When you come home from a long vacation in the spring or fall and find out that your golf cart doesn’t run, it may be that your golf batteries are dead. In such a condition, the golf cart charger won’t work either. Then, how to revive golf cart batteries?
It is a common issue when the batteries are left uncharged for a long time. They run down all the way. Having the best golf cart batteries won’t help you get the best performance out of them when you don’t properly charge them. The simple way to revive golf cart batteries is to provide some working voltage to the individual batteries so that the charger can detect it and start the charging process.
Continue reading if you are facing a similar problem.
Signs of a Dead Golf Cart Battery
There are a few signs that your golf cart battery may have died. The most obvious one is that the cart doesn’t run. Additionally, the battery doesn’t charge even when connected to the golf cart charger.
Charging a golf cart battery with a charger only works when there is a specific cut voltage. Unlike conventional chargers, golf cart chargers don’t have an on/off switch and rely on battery voltage. Now, if the batteries don’t have the required voltage, your golf cart charger won’t be able to charge them.
So, to revive golf batteries, the first step is to build up enough voltage that the charger can sense and start charging.
How to Revive Golf Cart Batteries
To revive golf cart batteries, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Battery’s Water Level
Golf cart batteries are filled with an electrolyte solution: water and sulfuric acid mixture. If the water level in the battery is low, the battery may not be able to hold a charge. Here is the step-by-step guide to checking the water/electrolyte in the battery:
- Remove the seat of your golf cart to access the batteries.
- Remove the caps on the top of the battery
- Inspect the plates, and make sure they are covered by water. If not, pour some water.
- Place the hydrometer in the first cap and get the reading by sucking the water inside the device.
- Repeat the process for all the cells.
- Make sure the battery has around 1.280 specific gravity. Otherwise, you have to add fresh electrolytes.
Step 2: Voltage Buildup in the Batteries
It is important to put some voltage into your golf cart battery charger to work properly. You can use a jump box or regular 12V automotive battery charger. After checking the water and electrolytes, you need to buildup voltage in the batteries so that the golf cart charger works properly.
- The batteries will be connected in series. You don’t have to disconnect anything. Just connect one or two batteries with a jump-start box or automotive charger for a short period of time.
- If you use a 12V charger and your golf cart has 6V batteries, you can charge two batteries with the charger. However, if it has 8V or above, charge only one battery.
- Before plugging it into the wall, connect the charger to the battery terminal.
- Charging these batteries aims to get a surface voltage that a golf cart battery charger can recognize. So, after 30 minutes or less of charging, use the ammeter to get the reading. If the needle is above 15, you can go to the next steps.
Step 3: Clean the Battery Terminals
The next step is to clean the battery terminals if the voltage is within the normal range. The battery terminals can corrode over time, resulting in the battery not holding a charge. Use a wire brush to clean the terminals with baking soda and water.
Step 4: Charge the Battery
It is time to charge your battery once you have checked the voltage, cleaned the terminals, and checked the water level. Plug in your regular golf cart charger, and let the batteries charge for 8-10 hours. Hopefully, this will revive the dead batteries, and you can enjoy golf again. Learn how to charge golf cart batteries to maximize their lifespan and performance.
Step 5: Test the Battery
After charging a battery, testing it to see if it will hold a charge is crucial. You can do this with a voltmeter. A fully charged golf cart battery should be between 36 and 48 volts.
Step 6: Maintain the Battery
Maintaining your golf cart battery properly will ensure it lasts long. Battery care includes keeping the battery clean, checking the water level regularly, and charging the battery after every use.
Additional Tips to revive dead Golf cart batteries
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when trying to revive a dead golf cart battery:
- Be patient. It may take several attempts to revive a dead golf cart battery. Don’t give up, and keep trying.
- Use distilled water. Instead of using tap water, use distilled water to fill the battery. Water from the tap can damage batteries due to the minerals it contains.
- Wear protective gear. Wearing protective gear such as gloves and safety glasses is crucial when working with batteries.
- Use a desulfator. The desulfator removes sulfation from the battery plates. Typically, lead-acid batteries suffer from sulfation, which causes them to lose charge.
- Don’t overcharge the battery. Battery overcharging can lead to overheating and explosions. Ensure that the battery is charged according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
This blog entry aims to help you revive golf cart batteries to save money in the long run. If you follow the steps in this article and take the necessary precautions, you can revive golf cart batteries and extend the life of your golf cart.
FAQs
What is the recommended frequency for checking the water level in my golf cart battery?
A golf cart battery should be checked every month for water levels.
Can I use tap water to fill my golf cart battery?
You should not use tap water to fill your golf cart battery. Minerals in tap water can damage batteries.
How long does it take to charge a golf cart battery?
Depending on your charger and the battery’s voltage, charging a golf cart battery can take up to six hours. For best results, follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
What is sulfation, and how does it affect golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries are susceptible to sulfation. Battery plates become coated with sulfuric acid crystals, preventing the battery from holding a charge.
Can I revive a completely dead golf cart battery?
A: You can revive a completely dead golf cart battery, but it can be difficult and not always work.
