If you’re a golfer, then you know that having a properly functioning golf cart is key to enjoying a good game. And if your golf cart charger isn’t working, then you’re going to have trouble getting your cart up and running. In this article, we’ll provide some troubleshooting tips for golf cart chargers so that you can get back out on the green as quickly as possible!
Table of Contents
Testing Battery Voltage
Unplug your golf cart from the charger and the charger from the wall
Test the battery voltage with a voltmeter. If the voltage is below 36 volts, then it’s likely that your batteries are the issue and not the charger. In this case, you’ll need to replace your batteries. Checking for loose wires or connections.
Test your golf cart batteries to make sure they have at least 25-30 volts
If your golf cart batteries are dead, or close to it, then your charger will not work. Use a voltmeter to test the voltage of each battery in your golf cart. You must replace any batteries that are below 25 volts before you can troubleshoot your charger.
Use a voltmeter or a multimeter to check your batteries voltage
The batteries should read between 20 and 22 volts. If they read lower than that, they’re not getting enough power from the charger.
There are a few things that could be causing this:
- The golf cart’s batteries might be old and need to be replaced;
- The connections between the batteries and the charger might be loose or corroded;
- The charger itself might be damaged. If your batteries are reading below 20 volts, you’ll need to troubleshoot the issue further to find the root cause;
Charge your cart’s batteries with a car battery charger if they are totally dead
If your golf cart batteries are discharged, you can use a car battery charger to recharge them. This is a quick and easy way to get your batteries up and running again, but it’s not ideal for long-term charging.
Put the batteries back in your golf cart
If your golf cart charger is not working, the first thing you should do is check the batteries. It’s possible that they were the cause of the problem in the first place and simply need to be replaced. You can usually find replacement batteries at your local hardware store.
Inspecting and Fixing Connections
One of the most common reasons a golf cart charger may stop working is due to loose, damaged, or corroded connections. Check all of the connections between your charger and your golf cart, as well as any exposed wires. If you see any damage, gently clean the connections with a soft cloth and/or sandpaper. If necessary, use a wire brush to remove any corrosion. Once the connections are clean, tighten them securely.
If the connections are damaged beyond repair, you’ll need to replace the wires. You can buy replacement wires at most golf cart or automotive stores.
Disconnect your golf cart charger
Inspect the connections at both ends of the charger. Check for corrosion, damage or loose connections. Clean any corrosion with a wire brush, then reconnect the charger and try charging the golf cart again. You will have to get a new charger if the cords are damaged.
Look inside the charger handle to see if the clips are pushed in
If they are, the golf cart charger is not working. This can be easily fixed by gently pushing the clips back out with a small screwdriver or another sharp object. If the charging handle doesn’t appear to be the issue, then take a look at the golf cart’s charging port to see if it’s obstructed. If it’s dirty, clean it off with a cotton swab or cloth.
If the charging port is clean and the charger handle looks fine, then the problem may be with the golf cart battery. First, check to see if the battery is properly connected. If it’s not, then reconnect it and try charging again.
If the battery is properly connected and you’re still having trouble, then the battery may be the problem. Try charging it with a different charger to see if that works. If not, then the battery may need to be replaced. If you’re still having trouble after trying all of these troubleshooting tips, then you may need to call a golf cart repair technician for further assistance.
Inspect the charger connections for dirt, debris, wire fraying, and corrosion
If the charger connections are dirty, they may not be making a good connection with the golf cart battery. Use a clean cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris. Check for wire fraying and corrosion, and if you see either of these, use wire strippers to remove the damaged portion of the wire. If the connections are still not good, you may need to replace the wires.
Scrub the battery terminals with a baking soda paste if they’re dirty
Spray an anti-corrosive spray on the battery terminals
Check the battery terminals for any corrosion. If there is any build-up, clean it off with a wire brush. Next, check the charger port for any cracks or damage. If you see any, replace the entire charger. Finally, check if there is any dirt or debris build-up inside the charger port. If there is, use a can of compressed air to blow it out. If your golf cart charger is still not working after trying all of these troubleshooting tips, then it may be time to replace the entire charger.
