I own a 2016 Club Car precdent golf cart but the voltage keeps dropping, especially when I’m going uphill. I’ve tried charging it, checking the connections, but nothing seems to work. What could be going on?
Response
I found that grounding my meter to the pack negative fixed the issue for me. But I would get a technician to take a look if you’re not mechanically minded.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Use Pack Negative for Meter Grounding | 1 | Grounded meter to pack negative, problem solved | $0 | 10-15 |
| Load Test the Batteries | 1 | Conducted a load test, identified the weak battery | $0 | 10-20 |
| Equalization Charge | 1 | Equalization charge balanced the batteries | $0 | 45-90 |
Symptoms
- Voltage drops significantly when going uphill
- Battery warning light comes on
- Cart loses power quickly, especially on inclines
Possible Causes
- Weak or damaged batteries
- Poor grounding or faulty connections
- Unbalanced battery pack
- Charger issues
Solutions that Worked
1. Use Pack Negative for Meter Grounding
What I Did:
I grounded my meter to the pack negative terminal instead of the frame.
Outcome:
The voltage readings became consistent, and the cart’s performance improved.
Personal Experience:
Once I switched the grounding to the pack negative, the voltage readings stabilized, and the cart ran smoothly.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Locate your battery pack in the cart.
- Identify the pack negative terminal; it’s usually marked with a “-” symbol.
- Disconnect any existing grounding from the frame.
- Use a wire to connect your meter’s ground to the pack negative terminal.
- Take voltage readings to confirm the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Always use the pack negative for grounding in Club Car golf carts. These carts are not frame grounded, and using the frame for grounding can give inaccurate readings.
2. Load Test the Batteries
What I Did:
I performed a load test on each battery in the pack.
Outcome:
I was able to identify a weak battery that needed replacement.
Personal Experience:
The load test was a game-changer. It helped me pinpoint exactly which battery was the culprit.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Obtain a battery load tester from a local store or online.
- Disconnect the batteries from the cart for safety.
- Attach the load tester’s clamps to each battery’s terminals.
- Perform the load test and note the voltage drop for each battery.
- Compare the results to identify any weak batteries.
Expert Tip:
Perform the load test when the batteries are fully charged for the most accurate results. Also, make sure to disconnect the batteries from the cart to prevent any accidental short circuits.
3. Equalization Charge
What I Did:
I used a specialized charger to perform an equalization charge on the entire battery pack.
Outcome:
The voltage levels across all batteries became balanced.
Personal Experience:
The equalization charge took a bit longer but was worth it. All batteries now show consistent voltage.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 45-90 minutes
Steps:
- Make sure you have a charger with an equalization mode.
- Disconnect the batteries from the cart.
- Connect the charger to the battery pack.
- Set the charger to “Equalization Mode.”
- Monitor the charging process to ensure it completes successfully.
Expert Tip:
Perform an equalization charge every few months to keep your batteries balanced and extend their lifespan.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2016 Club Car Precedent
- 2014 Club Car Precedent with 20” tires, 440 Navitas, and 2gawire
- 2007 Club Car DS 48v
SafetyTips
- Always wear safety gloves and goggles when working with batteries.
- Keep a multimeter and a load tester in your cart’s storage for quick diagnostics.
- If your cart is older, consider upgrading to a more modern battery management system for better performance.