or Corroded Battery Cables

A very important part in proper maintenance for your golf cart batteries is ensuring that all cables connected to the battery have no fraying or corrosion.

5. Wet Battery Lids

At some point, your batteries will secrete some battery acid while charging. Hydrogen gas is produced at a rapid rate and causes bubbling and boiling as the acid spills over onto the lid of the batteries.

6. Sparks or Fire

Due to the combustibility of hydrogen gas, when it accumulates within the battery pack, a single spark or flame can cause the batteries to blow up. Once the amount of hydrogen gas inside a room reaches 4 percent, it becomes highly combustible.

7. Overcharging

Poor quality chargers can continue to charge your batteries past their initial stopping point, especially if you need to replace any of the batteries in the pack; it is always recommended that you change every battery within the pack in order to reduce the risk of unbalanced charging.