Replace any frayed wires
If your golf cart charger stops working, the first thing you should do is check if any of the wires are loose. If any of the wires are frayed or damaged, they’ll need to be replaced before you can use the charger again. Also, make sure that all of the wire connections are tight and secure. [1]
Checking and Replacing Fuses and Diodes
The first thing you should do if your golf cart charger is not working is to check the fuses and diodes. These are simple electrical components that can often be the cause of charging problems. Replacing a blown fuse or diode is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix.
Remove the golf cart charger’s cover with a Phillips-head screwdriver
Do this cautiously, as there may be exposed wires. Check for any blown fuses or damaged diodes. If you discern any damage, swap out the fuse or diode with a novel one of the corresponding amperage. You can find fuses and diodes at most hardware stores. Once you’ve replaced the fuse or diode, screw the cover back on and plug in the charger. If it still doesn’t work, move on to the next troubleshooting tip.
Remove the transformer wire that connects the two ring-shaped diodes
This will help you check if there is a problem with the diodes. If the multimeter shows a reading of zero, it means that the diodes are fine. With the multimeter, test for resistance between two big posts on the side of the charger. The ideal reading should be 4-6 Ohm resistors (or closer). If it isn’t within this range then there may be a problem with your transformer.
If the charger still does not work, the problem could be with the rectifier bridge. To check this, remove the two red wires from the rectifier bridge and use the multimeter to check the resistance between the two big posts on the side of the charger. The ideal reading should be between 0.6 and 1 ohm. If the reading is not within this range, it means that there is a problem with the rectifier bridge and you will need to replace it.
Check the golf cart charger diodes with a multimeter to make sure they work
If the charger diodes are not working, then the golf cart will not charge. Check the diodes with a multimeter to make sure they are functioning properly. If the diodes are not working, replace them with new ones. Worth noting: if one of the diodes is not working, this will cause the golf cart charger to not work.
Replace any bad diodes inside the golf cart charger
Test the golf cart charger’s fuse with a multimeter to see if it’s bad
If you have a blown fuse, replace it with one of the same amperages. The rating should be easy to find on your circuit breaker or near where they are housed- usually next door to each other. The proper type of fuse for your charger is determined by what kind you have. If it’s old, consider replacing the entire unit to make sure there are no shorts or exposed wires inside.
Swap out the golf cart charger’s fuse if it is not working
If the fuse is bad, replace it with a new one of the same amperage. You can find the amperage rating on the side of the fuse. And make sure to use the proper type of fuse for your charger. Also, check the connections to the fuse and make sure they’re tight. Worth noting – if the fuse blows again, there may be a more serious problem with the charger. In this case, you should replace the entire charger.
Replacing Circuit Boards
If your charger isn’t working, you may need to replace the circuit board. Over time, circuit boards can become damaged or corroded, which can cause them to stop working correctly. Replacing the circuit board is a relatively easy process, and it’s something that you can do yourself if you’re comfortable working with electrical components.
If you’re not sure whether the circuit board needs to be replaced, take a look at it to see if there are any visible signs of damage. If you see any burnt or discolored areas, this is a good indication that the board needs to be replaced.
Take the cover off the golf cart charger with a Phillips-head screwdriver
Find the main circuit board. This is the large, green board that has several plugs coming out of it. Find the two small boards that are plugged into it. These are the rectifier boards. If you find any of these boards are damaged, they will need to be replaced. You can get replacement parts online or at your local golf cart dealer! If the circuit board looks broken it is likely that this is caused by an issue with chargers not working properly so getting new ones should fix things right up again.
Examine the charger’s circuit boards for visible damage
Your charger might not look damaged, but it could be internally fragile. The most common cause of a charger not working properly is if there are burned-out or damaged components on its circuit boards. If you see any signs that would indicate this type of damage, be sure to get it replaced as soon as possible.
