what can caause a golf cart battery to fail

Full Answer

How do you replace golf cart batteries?

Step 2: Choose the same voltage of Dakota Lithium batteries

• 36V | 25+ Miles | 12V DL+ 60Ah Battery X 3 | 400 Amp limit
• 36V | 50+ Miles | 12V DL 100Ah Battery X 3 | 200 Amp limit
• 48V | 25+ Miles | 12V DL+ 60Ah Battery X 4 | 400 Amp limit
• 48V | 50+ Miles | Single 48V DL 96Ah Battery | 200 Amp limit

How to troubleshoot your golf cart battery charger?

Testing a battery

• Gas golf cart checklist
• Electric golf cart checklist. If all of these relatively easy to check and replace parts are fine, then it’s time to dig into the wonderful world of battery testing.
• Testing the battery pack as a unit. ...
• Isolating each battery. ...
• Test each individual battery. ...
• But all my batteries passed!!! ...

What are the most common problems with electric golf carts?

• Headlights start to dim
• Power surges and declines while LSV is in operation
• Trouble starting the golf cart
• Average charge duration starts to shrink

Why is my club car golf cart not charging?

The most likely reasons why a Yamaha golf cart is not charging are:

• The battery charger is damaged
• Loose connections
• Corrosion of the battery terminals
• Fault with the Receptacle

What causes a golf cart battery to go bad?

Any lights, radio, or electric components in your cart should always be turned off when you stop using it. Leaving the radio or lights running on an idle golf cart can run down the battery incredibly quickly.

Why are my golf cart batteries not holding charge?

If your batteries aren't hooked up correctly, or the connections between them are weak or frayed, this can quickly lead to a loss of power and cause your charger to fail. Make sure you check each battery terminal for corrosion; any buildup will impede the flow of electricity, and could likewise cause problems.

How do you fix a bad golf cart battery?

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.

Why do cart batteries stop working?

Inspect the battery contact; it may be clogged or coated. If this occurs, wipe the contact portion with a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol, let the terminal dry, reconnect your cartridge to the battery and try it again. Do NOT overtighten your cartridge. Make sure your battery is turned on and fully charged.

How long should batteries last in a golf cart?

about 6-10 yearsThat 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.

Can you change just one battery in a golf cart?

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.

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 much does it cost to replace the batteries in a golf cart?

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 do I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?

The most common side effect on a gas golf cart is the starter failing to connect, resulting in the engine not turning over and a succession of useless tapping sounds. If your golf cart fails to turn on when you turn the key on, this is the most obvious sign of solenoid failure.

Why does my battery blink when I put my cart in?

Reason #1: A Loose Battery This is often caused by a loose battery. If the battery is not screwed in properly, it won't be able to fully charge and the indicator light will continue to blink.

Why is my cart battery blinking red?

If the light on your vape battery is flashing red – it's time to recharge. Simply connect the pen battery to the charger and insert into a USB port on a computer or other electronic device.

Why is my cart battery blinking green?

When your battery is having a connection issue, the battery will typically blink green 4-5 times. There are two ways you can have a connection issue, either your cartridge is leaking, you have an irregular-sized cartridge or a deformed coil.

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

Bad Charger: IN GENERAL, if the charger kicks on, but doesn't charge fully or kicks off soon after, this is likely a charger issue. If the charger makes a loud clicking noise, this is likely a battery charger issue.

How do you test a voltage regulator on a golf cart?

Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to one of the positive posts of a battery. Similarly, connect the black lead of the voltmeter to the negative post of this battery. Check the voltage reading on the voltmeter. If the reading is 12volts, it's a clear sign that the battery is in good condition.

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.

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.

Do golf cart batteries last forever?

Golf cart batteries won’t last forever. In fact, each year they age a little bit closer towards their final use. If your battery is close to its warranty end date you may want to consider simply making the upgrade now.

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.

Can you turn off the radio on a golf cart?

Any lights, radio, or electric components in your cart should always be turned off when you stop using it. Leaving the radio or lights running on an idle golf cart can run down the battery incredibly quickly. In the case of a gasoline-powered golf cart, you may end up having to jump-start the cart to get it working again if this happens.

Can you use an automatic battery charger when it is fully charged?

It's important to make sure you're using an automatic battery charger that will stop being active as soon as the battery is fully charged. We've had clients come in with what they felt were "bad" batteries, only to have to explain to them that the battery had simply been damaged by being overcharged too many times.

Can you drive a golf cart up steep hills?

