How to Trick Golf Cart Charger?

A dead golf cart battery can be a frustrating setback, especially when you’re looking forward to a round of golf or need the cart for transportation. However, with the right approach and some basic knowledge, it is possible to trick a golf charger and get your battery to full charge. This article provides a step-by-step guide on effectively charging a dead golf cart battery.

How to Trick a Golf Cart Charger? Step By Step Guide

Let us find out in detail how to trick a Golf Cart Charger.

Gather the Necessary Equipment

To charge a dead golf cart battery, gather the following equipment:

1. Battery charger: Obtain a compatible battery charger capable of supplying the correct voltage and current for your specific golf cart battery.
2. Dead battery: Collect the battery you need to fully charge.
3. Fully charged battery: A fully charged battery is necessary to charge the dead golf cart battery.
4. Jumper cables: Jumper cables are required to connect dead and fully charged batteries.
5. Distilled water: If your battery is of the flooded lead-acid type, check the water level and top it up if necessary using distilled water.
6. Clean cloth or battery cleaner: If the battery terminals are dirty or corroded, use a clean cloth or battery cleaner to remove any grime.

Inspect the Battery

Inspect the battery before initiating the charging process for any visible damage, cracks, or leaks. If the battery appears damaged, it is best to consult a professional or consider a battery replacement.

Connect Dead and Fully Charged Battery

In order to charge the dead golf cart battery we first have to connect it with a fully charged battery. In order to do that follow these steps: 

1. Locate the positive and negative ends of the jumper cable. The positive terminal is usually red “+,” and the negative terminal is black “-.”
2. Now locate the positive and negative terminals on the golf cart battery. The positive terminal is usually marked with a “+,” and the negative terminal with a “-.”
3. Connect the positive red clamp from the jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead battery and the other red end to the positive terminal of the fully charged battery.
4. Connect the black clamp from the jumper cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery and the other black end to the negative terminal of the fully charged battery.
5. Ensure the connections are secure, making sure the clamps do not touch each other or any other metal parts.

Connect the Charger

Follow these steps to connect the battery charger correctly:

1. Locate the positive and negative terminals on the golf cart battery. The positive terminal is usually marked with a “+,” and the negative terminal with a “-.”
2. Connect the positive clamp from the charger to the positive terminal of the battery.
3. Connect the negative clamp from the charger to the negative terminal of the battery.

Charging the Battery

Once the charger is properly connected, proceed with the charging process:

1. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific battery charger to determine the appropriate settings.
2. Set the charger to the recommended charging mode (e.g., trickle charge or deep cycle charge) and adjust the voltage and amperage settings accordingly.
3. Plug the charger into a grounded electrical outlet.
4. Allow the charger to run its course until it reaches the desired charge level. Charging times can vary depending on the battery’s condition, so be patient.

Disconnecting the Charger

Once the battery is fully charged, follow these steps to disconnect the charger safely:

1. Unplug the charger from the electrical outlet.
2. Remove the negative clamp from the negative terminal of the battery.
3. Remove the positive clamp from the positive terminal of the battery.

Post-Charging Maintenance

After charging the battery, perform the following maintenance steps:

1. Clean the battery terminals and cables with a clean cloth or battery cleaner to remove any corrosion.
2. Check the water levels in the battery if it is a flooded lead-acid type. If necessary, add distilled water to maintain the proper levels.
3. Inspect the battery for any signs of damage or leakage. If any issues are detected, consult a professional for further guidance.

How long does it take to Charge Dead Golf Cart Batteries?

The time it takes to recharge a dead golf cart battery can vary depending on several factors, including the type and capacity of the battery, the charging method used, and the charger’s specifications. However, as a general guideline, it can take anywhere from 6 to 10 hours or more to fully recharge a dead golf cart battery.

It’s important to note that some modern golf cart chargers have features that allow for faster charging times. These chargers may use advanced charging algorithms or higher voltage outputs to speed up the charging process. Additionally, some golf carts may have multiple batteries, which can affect the overall charging time.

To get a more accurate estimate of the charging time for a specific golf cart battery, it is recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult the owner’s manual. These resources often provide detailed information about the battery’s specifications and recommended charging procedures.

Also read What Should My Golf Cart Charger Read When Fully Charged to find out more.

How to test if your Golf Cart is charging or not?

To test whether your dead golf cart battery is charging or not, you can follow these steps:

Connect the charger: Make sure the golf cart is turned off and connect the charger to the battery pack. Ensure that the charger is properly plugged into a power source.

1. Observe the charger: Most golf cart chargers have indicator lights or gauges to show the charging status. Look for these indicators to see if they are functioning.
2. Check for initial signs of charging: After connecting the charger, you may notice some initial signs that indicate the battery is charging. These signs can include the charger fan running, a slight hum or vibration from the charger, or the charger’s indicator lights turning on.
3. Monitor charging progress: Leave the charger connected and monitor the charging progress over time. The charger’s indicator lights or gauges should show the charging status. Typically, the lights or gauges will progress from a low or empty level to a higher or full level as the battery charges.
4. Measure voltage: If you have a voltmeter, you can measure the voltage of the battery before and during the charging process. A dead battery will have a low voltage, while a charging battery will show an increasing voltage as it charges. Consult the battery manufacturer’s specifications for the expected voltage range during charging.
5. Time of the charging process: Take note of the time you started charging the battery and monitor how long it takes for the charger to complete its charging cycle. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or the charger’s specifications to estimate the expected charging time.

If you notice that the charger does not show any signs of functioning, the indicator lights do not turn on, or there is no change in the battery voltage over time, there may be an issue with the charger, battery, or electrical connections. In such cases, it is recommended to consult a golf cart technician or contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

Conclusion

Reviving a dead golf cart battery requires careful attention, adherence to safety precautions, and a systematic approach. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily charge your dead golf cart battery. Moreover, post-battery maintenance is also necessary and make sure you follow all those steps too. Follow us for more golf-related articles.