Having your golf cart battery suddenly stop working can be a major inconvenience, especially if you’re in the middle of a round. If your cart battery is not hitting, there are a few things you can check to try and fix the problem yourself. First, check the battery terminals to make sure they are clean and tight. Loose or corroded terminals can prevent the battery from making good contact with the cart’s electrical system. If the terminals are clean and tight, the next step is to check the battery’s voltage. A fully charged battery should read around 12 volts. If the battery’s voltage is low, it may need to be replaced.
If the battery’s voltage is good, the next step is to check the cart’s electrical system. Check the wiring for any loose or damaged connections. You should also check the solenoid, which is a switch that controls the flow of electricity to the motor. A faulty solenoid can prevent the cart from moving. If you are not comfortable checking the electrical system yourself, you can take the cart to a qualified repair technician.
Finally, if you have checked all of the above and your cart battery is still not hitting, it may be time to replace the battery. Batteries typically last for around 3-5 years, so if your battery is old, it may simply be time for a new one. When replacing the battery, be sure to get the correct size and type of battery for your cart. Installing the wrong battery can damage the cart’s electrical system.
Troubleshooting Common Battery Issues
1. Cleaning Battery Terminals
Battery terminals are the metal connectors that link the battery to the electrical system. Corrosion, dirt, or grime can build up on these terminals over time, obstructing the flow of electricity and preventing the battery from functioning properly. To clean the terminals, you’ll need some baking soda, water, a wire brush, and a wrench.
Begin by disconnecting the negative battery terminal (usually marked with a “-” symbol) using the wrench. Create a paste by combining baking soda and water in equal parts, then apply it to both the positive and negative terminals using a wire brush. Scrub thoroughly to remove any corrosion or buildup, then wipe the terminals clean with a damp cloth. Allow the terminals to dry completely before reconnecting the battery terminal. If the corrosion is severe, you may need to repeat the process several times.
After cleaning the terminals, inspect the battery cables for any damage, such as cuts, fraying, or cracks. If any damage is found, the cables must be replaced.
Additional Tips for Cleaning Battery Terminals:
| Tips |
|---|
| Use a dedicated battery terminal cleaner for a stronger cleaning effect. |
| Apply petroleum jelly to the terminals after cleaning to prevent future corrosion. |
| If the corrosion is extensive, it may be necessary to replace the battery terminals. |
Inspecting Electrical Connections
Electrical connections are a common point of failure in golf cart batteries when they won’t hit.
To inspect electrical connections, follow these steps:
- Disconnect the battery from the cart.
- Clean the terminals of the battery and the cables with a wire brush.
- Tighten the nuts on the terminals securely.
- Reconnect the battery to the cart.
- Look for any loose or corroded connections.
- Check the voltage at the battery terminals.
- Run a continuity test on the cables.
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- New battery cables
- Wrench or socket set
- Wire strippers
- Crimping tool
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Remove the old battery cables from the battery posts.
- Cut the new battery cables to the correct length.
- Strip the ends of the battery cables about 1/2 inch.
- Crimp the battery cable terminals onto the ends of the cables.
- Connect the positive battery cable to the positive battery terminal. Tighten the nut securely.
- Connect the negative battery cable to the negative battery terminal. Tighten the nut securely.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Make sure that the battery cables are the correct size and length.
- Make sure that the battery cable terminals are crimped securely onto the ends of the cables.
- Make sure that the battery cables are connected to the correct battery terminals.
- Make sure that the battery is the correct type for your cart.
- Clean the battery terminals with a wire brush.
- Check the battery cables for any damage.
- Replace the battery if it is old or damaged.
If the battery still won’t hit, you may need to replace the cables or connectors.
Additional Tips for Inspecting Electrical Connections
Here are some additional tips for inspecting electrical connections:
By following these tips, you can help ensure that the electrical connections in your golf cart battery are clean and secure, and that your battery is hitting properly.
Checking Battery Voltage
Before delving into more complex troubleshooting, it’s essential to check the battery voltage using a multimeter. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
1. Gather Materials
* Multimeter
* Safety glasses
2. Safety Precautions
* Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes.