Forcing your golf cart up very steep hills or to go longer distances than it is made for will run the battery down and could leave you stranded. Just keep a careful eye on distance traveled and consider using a truck or trailer when transporting your golf cart longer distances.

Should golf cart batteries be charged?

Another common issue is golf cart owners who think that golf cart batteries should only be charged when they've become very low. If you drive your golf cart that day? Charge the battery. Letting golf cart batteries run down until near-empty or totally dead will damage them over time just as much as overcharging them.

Golf Cart Battery Corrosion Basics

Golf Cart batteries often corrode due to the gases that are released as your batteries lose their charge and release sulfuric gases. These gases will gradually cause corrosion and cause issues with your golf cart batteries so make sure to check and clean your batteries often.

How to care for your golf cart batteries?

Caring for your golf cart batteries will prolong the life of your golf cart and allow you plenty of use for years to come. In order for you to get the most life out of your golf cart batteries, there are a few maintenance steps to take.

How to Clean Corrosion off of your Golf Cart batteries?

After you have had your golf cart for some time, you may begin to see corrosion or build up on your batteries. To clean your batteries and golf cart well, you can simply remove your batteries for easier access.

What products are best to prevent golf cart battery corrosion?

Corrosion on golf cart batteries is caused by sulfation which releases gases when the battery is charged to 50 percent or less capacity. There are chargers as well as special products that will reduce the chance of corrosion and keep your battery in great condition for years to come.

Why is it important to use distilled water to refill your Golf Cart batteries?

Making sure to check the water level on your batteries will ensure that they will last for years to come. You should always check water levels on your battery after it reaches a full charge and before you take it out for a drive. It is important to specifically use distilled water anytime you refill your golf cart battery fluid.

Should I keep my Golf Cart plugged in at all times?

Knowing when to charge your golf cart simply depends on how often you use it. If you are using your Golf Cart occasionally, such as a couple times a month, then you should make it a habit to unplug your battery every so often.

Is corrosion a sign of a bad battery?

Your Golf Cart batteries usually can tell you something is wrong or needs to be fixed by showing you multiple different signs. The care of your golf cart battery will be the difference between having issues with your golf cart over and over or having a working golf cart for years to come.

Ignoring Maintenance

You should maintain your golf cart to keep it in working order. Have a repair specialist check out the vehicle every once in a while to ensure there are no hidden issues. Sometimes, it takes a trained eye to see what’s wrong. These professionals can tell you if a part needs repair or replacement.

Overcharging

Another mistake that kills your golf cart’s battery is overcharging. After all, it’s true what they say: There can be too much of a good thing. Charging your cart’s battery too much will make it drain faster. This means that you won’t be able to drive it for as long as you’re used to.

Be Careful on Hills

Golf courses are full of hills. Drive carefully over these areas if you want to preserve your battery. If you drive erratically, your battery will need to use more power than normal. Thus, it won’t last as long as it typically would. So do your best to avoid hilly areas when you can.

Why does my golf cart battery keep going dead?

The reason why your golf cart battery keeps going dead may be due to loose connections, incorrect battery wiring, or having a faulty voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is at fault and tends to affect the starter solenoid.

Why does my golf cart battery drain so quickly?

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 to charge a 6 volt battery overnight?

Connect the battery to a three-phase charger that can charge 6 volts batteries and let it charge overnight. Check the charger status in the morning. If it indicates a full charge, check the battery cells once again and add some more distilled water to the cells with exposed battery plates.

How to check if a golf cart battery is dead?

There are four methods of checking whether your golf cart battery is dead. Use a multimeter to check the voltage of each battery in your golf cart. Use a hydrometer to check the gravity of the electrolytes in the batteries. Use the Load Testing method.

How many amp hours does a golf cart battery last?

A bigger voltage drop is a sure sign of a failing or faulty battery. A golf cart battery comes with a specific amp hour rating at 20 hours. This is usually mentioned in the battery information sticker.

How to check the specific gravity of a golf cart battery?

Using a Hydrometer. You can use a hydrometer with a thermometer to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the golf cart batteries. If this value lies between 1.1 and 1.2, you must consider recharging the battery. Alternatively, if the value is between 1.225 and 1.265, you can continue testing your battery.

How much sulfuric acid is in a battery?

It’s worth keeping in mind that the sulfuric acid to water concentration for a fully charged battery is 1.28 while it’s 1.145 for a discharged battery. It’s highly recommended that you wear a pair of safety gloves and safety glasses when you use a hydrometer. Pour the electrolyte into the hydrometer.