When your golf cart battery stops working after long periods of inactivity or drains too deeply, it may have gone dormant. Knowing how to wake it up safely is essential to getting your cart back in action.
Waking up a golf cart battery involves diagnosing its condition, using the right charging methods (like low-current charging), and understanding the long-term care necessary to keep the battery working as long as possible.
Understanding why golf cart batteries go dormant is the key to waking them up. Let’s talk about the reasons and the solutions.
Why Do Golf Cart Batteries Enter Dormancy or Fail Completely?
When a battery has been sitting around for a long time or has been discharged too deeply, it can go dormant. This means it won’t work as expected when you try to use it to power your golf cart.
Dormant batteries are the result of extended periods of inactivity or deep discharge. In these situations, the voltage of the battery drops below the threshold necessary for it to work correctly. This triggers a protective response from the battery, which essentially shuts down its ability to function. Regular use and maintenance can prevent this, but it’s good to know how to wake up a battery if it does happen.
How to Identify a Dormant or Completely Failed Battery?
Before you try to wake up a golf cart battery, you need to know if it’s dormant or completely failed.
Use a multimeter to check the voltage of the battery. If the voltage is significantly lower than it should be (e.g., under 12V or 24V, depending on your battery), then it’s likely dormant. Also, if you don’t get any response when you try to turn on your cart, then you need to pay attention to the battery.
How to Reset a Golf Cart Battery?
Sometimes, you can reset a battery that appears to be non-responsive but isn’t completely dead.
Disconnect the battery terminals and then reconnect them after a few minutes. This simple reset can sometimes clear up minor issues within the battery’s internal system, making it functional again. This technique is most effective for batteries that have been inactive for shorter periods.
Specific Steps and Methods to Bring a Golf Cart Battery Back to Life
When a golf cart battery is dormant, you can bring it back to life with careful and gradual charging.
The key to reviving a dormant battery is to charge it slowly and carefully. Use a low-current charger and start with a slow charge to reintroduce power to the battery without overloading the cells. This process helps ensure the battery’s components are not stressed, which could lead to permanent damage. A smart charger that has a low-voltage start feature can be particularly effective, as it will adjust the current automatically.
Step-by-step guide:
- Connect the smart charger to the battery terminals.
- Select a low amperage setting to start the charging process.
- Monitor the battery’s voltage as it gradually increases.
- Once the voltage reaches a safe level, increase the current gradually for a full charge.
Avoid sudden, high-current charging, as it can damage the battery and shorten its life.
Why Might a Golf Cart Battery Not Charge?
Even after you try to charge a battery, it may still refuse to take a charge.
There are several reasons why a battery may not charge. The battery may be damaged internally or have a bad connection. Check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them before trying to charge the battery again. Also, consider the age and condition of the battery. It may be too old or damaged to be revived.
How Long Does It Take to Charge a Completely Drained Golf Cart Battery?
If a battery is completely dead, it may take longer to charge than a battery that still has some power.
Typically, it takes 8 to 10 hours to charge a completely dead battery, depending on the charger’s power and the battery’s capacity. Smart chargers can help expedite the process by managing the current to charge the battery as quickly as possible without damaging it.
Preventative Measures: How to Avoid Dormancy or Complete Failure
Preventative maintenance can help keep golf cart batteries from becoming dormant or failing.
Regular charging and periodic checks can help keep your batteries in good condition. Avoid letting your battery run completely dead, and if your cart will be sitting for an extended period, charge the batteries once a month to maintain an optimal charge level. This practice helps ensure your battery retains its charge and is ready for use.
Common Issues with Golf Cart Battery Use and Maintenance
Understanding common battery issues can help you maintain and troubleshoot your golf cart’s power source.
Regular use can lead to reduced battery capacity and efficiency. Proper storage is essential, especially in extreme temperatures. Replace your batteries as they age to avoid bigger problems down the road. A well-maintained battery will not only perform better but also last longer.
Conclusion
Reviving and maintaining your golf cart batteries requires careful handling and adherence to best practices. Regular checks and proper charging will help extend the life of your batteries and keep your golf cart running smoothly.