* Locate the battery in the golf cart.
3. Check Voltage Readings
* Ensure the multimeter is set to measure DC voltage.
* Connect the black lead (negative) of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the battery.
* Connect the red lead (positive) to the positive terminal.
* Read the voltage displayed on the multimeter.
The table below provides a reference for interpreting voltage readings:
| Voltage Reading | Battery Status |
|---|---|
| 12.6 – 12.8 volts | Fully charged |
| 12.2 – 12.5 volts | Partially charged |
| 11.8 – 12.1 volts | Low charge, requires charging |
| Below 11.8 volts | Severely discharged, needs immediate charging |
* If the voltage is below the recommended levels, charging the battery may resolve the issue.
Replacing Battery Cables
Battery cables are an essential part of your golf cart’s electrical system. They connect the battery to the starter, alternator, and other electrical components. If the battery cables are damaged or corroded, it can prevent your golf cart from starting or running properly.
Replacing battery cables is a relatively simple process. However, it is important to take safety precautions to avoid electrical shock.
Safety Precautions
Materials Needed
Instructions
Troubleshooting
If you are having trouble replacing your battery cables, here are a few things to check:
| Battery Cable Gauge | Amperage Rating |
|---|---|
| 6 AWG | 70 Amps |
| 4 AWG | 120 Amps |
| 2 AWG | 195 Amps |
Using a Load Tester to Diagnose
If you suspect your cart battery is faulty, using a load tester can pinpoint the issue. A load tester simulates the load of a typical golf cart motor, allowing you to assess the battery’s ability to provide consistent power under demand.
Step 1: Safety First
Before using a load tester, ensure you follow all safety precautions. Wear eye protection, gloves, and remove any jewelry that may conduct electricity.
Step 2: Prepare the Tester
Connect the load tester’s positive terminal to the positive terminal of your battery and the negative terminal to the negative terminal. Ensure the tester is securely fastened.
Step 3: Conduct the Test
Turn on the tester and set the load to simulate the amperage drawn by your golf cart motor. Typically, this is between 200-400 amps for electric carts.
Step 4: Observe the Results
The tester will display the battery’s voltage under load. A healthy battery should maintain a voltage above 10.5 volts, even under load. If the voltage drops below this threshold, it indicates a battery issue.
Step 5: Repeat for Multiple Loads
Repeat the test at different load levels to observe the battery’s performance across a range of demands. A consistent voltage drop over increasing loads suggests a battery issue.
Step 6: Check for Voltage Recovery
After the load test, allow the battery to rest for a few minutes and re-check the voltage. A healthy battery should recover most of its lost voltage during this rest period.
Step 7: Interpret the Results
Based on the test results, you can determine the condition of your battery. If the voltage drops significantly under load, fails to recover, or displays large variations, it’s likely time to replace the battery.
| Battery Voltage | Result |
|---|---|
| 10.5 volts or higher under load | Healthy battery |
| Below 10.5 volts under load | Battery issue likely |
| Voltage fails to recover after rest | Battery may need replacement |
How To Fix A Cart Battery That Won’t Hit
If your cart battery isn’t hitting, there are a few things you can do to try and fix it. First, check to make sure that the battery is properly connected to the cart. If it is, then you can try charging the battery for a few hours. If the battery still isn’t hitting after charging, then you may need to replace it.
Here are some additional tips for fixing a cart battery that won’t hit:
People Also Ask
Why is my cart battery not hitting?
There are a few reasons why your cart battery might not be hitting. The most common reason is that the battery is not properly connected to the cart. Make sure that the battery is properly seated in the battery compartment and that the terminals are clean and free of corrosion.
How do I know if my cart battery is bad?
There are a few signs that your cart battery may be bad. If the battery is not holding a charge, if it is leaking, or if it is swollen, then it is likely time to replace the battery.
How do I charge a cart battery?
To charge a cart battery, you will need a battery charger. Connect the charger to the battery and plug the charger into an outlet. The charger will automatically charge the battery.
