I need some assitance with my Club Car Onward golf cart. For some reason, it’s acting like it’s in love with the charger – just won’t stop charging. I’m worried sick about overcharging the batteries, and the electricity bill isn’t going to be pretty either. Anyone else ever dealt with this? How did you get it to finally cut the cord?
Response
Yeah, I’ve been there. Had a similar nightmare with my cart. Turned out, one of the batteries was the culprit with a bad cell. Checking each battery’s health was a game-changer. Swapping that out made my cart and charger break up for good. It’s a bit of work but totally worth it to avoid bigger issues down the line. Hope this helps!
Troubleshooting Table
| Solution | Number of Users Helped | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check and replace bad batteries | 5 | $125 per battery | 60 |
| Test charger on another cart | 3 | $0 (if you have access to another cart) | 30 |
| Replace charger timer board | 2 | $100 | 45 |
| Reset the Onboard Computer (OBC) | 1 | $0 | 20 |
Symptoms:
- Charger remains active and does not switch off automatically.
- Batteries get excessively hot during prolonged charging.
- Voltage readings remain high or erratic after charging should have completed.
- The cart runs fine initially but experiences power drops sooner than expected.
Possible Causes:
- Bad Battery Cells: One or more batteries have failed or are failing, preventing the charger from recognizing a full charge.
- Faulty Charger: The charger itself may have a malfunction, such as a damaged timer board, preventing it from shutting off.
- Onboard Computer (OBC) Issues: The OBC, which regulates the charging process, may be malfunctioning.
- Imbalanced Battery Pack: A mix of old and new batteries or batteries from different batches can lead to charging issues
Steps for Each Solution
1. Check and Replace Bad Batteries
Steps:
- Step 1: Gather your tools. You’ll need a voltmeter and a hydrometer for this task.
- Step 2: Measure the voltage of each battery individually with the voltmeter. Note down the readings.
- Step 3: Use the hydrometer to check the specific gravity of each cell within the batteries. This will help identify if any cells are significantly underperforming.
- Step 4: Compare your readings against standard values. Any battery significantly deviating from the norm needs replacing.
- Step 5: If a battery needs replacing, ensure to match the replacement with the age and type of your existing batteries to maintain balance in the pack.
Handy Tips:
- Always wear protective gear when handling batteries.
- Ensure the cart is turned off and keys removed before starting your checks.
2. Test Charger on Another Cart
Steps:
- Step 1: Locate a friend or a nearby cart owner with a similar 48-volt Club Car.
- Step 2: With permission, swap chargers between your cart and theirs. This will help determine if the issue lies with the charger or your cart’s battery/OBC system.
- Step 3: Observe the charging behavior on both carts. If your charger works fine on their cart, the issue likely lies with your cart’s batteries or OBC.
Handy Tips:
- Ensure both carts are compatible in terms of voltage and charger connections to avoid damage.
- Clean the charger’s plug and cart’s receptacle before connecting to ensure a good connection.
3. Replace Charger Timer Board
Steps:
- Step 1: Safely disconnect your charger from power and the cart.
- Step 2: Open the charger casing to access the timer board. Refer to your charger’s manual for guidance on locating the timer board.
- Step 3: Source a replacement timer board from a reputable dealer or repair shop.
- Step 4: Carefully replace the old timer board with the new one, ensuring all connections are secure.
- Step 5: Reassemble the charger and test its functionality with your cart.
Handy Tips:
- Take photos before disconnecting anything for easy reassembly.
- Consider seeking professional help if you’re not comfortable with electronics.
4. Reset the Onboard Computer (OBC)
Steps:
- Step 1: Locate the procedure for resetting the OBC for your specific Club Car model. This information can often be found in the owner’s manual or online forums.
- Step 2: Disconnect the main battery pack to ensure safety.
- Step 3: Follow the reset procedure, which may involve specific sequences of turning the key switch, flipping the tow/run switch, and pressing the accelerator.
- Step 4: Reconnect the battery pack and test the charging system.
Handy Tips:
- A reset might not always resolve the issue but is a good first step before considering replacements.
- Keep the cart in “Tow” mode when working on electrical components to prevent accidental movement.
Extra tips
- Battery Maintenance: Regularly checking and maintaining your batteries can prevent many charging issues. Ensure the water levels are correct and terminals are clean and tight.
- Charger Care: Keep your charger in a dry, ventilated area to prevent overheating and potential failure.
- OBC Learning Mode: After resetting the OBC or replacing batteries, the OBC may enter a “learning mode” where it recalibrates charging cycles. This can temporarily affect charging times.
Remember, safety first! Always disconnect power before working on electrical components, and if in doubt, consult with a professional. Good luck, and here’s to hoping your Club Car Onward learns to let go of the charger!