When your golf cart loses battery rapidly after taking it off the charger, it can be incredibly frustrating – especially if it completely loses charge while you are out and about. There are multiple potential reasons that your golf cart’s batteries have stopped holding a charge. Along with the many reasons they could be malfunctioning, there’s an equal number of fixes to get them working again. Let’s look into some of the issues and solutions to your golf cart quickly losing its charge.
Causes of Golf Cart Battery Not Holding Charge
When your cart’s batteries start to lose their ability to hold a charge, there are multiple different causes that you can look into. Some can easily be fixed, while others require a bit more effort to get your batteries back to proper functionality. If you are located in the Holly Springs, North Carolina area and feel like you need extra assistance with your cart’s batteries, reach out to J’s Golf Carts! We are happy to take a look at the cart and see exactly what is happening. The following are five of the most common reasons your cart may refuse to hold a charge:
Loose Terminal Connections
If the terminal connections on your cart’s battery become loose, it will also cause the cart to quickly drain its battery. This should be one of the first issues you address if your cart’s battery refuses to hold its charge. Try connecting the terminal connections and see if it
begins holding its charge again. Oftentimes, the cart’s performance will increase almost immediately.
Low Water Level
It is easy to forget to check on the water level of your cart’s battery. In fact, many cart owners don’t even know they need to maintain this in the first place. Your battery’s water level may become low from lack of care, but it may also occur if you push your cart’s limits too far. Luckily, your cart really only needs distilled water when refilling it. Make sure you add water just to the fill line, as you do not want to add too much.
Faulty Voltage Regulator
The voltage regulator limits the amount of power that the battery actually goes to the battery while it charges. This directly impacts the overall performance of the cart, so when the voltage regulator becomes faulty, this will decrease the cart’s power. This is because the cart no longer receives a steady flow of power.
To prolong the life of the battery, the recharge voltage should never exceed 14.5 volts on your cart. If you connect a voltmeter to your cart, you are able to test the functionality of your voltage regulator.
Dead Battery Cells
When one of the cells in your cart’s battery dies, it causes the battery to lose charge more quickly. When you have multiple dead cells in your battery, it is typically better to just replace the battery itself. Cells can become costly to replace, so if it is more than one cell, it may not be worth it.
Overcharging Your Battery
Golf carts, when not equipped with a trickle charger, cannot simply sit and charge indefinitely. While trickle chargers will turn off when the cart reaches a full charge, normally golf cart chargers do not do this. Because of this, the cart will actually overcharge itself when left on the charger too long. Allowing your cart to discharge is extremely important to the overall health of the battery. However, if you find yourself in a position where you frequently need to leave your cart on its charger, it may be best to switch to a trickle charger.
Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries provide a new, upgraded way to power your golf cart. This can be compared to the batteries in an electric car vs. the batteries in a standard engine. Lithium golf cart batteries run cleanly and are more efficient than standard lead-acid batteries. While more expensive up front, they last up to ten years – significantly longer than that of the standard lead-acid battery.
Not only that, but the functionality of the battery does not decrease over time. They require almost no maintenance, which is another big benefit. Standard batteries, on the other hand, require routine maintenance such as adding water and wiping off acid deposits. Since a low water level is one of the most common culprits of a battery refusing to hold its charge, lithium batteries are a great way to prevent this issue.
Age of the Battery
The age of your golf cart’s battery plays a significant role in its ability to hold a charge. Most lead-acid batteries last between three to five years, while lithium batteries can last up to ten years. As batteries age, their capacity diminishes, leading to shorter run times. If your battery is nearing the end of its lifespan, it might be time to consider a replacement. Regularly checking the age of your batteries can help you plan for future maintenance or upgrades.
Battery Type Compatibility
Using the wrong type of battery can also lead to charging issues. Ensure that your golf cart is compatible with the type of battery you are using. Mixing different battery types (like lead-acid with lithium) can cause performance problems and may void warranties. If you’ve recently changed battery types or brands, double-check the compatibility and specifications to avoid issues with charging and performance.
Charging Equipment
Another factor to consider is the charging equipment you are using. Using a charger that is not designed for your specific type of battery can lead to improper charging, which affects the battery’s ability to hold a charge. Always use the manufacturer-recommended charger to ensure optimal charging rates. Additionally, inspect your charger for any signs of wear or damage. A malfunctioning charger can contribute to battery issues.
Temperature Effects
Temperature can greatly impact battery performance. Extreme heat can accelerate battery damage, while cold temperatures can reduce battery capacity. If you live in an area with significant temperature fluctuations, consider storing your golf cart in a climate-controlled space. Maintaining a consistent temperature can help prolong the life of your battery and improve its ability to hold a charge.
Usage Patterns
How you use your golf cart can also affect its battery life. Frequent short trips can prevent the battery from fully charging, leading to what is known as a “memory effect” in lead-acid batteries. To avoid this, try to ensure that your cart undergoes regular full charge cycles. If you typically use your cart for short distances, consider taking it on longer trips occasionally to help maintain the battery’s health.
Maintenance Habits
Consistent maintenance is crucial for extending the life of your golf cart’s battery. Regularly inspect your batteries for corrosion on terminals and ensure that all connections are clean and tight. If you notice any buildup of corrosion, clean it off with a mixture of baking soda and water, then rinse with clean water. Keeping the terminals clean helps maintain a good connection and can prevent loss of charge.
Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried troubleshooting on your own and your golf cart still won’t hold a charge, it might be time to seek professional help. Technicians can conduct a thorough inspection to identify any underlying issues that may not be immediately apparent. They can also perform load tests on your battery to determine its health and whether it needs replacing. Professional assistance can save you from costly mistakes and ensure that your golf cart is back in working order.
Contact J’s Golf Carts Today!
If you are having issues with your golf cart’s batteries not holding a charge, J’s Golf Carts can help! Our service department can help troubleshoot the potential issues the cart and batteries may have, helping you determine how to fix the problem. If you are interested in investing in a lithium battery for your cart, we can provide you with the correct battery necessary.
Feel free to fill out the contact form below and someone will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to helping you with all of your golf cart needs!
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