How to Check for a Dead Cell in a Golf Cart Battery - Introduction and Multimeter

Golf cart batteries are subjected to a lot of abuse, especially if the cart is part of the fleet of a course. Personal golf cart batteries have a lifespan of up to ten years. Replacement of fleet carts is required every 5-6 years. It is critical to remember that golf cart batteries are not supposed to last forever, and that full replacement is unavoidable. Constant draining and recharging can reduce battery life and is difficult for lead acid batteries. When your golf cart batteries begin to show symptoms of wear and tear, you should take actions to repair and revive them.

Testing Golf Cart Batteries with a Multimeter

Charging for too long or not charging sufficiently is among the most prevalent reasons for golf cart battery failure. Overcharging is likelier to dry out the battery, as it generates excessive heat. However, if you undercharge, whether because you are using a low-quality charger or are in a rush to charge it, the battery will not receive the amount of amperage and volts that is essential for recharging.

The steps for testing your golf cart batteries using a multimeter are outlined below:

Shut off the golf cart and put it in neutral.

Take off the connecting wires from the engine by opening the battery container.

Connect the negative probe of your digital multimeter to the battery's negative ground or terminal. Repeat the process with the positive end.

3.2V 20A Low Temp LiFePO4 Battery Cell -40℃ 3C discharge capacity≥70% Charging temperature：-20~45℃ Discharging temperature: -40~+55℃ pass acupuncture test -40℃ maximum discharge rate：3C

READ MORE

If the battery in your golf cart is in good condition, the multimeter should register 50 to 52 volts. Keep in mind that most batteries have a voltage of roughly 48 volts. If it is less than that, it is a clear indication that you require a replacement.

It is noteworthy that a digital multimeter will only indicate whether or not the batteries are charged. You must first inspect the battery bank to check its power. Check the individual battery with the device to see whether the problem is with the entire bank or just one battery.

Set the multimeter to 200v DC across the posts of each individual battery after charging the battery rack of the cart completely. As long as you test across the posts of one battery, you may accomplish this without separating the batteries from each other. A 6-volt battery should contain somewhat more than 6 volts, such as 6.1 to 6.3. If you receive a reading of around 4.1 V, one of the cells is shorted or faulty in this unit.

Golf Cart Battery Voltage

Is your golf cart no longer operational? If the key switch is operating properly but your golf cart still refuses to start, you must check the batteries. Not everyone realizes this, but golf cart batteries function similarly to automobile batteries. Still, there are differences in their standards, needs, and upkeep.

Remember that golf carts are powered by a set of batteries designed to provide adequate voltage and amperage. The power and size requirements will be critical while selecting new batteries keeping such considerations in mind. Also, many carts operate on a 36-volt or 48-volt standard and require a set of cells to provide adequate power.

Low Temperature High Energy Density Rugged Laptop Polymer Battery Battery specification: 11.1V 7800mAh -40℃ 0.2C discharge capacity ≥80% Dustproof, resistance to dropping, anti - corrosion, anti - electromagnetic interference

READ MORE

A load tester will provide you with more information about the health of your battery. The load tester connects to the battery terminals and shows the voltage. By applying a fake load on the battery, you may test how it performs while it is being truly utilized. A resistor is introduced into the circuit and a load is placed on the battery by pushing a button on the tester. A good battery will only lose about 0.2 to 0.4 volts. The battery is probably defective or deteriorating if it shows more than that.

How Do You Fix a Dead Cell In a Golf Cart Battery?

Check the batteries to find out whether the tops of the batteries have caps or if they are sealed lead-acid batteries. If you find caps (lids), open them up and make sure that a transparent fluid covers the inner side of the cells. This fluid is actually the acid, and you should try to avoid getting it on your clothing or in your eyes. 

In case you need to top off the levels of the acid, simply fill to just above the battery cells. You must allow enough area for it to expand. Thus, you need to just fill the acid to over the lead cells within. Only use distilled water to recharge your golf cart batteries.

In addition, golf carts are frequently powered by numerous batteries. In this scenario, you will find that multiple separate batteries have been connected to each other in a "daisy-chain" – to make one huge battery.

Here are a few steps to follow:

Step 1: Examine the Charge.

Check the charge in the morning after a night of charging. If the battery charger shows that the battery has been fully charged, examine the cells and add extra distilled water to any cells with exposed battery plates before replacing the cell covers. However, you must take further precautions if the charger does not show that the battery has been charged fully. 

Step 2: Drain the Battery Acid.

Allow roughly half of the battery acid to flow out of each cell and into a plastic container by tipping the battery on its edge. As mentioned in Step 2, clean the battery with a paintbrush soaked in a baking soda solution. Make sure no water goes into the cells by rinsing your batteries with normal water.

Step 3: Add New Mixture.

Combine warm distilled water (2 quarts) with Epsom salts (8 ounces) and stir everything together completely. Fill each battery cell with the Epsom salts solution using your turkey baster until the cells are coated completely.

Step 4: Charge the Battery.

Charge the battery again overnight, as instructed in Step 1. The Epsom salts should dissolve deposits on the battery plates that were previously preventing the battery from charging fully. In the morning, check the battery. If the battery still does not charge completely, it is unlikely that it can be restored. Replace the cell caps and operate your cart as usual (if the battery has been charged). To keep the batteries in top condition, use a trickle charger every night.