Charging the Battery

[annie2]

Our renters have just informed us that they have been plugging in (and charging the cart batteries) every single night even though they have not been using the cart. Somehow they misunderstood us and thought it had to be charged every night even if it was not used during the day. The batteries are brand new (not even 2 weeks old). Has this done any damage to the cart? (It was going on for about one week)

[F16 1UB]

Nah I doubt it. I'm sure they're fine.

[cybermuda]

What do you experienced carters recommend doing to the batteries before leaving your golf cart unused for a long time?

Charge them fully?
Run them down fully?
Arrange for someone to recharge once a month?

Thank you

[784caroline]

There would be no damage to the batteries for the charger has an automatic shut off when batteries ar fully charged.

When leaving the cart unused for a long period of time you should Charge the batteries fully...then, unplug the charger from the cart AND the wall....flip the cart switch (For Club Cars) under the seat to "Idle" or "Store".

Most problems occurr to batteries because people fail to check the water level in each cell and let them go dry. Also, DONOT overfill for that could stain your floors, cause corrison and simply mess up the electrical charge.

[ajbrown]

What do you experienced carters recommend doing to the batteries before leaving your golf cart unused for a long time?

Charge them fully?
Run them down fully?
Arrange for someone to recharge once a month?

Thank you

Here is what I do, but my experience level is "still learning".

First NEVER run batteries down to nothing. I believe the recommended level of discharge should never exceed 40% (60% capacity left).

Before I leave for June, July, August and September, I charge them, then I disconnect the charger (for lightening strick more than anything.).

In addition I disconnect the PLUS and MINUS connections from the controller. I do this because I have heard that some carts will continue to use the battery even when off. (Label them first for when you come back).

For the past 2 summers, I have done the above, but as I learn more about battery life, I am considering having the person that visits my house weekly charge the batteries periodically, maybe once a month (still researching).

If I did this I would not disconnect the controller as I have been doing.

That is what I do, but looking forward to others opinions...

[Sydney]

Our renters have just informed us that they have been plugging in (and charging the cart batteries) every single night even though they have not been using the cart. Somehow they misunderstood us and thought it had to be charged every night even if it was not used during the day. The batteries are brand new (not even 2 weeks old). Has this done any damage to the cart? (It was going on for about one week)

I just want to stress again the importance of battery maintenance. We were taught a very expensive lesson by our home watch who was supposed to be maintaining our home and performing golf cart maintenance for us.

Battery water will boil off with each charge and through use. The levels must be maintained above the plates and require checking on a regular schedule.

As “CARTFIXER” stated have someone actually check your battery water and charge, and if they will drive the cart around for a bit even better.

Our maintenance person never checked the water until we said we were coming for a visit, our cart sat there unattended and through lack of proper maintenance cost us nearly $800.00 in new batteries.

Just recycling the battery charger every night, even if the charger recognizes a full charge could speed up the electrolyte dissipation and cause you some expensive problems too.

Good Luck!

[downeaster]

Whether you leave it on the charger or not seems to be optional. I wouldn't.

However, if leaving it for an extended time, have some one check the water level monthly. I look after a snowbird friend's house (and cart) during the summer. His cart uses as much water while idle as mine does being used regularly.

I would also remove the positive cable leading to the motor as well as the ground. Keeping the tops of the batteries clean of any dirt or grime will help prevent power from "leaking" from terminal to terminal. A tech demonstrated to me how this is a problem.

[redwitch]

I've asked several different golf cart mechanics this question (Par Car, EZ-Go, Yamaha). The majority have said it is best to leave the batteries charged while sitting for extended periods (Par Car and EZ-Go; Yamaha mechanics have consistently said it doesn't matter).

Regardless, water should be checked at least every 3-4 weeks. While it is not required, it is recommended that an electric cart be driven around the block once a week and a gas cart be given a long drive once a month.

It is important to unplug the charger during electric storms -- both from the wall and from the cart.

And, remember, charge FIRST, then fill.

[jojo]

My question relates to daily use. I drive my cart short periods two or three days a week and then am gone for four or five days. I usually charge before the indicator even dips one level. Am I overcharging? Should I connect to the charger only once a week? Should I let the charge run down some?

[ajbrown]

My question relates to daily use. I drive my cart short periods two or three days a week and then am gone for four or five days. I usually charge before the indicator even dips one level. Am I overcharging? Should I connect to the charger only once a week? Should I let the charge run down some?

Caveat reader, I post what I think I know in an attempt to offer help and to learn, not as a statement of fact ;).

I have a 2000 Par Car, with a range of about 40 miles. I do not charge it after small daily trips (less than 5). My cart does not have a controller that works with the charger, so I do not fully trust my charger to do the right thing.

I would not hesitate to plug it in daily if I had a newer cart with a controller that worked with the charger, e.g., Club Car. I only mention Club Car as I am somewhat familiar with them. I am sure others have this configuration.

[Ooper]

Our renters have just informed us that they have been plugging in (and charging the cart batteries) every single night even though they have not been using the cart. Somehow they misunderstood us and thought it had to be charged every night even if it was not used during the day. The batteries are brand new (not even 2 weeks old). Has this done any damage to the cart? (It was going on for about one week)

Why would it damage the batteries? The charger shurts off when they are recharged. I leave my plugged in continuously when not in use, even it it is a short hop to the postal station... my batteries have lasted almost 5 years before I just replaced them.