What should I do if my lead-acid golf cart battery is dead?

by Dillon Winoker

If your lead-acid golf cart battery is dead, here’s what you should do:

  1. Check the Charger:

    • Ensure the charger is working properly. Check the power source and the connection to the battery to make sure it's not an issue with the charger itself.

  2. Inspect Battery Connections:

    • Check for loose or corroded connections at the terminals. Clean the terminals and tighten the connections if needed.

  3. Test the Battery Voltage:

    • Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. A fully charged 12-volt battery should read around 12.6 volts. Anything below 11.8 volts indicates the battery is undercharged or dead.

  4. Charge the Battery:

    • Try charging the battery fully. If the battery is just low on charge, it might come back to life after a full charge cycle. Ensure the charger is compatible and functioning correctly.

  5. Check for Sulfation:

    • If the battery is very old or if it's been deeply discharged multiple times, it could have developed sulfation, where lead sulfate crystals build up inside the battery, preventing proper charging. In some cases, reconditioning the battery can help, but this may only work if the sulfation is mild.

  6. Replace the Battery:

    • If the battery doesn’t hold a charge after several attempts to charge it or shows signs of permanent damage (like leaking or corrosion), it’s time for a replacement. Lead-acid batteries naturally wear out over time, especially after 4-6 years.

  7. Check the Battery Age:

    • If your battery is older than 4-6 years (for lead-acid batteries), it’s more likely that the battery is simply at the end of its life and needs replacing.

If you’re unable to get the battery working after these steps, it’s best to replace it to avoid any further damage to your golf cart or charger.

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