My Club Car battery drains too fast – What Should I Do?

I am having some issue with my Club Car golf cart. It’s like the batteries just can’t hold a charge anymore. I charge them fully, but they drain so quickly, it’s barely usable. It’s really messing with my golf rounds and I’m at my wit’s end. Has anyone else had this problem? What did you do to fix it?

Response

I had a similar issue with my Club Car. In my case, it was all about the battery connections. I cleaned and tightened every connection, and it made a world of difference. Sometimes it’s the simple things that make the biggest impact.

Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Check and Clean All Heavy Wire Connections	3	$0 – $10	30 – 60
Perform a Load Test on Batteries	2	$20 – $50 (if DIY)	30 – 60
Inspect and Maintain Water Levels in Batteries	2	$0 – $10	15 – 30
Voltage Reading Under Load	1	$0 – $30 (if DIY)	30 – 60
Consider Updating Speed Controller	1	$100 – $300	60 – 120

Symptoms

• Rapid battery drain after a full charge.
• Loss of power and speed prematurely during use.
• Inconsistent battery readings.

Possible Causes

• Poor or corroded battery connections.
• Batteries not properly maintained or failing.
• Electrical system issues, such as a faulty speed controller.

Solutions that Worked

1. Check and Clean All Heavy Wire Connections

• What I Did: Inspected and cleaned all the heavy wire connections on the golf cart.
• Outcome: Improved battery life and consistent power delivery.
• Personal Experience: Noticed corrosion on some connections, which was causing power issues.
• Steps:
  1. Locate All Connections: Start by identifying all the heavy wire connections in your golf cart, including the battery terminals, motor connections, and any other high-current joints.
  2. Cleaning Process: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean off any corrosion or dirt from the connections. This helps ensure a good electrical contact.
  3. Tightening Connections: After cleaning, use a wrench to tighten all connections. Loose connections can lead to power loss and increased resistance.
  4. Final Testing: Turn on your golf cart and check for any improvements in battery life or performance.
• Expert Tip: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or anti-corrosion spray to the connections after cleaning to prevent future corrosion.
• Handy Tip: Always disconnect the battery before starting this process to avoid any short circuits.

2. Perform a Load Test on Batteries

• What I Did: Conducted a load test on each battery.
• Outcome: Identified weak batteries needing replacement.
• Personal Experience: Found that one of the batteries was not holding charge as expected.
• Steps:
  1. Prepare for Testing: Ensure your golf cart is turned off and the batteries are accessible.
  2. Connect Load Tester: Attach a load tester to each battery. You can find these testers at most automotive stores.
  3. Performing the Test: Activate the load tester according to its instructions. This usually involves applying a heavy load for a short period.
  4. Interpreting Results: Watch how the voltage reacts under load. A significant drop indicates a weak battery.
• Expert Tip: Batteries should be load tested periodically to assess their health. Replace batteries that fail the load test.
• Handy Tip: Keep a record of each battery’s performance for future reference.

3. Inspect and Maintain Water Levels in Batteries

• What I Did: Checked and adjusted the water levels in the batteries.
• Outcome: Batteries maintained a better charge and lasted longer.
• Personal Experience: Some cells were low on water, affecting performance.
• Steps:
  1. Safety First: Wear protective gloves and eyewear, as battery acid can be harmful.
  2. Checking Levels: Open the caps on each battery cell and inspect the water level. It should cover the lead plates inside.
  3. Adding Water: If levels are low, carefully add distilled water. Avoid using tap water as it can contain minerals harmful to batteries.
  4. Avoid Overfilling: Do not fill the cells to the brim. Leave some space to allow for expansion.
• Expert Tip: Check water levels every month, especially in hot weather when water can evaporate faster.
• Handy Tip: Use a battery watering gun or a small funnel to add water precisely without spilling.

4. Voltage Reading Under Load

• What I Did: Measured the voltage of batteries under load.
• Outcome: Identified voltage drops indicating potential issues.
• Personal Experience: Voltage readings helped diagnose a failing battery.
• Steps:
  1. Initial Voltage Check: Measure the voltage of each battery while the cart is at rest.
  2. Under Load Measurement: Take voltage readings again while driving the cart or applying a load.
  3. Analyze the Data: Compare the resting and load voltages. A significant drop under load is a red flag.
• Expert Tip: Voltage readings under load can reveal hidden battery issues. Regular checks can prevent unexpected failures.
• Handy Tip: Use a digital multimeter for more accurate readings.

5. Consider Updating Speed Controller

• What I Did: Upgraded the speed controller to match the battery system.
• Outcome: Enhanced performance and resolved power issues.
• Personal Experience: The old controller was not compatible with the new battery setup.
• Steps:
  1. Identify the Right Controller: Research to find a compatible speed controller for your golf cart model and battery setup.
  2. Removal of Old Controller: Carefully disconnect and remove the old speed controller, noting the connection points.
  3. Installation of New Controller: Install the new controller, ensuring all connections are secure and correct.
  4. Testing: Test the cart for improved performance and responsiveness.
• Expert Tip: Ensure compatibility of all electrical components when upgrading. Incorrectly matched components can lead to poor performance and damage.
• Handy Tip: Label all wires during disassembly to make reassembly easier.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

• Various Club Car models, primarily from the late 1980s to mid-2010s.