The voltage is too low on my Club Car DS golf cart

Recently, I’ve been having a real headache with my Club Car DS golf cart. The voltage just seems too low, and it’s affecting the cart’s performance. I’m at my wit’s end trying to figure out what’s wrong. Can anyone help me troubleshoot this?

Response

I remember also having low voltage with my Club Car Precedent. All I had to do from memory to fix it was clean the corroded battery cables.

Solutions that worked for users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Charging Each Battery Individually	Multiple	0 (if you own a charger)	60-120
Checking and Replacing Batteries	Multiple	100-200 per battery	30-60
Inspecting and Replacing OBC	Multiple	200-300	60-120
Checking Battery Cables for Corrosion	Multiple	0-10 (cleaning materials)	30-60
Checking Individual Battery Voltage Under Load	Multiple	0 (if you own a voltmeter)	30-60
Consider Lithium Battery Upgrade	Multiple	500-1500	120-240

Symptoms

• Golf cart experiences reduced performance.
• Batteries not holding charge as expected.
• Voltage readings are consistently low.

Possible Causes

• Old or failing batteries.
• Faulty On-Board Computer (OBC).
• Corroded or loose battery connections.
• Batteries not properly maintained.

Solutions that Worked

1. Charging Each Battery Individually
   • What I Did: Used a 12V car charger to charge each battery individually.
   • Outcome: The overall pack voltage increased, allowing the golf cart charger to recognize and charge the batteries.
   • Personal Experience: This method was effective when the collective pack voltage was too low.
   • Estimated Cost: $0 (if you own a charger)
   • Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
   • Steps:
     1. Disconnect each battery.
     2. Use a 12V car charger set to low amperage and manual mode.
     3. Charge each battery until it holds around 7 volts.
   • Expert Tip: Monitor the batteries for heat and voltage to avoid overcharging.
2. Checking and Replacing Batteries
   • What I Did: Checked each battery’s voltage after charging; replaced the ones with consistently low voltage.
   • Outcome: Improved performance and resolved low voltage issue.
   • Personal Experience: Replacing old batteries often solves the problem.
   • Estimated Cost: $100-200 per battery
   • Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
   • Steps:
     1. Check the voltage of each battery.
     2. Replace batteries that consistently show low voltage.
   • Expert Tip: Ensure all batteries are of the same type and age for optimal performance.
3. Inspecting and Replacing OBC
   • What I Did: Inspected the OBC for faults and replaced it when necessary.
   • Outcome: Charging and performance issues were resolved.
   • Personal Experience: Sometimes the OBC is the culprit behind charging issues.
   • Estimated Cost: $200-300
   • Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
   • Steps:
     1. Inspect the OBC for any visible damage or faults.
     2. Replace or bypass the OBC if it’s faulty.
   • Expert Tip: Consider bypassing the OBC and using a direct charger for better performance.
4. Checking Battery Cables for Corrosion
   • What I Did: Inspected all battery cables for corrosion and cleaned them.
   • Outcome: Improved electrical connectivity and performance.
   • Personal Experience: Corroded cables can significantly affect power.
   • Estimated Cost: $0-10 (cleaning materials)
   • Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
   • Steps:
     1. Inspect all battery cables.
     2. Clean any corroded connections with a mixture of baking soda and water.
   • Expert Tip: Regularly inspect and clean battery terminals and cables.
5. Checking Individual Battery Voltage Under Load
   • What I Did: Measured the voltage of each battery under load conditions.
   • Outcome: Identified weak batteries affecting the overall performance.
   • Personal Experience: This method helps pinpoint failing batteries.
   • Estimated Cost: $0 (if you own a voltmeter)
   • Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
   • Steps:
     1. Drive the cart to put the batteries under load.
     2. Measure the voltage of each battery.
   • Expert Tip: Batteries showing significantly lower voltage under load may need replacement.
6. Consider Lithium Battery Upgrade
   • What I Did: Upgraded to lithium batteries for better performance and efficiency.
   • Outcome: Longer battery life and more efficient charging.
   • Personal Experience: Lithium batteries offer significant improvements.
   • Estimated Cost: $500-1500
   • Time Needed: 120-240 minutes
   • Steps:
     1. Research compatible lithium battery packs.
     2. Replace the old lead-acid batteries with lithium ones.
   • Expert Tip: While costly, lithium batteries offer better long-term performance and less maintenance.