Do you smell a foul odor like rotten eggs, sulfur, burning, or any other while charging Golf cart batteries? In this article, you will find the exact reasons why your golf cart batteries smell so bad and about the different types of odor.
So, the foul odor comes after the golf cart batteries are used for a while. The batteries are designed to undergo an algorithm of deep cleaning, designed in a way that helps in fast charging of Golf Carts. The primary chemical used to charge the batteries more efficiently is hydrogen sulfide (Hs2) which has a characteristic rotten egg smell.
Go thoroughly through the entire article to know more about “Why do golf cart batteries smell while charging”!
Overview of Golf Cart Battery Charging
If you are wondering about why golf cart batteries smell while charging then we are here with an answer! Golf cart batteries smell due to the gas emitted from certain chemicals present in the batteries while charging them. The chemicals present in the golf cart batteries are hydrogen sulfide, a product of heavy charging batteries. Heavy charging is the initial step of a conventional deep charge algorithm.
A good-quality golf cart charger starts with a considerable amperage charge session. During that time, hydrogen sulfide gas may be discharged. After a while, the charger drops the amperage level to cease the deep cycle charge. Undetected amounts of gas are still produced after the charger goes off, but that can’t be considered harmful. The initial strong odor must be ventilated as that may prove harmful to the lungs and toxic for breathing. The gas may often be flammable and lead to explosions.
Kinds of Odors Discharged By Golf Cart Batteries While Charging
A Foul Smell
The hydrogen sulfide gas which is released while charging the batteries gives a foul smell. The bad smell usually lasts for about the first 10 charges, but that does not mean that no smelly gas will be discharged in the subsequent charges. A typical golf cart also contains different acids, due to which a foul smell may be discharged. This may happen due to leaking of the container where the gas or acid is stored and spreading of the same. Other than the smell, this can be highly risky, considering the gases are flammable.
This could damage the cart extensively, and the adjacent places and areas become prone to destruction and explosion. The golf cart must be checked for any presence of a sticky substance which is to be handled cautiously and touched only while wearing gloves. This sticky substance is generally produced when the acids are in contact with air.
A Burning-Like Smell
A burning-like smell may also come while charging the batteries. This odor smells explicitly like burnt plastic caused due to the poor condition of the wiring or a low level of water in the batteries. Generally, when batteries run out of electrolytes or water, it produces a plastic burning-like smell. Checking the electrolyte level in the battery and maintaining the level can prevent this odor.
At times, poor wiring causes trouble, and again a burning-like smell may behold. In this case, the wires must be regularly checked, and immediate action must be taken on sparking up or burning wires.
A Rotten Egg-Like Smell
When golf cart batteries are charging, the batteries may release sulfur gas. The sulfur gas produces a rotten egg-like smell is sulfur’s characteristic smell is of rotten eggs. When such a smell comes, it is to be considered that something is not functioning correctly. The Golf cart batteries must be brought to the service centers immediately to avoid any further damage. The leaking of Sulfuric acid isn’t a good sign, and some parts must be changed.
Another possibility for the rotten egg-like smell is the drying up of electrolytes. The electrolyte solution must be changed every year to avoid such consequences.
A Sulphur-Like Smell
Apart from the rotten egg-like smell, a sulfur-like smell can also form up. The cart can smell Sulphur-like due to overcharging of the batteries or insufficient water levels in the batteries. Switching off the engine rather than starting it again could avoid the smell for about 30 minutes, but using this process continuously could harm the battery’s longevity. A better option would be to check the voltages of the batteries and bring them to the prescribed level of voltage. If the carts are driven without adequate water in the batteries, then the sulfur-like smell can increase abundantly.
As mentioned earlier, overcharging batteries can also cause such a smell; a quick tip to avoid it can be discharging the batteries a while ago before using them. And regulating the charging time can help maintain the battery’s longevity and prevent the smell.
A Gasoline-Like Smell
In the gas cart, the gasoline-like smell can be caused due to leakage. Leakage has been proved to be highly dangerous. The battery becomes flammable and prone to burning and does not online harm the battery’s longevity but also affects human health.
A Dusty Smell
The golf cart batteries are charged via electricity. Thus a dusty smell indicates something wrong with the electrical elements of the battery. It is mandatory to regularly check the wires and electrical parts to avoid any complications and smell while charging the batteries.
Conclusion
All sorts of odors discharged by golf cart batteries are caused due to some gases, chemicals, and acids. The article has mentioned all the reasons for batteries smelling bad while charging.
Now that you know about the significant reasons for that awful foul smell, it is suggested that the batteries used must be replaced. If the batteries are new and under warranty, they should be bought at the nearest store to get them checked or replaced. From inadequate water in the battery to harmful acids and gases, anything slightly wrong can cause a foul smell. This bad smell not only bugs our olfactory organs but damages the battery itself. The longevity of the battery also gets compromised.
If you have any concerns about your golf cart and would like a professional to take a look at it, contact J’s Golf Carts. We have been servicing golf carts for years as there can be many problems with these vehicles. Fill out the contact form below and one of our experts will get back to you with the answers to your questions.
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