Golf-FAQ.com

what happensif my golf cart batteries run dry

by Davon Moore Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The average cart is powered by lead acid batteries which are positioned underneath the seat. It isn't uncommon to fold back the seat of the cart and find all 6 batteries desperately in need of fluid. When batteries run dry, they can smoke and even explode.

If you find dry cells in your cart, fill them back up with distilled water to cover the plates and then recharge the batteries. After the charge, top off the water. Use the cart and see how long it runs. run time may increase a bit over time, but you won't see much improvement after few charge cycles.

Full Answer

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.

How long do golf cart batteries last?

A golf cart battery comes with a specific amp hour rating at 20 hours. This is usually mentioned in the battery information sticker. When the load is applied, the voltage that each battery must retain for 15 seconds at the specified rating is one volt less than its actual value.

Why is the water level in my golf cart battery low?

The water level in the golf cart batteries is far below the desired level. Check the water levels of the batteries and top up the ones with low water levels. The golf cart is kept in a very cold area.

How to clean golf cart batteries?

One of the best ways to clean your golf cart batteries is simply baking soda, water, and a sprayer. You can pick up all of the supplies you need to clean your batteries at your local store as well as any place that sells golf carts.

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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.

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.

What does it mean when a golf cart battery is bad?

So being if the golf cart battery cable lug connector or connection between two batteries is bad the cart will usually not work, drive or charge. So check all the connections and cables for signs of corrosion or wear or completely broken off battery.

Why is my golf cart battery charger not working?

Ok…. So the first guess or main reason why your golf cart battery charger is not working right now is because the batteries in your golf cart are completely dead. ( Not always but usually 90% of the time) This is because the federal government years ago made it mandatory that all manufacturers ...

How does a 12 volt battery charger work?

So being in a pinch a 12 volt battery charger will work to get some energy back into your dead golf cart batteries and revive them. The sole purpose here is to just get some energy back into the batteries so the golf cart battery charger itself can do the brunt of the charging and charge the batteries properly.

Why does my golf cart beep?

If you can get enough voltage and energy back into the batteries to make the golf cart move, beep or lights to work usually means there is enough voltage present at this point for the original golf cart battery charger to be plugged in and it will turn on to charge the batteries completely.

How many volts does a golf cart battery need?

Others require a little less. So for example a 36 volt battery charger would require approx. 25-30 volts to activate, whereas a 48 volt charger would require 30-35 or even 40 volts present to activate.

What to do if golf cart battery is broken?

Again if the golf cart battery cables are broken or corroded they need to be replaced and reconnected accordingly. Also it is recommended to use some type of corrosion preventative on all terminal connections to avoid the elements eating away at your connector, cables or terminals.

Can you baby sit your golf cart batteries?

Though due to recent advances in charging technology you can now purchase a Smart charger for your golf cart that will basically baby sit your batteries while you are away on vacation for the summer or whenever.

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