You may find your battery meter always showing a full status when you know for certain the batter is not fully charged. Follow the next steps to fix this problem. Reset the battery meter. Unhook power to the battery meter for 10 minutes. This will reset the battery meter. If the meter sis still showing a “full status”, continue on to step 2.
Full Answer
How do I know when to charge my golf cart battery?
Golf cart battery meters tell you when to recharge your batteries, so you do not end up draining them completely. There are two types of golf cart battery meters – Analog and Digital (usually LED). The analog meter uses voltage to move its needle to indicate the level of charge.
Will discharging my golf cart batteries drain them?
Discharging golf cart batteries below 20-30 percent will wear them out faster leading to a costly replacement. Golf cart battery meters tell you when to recharge your batteries, so you do not end up draining them completely. There are two types of golf cart battery meters – Analog and Digital (usually LED).
How does a battery meter work on a golf cart?
Golf cart battery meters work by indicating the level of battery discharge in your golf cart. This helps to maintain your golf cart batteries properly. Discharging golf cart batteries below 20-30 percent will wear them out faster leading to a costly replacement.
Why is my battery meter light blinking on my golf cart?
A flashing or blinking battery meter light means that there is an issue with the golf cart battery receiving power. To fix any blinking issues you should first refer to the owners manual for troubleshooting tips. The number of flashes seen can differ between different golf carts and battery meters, so there is no one solution for all issues.
How do I reset my cart battery?
Easily Reset the Club Car Golf Cart OBCKey switch to off.Set forward/reverse to neutral.Put tow/run switch to tow.Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery pack.Put the tow/run switch to run.Put forward/reverse switch to reverse.Put key switch to on.More items...
What should a fully charged golf cart battery read?
Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts. Keep in mind that the high number doesn't mean that the batteries are instantly good.
How do I know if one of my golf cart batteries is bad?
8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart BatteriesCharge 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. ... No “Get Up and Go” ... You See Visual Signs. ... Driving Until They Die. ... People Are Always Running The Radio.
What is draining my golf cart battery?
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.
What should 48 volt battery read when fully charged?
The peak charging voltage for Gel batteries is 2.3 to 2.36 volts per cell, and for a 48 volt charger this works out to 55.2 to 56.6 volts, which is lower than a wet or AGM type battery needs for a full charge.
What should a fully charged 6 volt battery read?
A 6V battery is actually fully charged when it reads slightly over 6V on a multimeter. A 6 volt charger is typically designed to produce about 7 volts so that it can attain a full charge.
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.
What is the average lifespan of golf cart batteries?
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.
Is there a way to 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.
Can you overcharge golf cart batteries?
Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.
Should you leave your electric 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.
Should golf cart batteries be charged after every use?
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.
Safety First!
Let’s head to the garage together. Let’s first talk safety, nothing serious here but if you do decide to install on the dash of your golf cart, power tools will make the job a lot easier.
What you will need
You will need a few tools and some supplies for this little job installing your golf cart battery gauge.
Step by Step – How to Install Your New Golf Cart Battery Meter
First let’s determine where you intend to mount the golf cart battery meter?
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.
What is a Trojan T-105 battery?
Trojan T-105 batteries are the best-known premium battery and have nearly 100 years of manufacturing experience. Trojan Battery Company was founded in 1925 and developed the golf cart battery for the Autoette in 1952. The distinctive maroon color of the T-105 makes it easy to distinguish from its competitors.
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 happens if your golf cart battery is low?
Weak Battery Voltage. One or more of your golf cart batteries are likely to have a low voltage. This can stop the batteries from being able to pick up charge. Check the voltage of each battery separately. When you find a battery with a low charge, try charging it to its full voltage using a smaller auto charger.
What is the warning light on a golf cart?
The warning light on an electric golf cart is the battery light . True to its name, this light gets illuminated to warn you of a low battery or low batteries. It serves as a signal for you that it’s time for battery recharge.
What is a golf cart battery light?
A golf cart’s battery light is undoubtedly an indispensable accessory of any battery-operated golf cart. This light notifies you when your golf cart battery or batteries are low on charge. It saves you the hassle of worrying whether you would be stranded because of a drained battery.
Why does my golf cart light flash red?
The light, usually red, starts flashing when the battery has got less than 10 percent charge left, in an electric golf cart or less than 10 percent fuel in a gasoline-powered golf cart. The golf cart has several other warning lights. For example, there is a warning light to indicate if there is any problem with the engine of your cart.
Why is my battery light flashing?
One reason why your battery light is flashing could be because the batteries are not getting a full charge from the charger. The flashing indicates that the charging is less than 90 percent.
Why do my batteries flash?
A mistake in the installation of batteries can cause flash ing battery lights. This can be something like a wrong polarity connection. Analyze how your battery connections have been made. One or more batteries have likely been connected in the reverse order.
What does the motor controller sense?
The motor controller has sensed that the charger cable is plugged into the car receptacle. The battery pack does not have a high state of charge. A green battery with a white lightning symbol inside. The motor controller has sensed that the charger cable is plugged into the car receptacle.
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.
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.
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 often should you check your electrolyte level?
These two metals are usually bound to each other in a series of plates called cells. You should check your electrolyte level about every couple weeks or so.
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 is a digital meter on a golf cart?
The digital meters will give you a number or a moving bar display a partial charge to a full charge. A battery meter is a great accessory to add to your golf cart and it only requires a minimum amount of skill to install it yourself.
How to install a golf cart battery meter?
Steps to install a golf cart battery meter are: Select and obtain your battery gauge meter. Once you have the meter of your choice, select the mounting location. Disconnect the positive terminal on the battery bank. Prepare the opening if you are mounting in the dash. Run the wires from the meter location to the battery terminal points.
What is a battery meter?
A battery meter (or battery gauge) is a device you add to your electric golf cart to read the state of charge level for your battery bank. They come in either analog or digital, square or round, surface or in-dash mount. Battery meters indicate the voltage level of your battery bank and inform you when it is time to recharge.
How many wires are needed for a battery meter?
LED and digital style battery meters only come with about 6 to 12 in of wire pigtails, so you will need to add extra wire to reach the terminals necessary to power the meter.
Where do the positive and negative wires go on a switch?
Watch closely to make sure the positive wires go to positive terminals, and negative wires go to the negative terminal or ground. A lug connector crimped on the terminating end of the wire makes a professional connection on the switch and battery connection terminals.
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf... link to Club Car DS Wiring Diagrams 1981 To 2002.
Can you put a battery meter in the dash?
Once you have acquired your battery meter, you will need to locate the best place on your dash to mount it, either surface mounted or in-dash. If it is a square LED type, you can surface-mount or put it in-dash. If it is a round gauge (analog or digital) it will need to be in-dash to look it’s best.
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.
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.
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.