How to Check a Golf Cart for Bad Batteries

Charge you batteries. That's right charge em, this is the most common mistake people make when checking batteries. So go ahead and give your cart the charge it needs, if you have an automatic charger plug it in and let it finish. If you have a manual charger follow the charging instructions.

Ok so you have a full charge now what? It's time for an On-Charge Voltage Test. We start by charging your cart again. With the charger on get your volt meter out and set it to 200v dc. We will be checking individual battery voltages, start with the #1 battery(where the positive lead goes to the cart)placing the positive lead of the voltmeter on battery positive and the negative lead of the voltmeter on battery negative, move down the line until the last battery. Be sure to make notes. For 36v carts with six 6v batteries we want each battery to read at least 7.0v. For 48v carts with six 8v batteries were looking for at least 9.3v on each battery.

Now for 36v carts if any battery reads below 7.0v and is not within 0.5v OF ANY OTHER BATTERY in the set. Replace that battery.

For 48v carts if any battery reads below 9.3v and is not within 0.5v OF ANY OTHER BATTERY in the set. Replace that battery.

All other battery voltage readings proceed to step three.

Hydrometer test: This test is the same for 36v and 48v battery sets

We do not need the charger on for this test. Put your safety glasses and safety gloves on. Remove all battery caps. Get your hydrometer out and start with the #1 battery take your sample from each battery cell and write it down. Go all the way to the last battery. Now lets look at your findings. You should have readings of 1100 to 1300, 1100 being close to water and 1300 being acid. Start with the #1 battery. If there is a difference of 50 points or more between cells you have a bad battery.

Here is an example of a good battery.

1265 1275 1265

Here is an example of a bad battery:

1265 1175 1265

That's it your done replace the bad batteries and be on your way.