[DonH57]

Originally Posted by Teleplayer

My golf cart battery has been showing a constant 14.7-14.9 volts (on the Striker Speedometer) until today, when I went to play golf, the cart would hesitate on start-up, sometimes seeing the voltage drop to 8-9 volts, and start up veeeery slowly before reaching normal speed while increasing to 11.7 volts when running at normal speed. At times a red light would flash in the upper right corner of the speedometer.

At the turn, I left my cart and rode with another player.

On the way home, there was less hesitation and the voltage was around 13-13.1.

Do I need a new battery? If so, where's the best place to buy one? Costco? Walmart, One of the auto supply places?

Thanks in advance.

Most all the Auto parts stores will do a load test on your battery.

[jebartle]

wow! atta boys are in order for DIY’r, i’ve found my index finger dialing Battery Boys works well also!

[Teleplayer]

Originally Posted by LeRoySmith

I hate to be that guy but



None of that's necessary on an electric cart.














But when it comes time to replace the big batteries in 10 years it's gonna suck.

Then don't be that guy...

[Teleplayer]

Originally Posted by Bill14564

The brushes help explain the varying voltages.

What year is the cart? I'd like to know when I should consider inspecting the brushes on mine.

I plan to replace my belts when I replace the battery (about five years). They would probably last longer but replacing them will be fairly inexpensive periodic maintenance.

It's a 2017. I've had it just over 3 years.

[Teleplayer]

Originally Posted by DonH57

Most all the Auto parts stores will do a load test on your battery.

That would involve me taking out the battery, which is a major PITA.

[villagetinker]

Originally Posted by Teleplayer

That would involve me taking out the battery, which is a major PITA.

Call around, you may be able to rent (for low or zero cost) a battery load tester. I agree removing the battery in the newer Yamaha carts is a pain. Hint: get a long 12 inch or more extension to remove the 2 bolts holding the heat shield in place toward the front of the cart. This will allow the shield to move enough to get the battery out easier.

[Teleplayer]

Originally Posted by villagetinker

Call around, you may be able to rent (for low or zero cost) a battery load tester. I agree removing the battery in the newer Yamaha carts is a pain. Hint: get a long 12 inch or more extension to remove the 2 bolts holding the heat shield in place toward the front of the cart. This will allow the shield to move enough to get the battery out easier.

The battery was tested. It needed to be replaced. I watched a video on how to remove the heat shield to remove the battery. I made an executive decision to have someone else do it.

[billdozer]

Battery load test is only accurate if your battery is fully charged. Use a battery Tender not a Trickle Charger. A Tender will charge till full and stop charging. Snowbirds should use a tender while away in summer.
If your 12 volt battery is weak it will probably charge till full and drop off quickly. Stopping and starting for 9 or 18 holes is a good way to determine if the battery is weak. If you do not have a charger, run the cart steady for eight to 10 miles, without the lights on. Then check the voltage, if 12 or less volts, the battery my need replaced, especially if it is 4 or more years old.