Put new circuit boards in your golf cart charger if any boards are damaged
Check your golf cart’s charger connections to make sure they’re tight and Inspect the cord for any damages. If you find anything wrong with it, replace that too. The golf cart charger is an important part of your vehicle that you should take some time to clean and inspect before each use. If it’s not working like it used to, don’t panic!
There are a few things we recommend doing in order to get things back up and running smoothly again:
- First, check the circuit boards inside the charger. If any of them are damaged, you’ll need to replace them. To do this, simply unscrew the panel on the side of the charger and remove the old boards;
- Then, insert new ones in their place and screw the panel back on;
- After that, ensure the input and output connections are secure. These are usually located on the back of the charger. If they’re loose, simply tighten them with a screwdriver;
Golf Cart Charger Problems and How to Solve Them
When your golf cart charger malfunctions, it can be both frustrating and costly. After all, you rely on it to keep your battery charged and to get around the course. Fortunately, if your charger isn’t working, there are some easy steps you can take to fix the problem.
Problems while golf carts are being used
Golf cart batteries often fail because the charger is not working. Fortunately, it is usually a simple problem to fix. If your charger isn’t working, follow these tips to get it up and running again. First, check that the outlet you are plugging the charger into is working. If the outlet is not working, you will need to call an electrician to fix the problem. After that, check the fuse to see if it’s blown. If so, put in a new one. If you do not have a replacement fuse, you can purchase one at a local hardware store. After you’ve checked that the outlet and fuse are both working, the next step is to test the charger. First, check the cords and plugs to make sure they are not damaged. After that, double-check the connections to confirm they’re tight. Finally, check the charging unit itself for any damage.
Problem after restoring the charge
It’s possible that a fuse has blown and needs to be replaced. You can try troubleshooting your golf cart battery by following these steps, but if that doesn’t work then you should contact an experienced technician for help. [2]
Problems when the golf cart is not in use
A golf cart charger not working when the golf cart is inactive usually means there is something wrong with the battery. Check the voltage of the battery with a voltmeter. If the voltage is low, it may need to be replaced.
It’s also possible that there is a problem with the charger itself. Inspect the charger for any physical damage. If there is damage, it will need to be replaced.
If the charger is not damaged and the battery voltage is normal, the problem may be with the charging circuit. This can be checked with a multimeter. [3]
The Charger Won’t Turn On
There are a few things that could be causing this issue. The first thing you should check is the power source. If you’re sure the outlet is working, check your circuit breaker for tripping. If it has not been triggered yet there may be an issue with either the power source or the charger itself. If the breaker has tripped, reset it and try again.
If the charger still won’t turn on, there could be an issue with the charger itself. If it doesn’t work, plug it into a different outlet. If the charger still doesn’t work, it may need to be replaced.
Charger Runs Too Long (Or Not Long Enough)
It’s not uncommon for golf cart owners to find that their charger runs too long, or doesn’t seem to charge the batteries as quickly as it should. There are several possible causes for this:
- The batteries may be sulfated
Sulfation is a common issue with lead acid batteries and can happen when the batteries are left uncharged for too long. Sulfation essentially means that the lead sulfate crystals on the battery plates grow too large, and prevent the flow of electricity.
If your batteries are sulfated, you’ll need to use a desulfation charger to break up the crystals and restore the battery to working condition.
- The water level in the batteries may be low
Golf cart batteries need to be kept filled with distilled water, as this helps to prevent sulfation. If the water level becomes depleted, the charger will try to make up for the lost time by running for an extended period.
To fix this, simply top up the water levels in the batteries.
- The charger may be too small for the batteries
If the charger is too small for the batteries, it won’t be able to charge them properly. This can cause the charger to run for too long, as it tries to make up for the lack of power.
The solution is to get a charger that is the right size for the batteries.
Clicking Sounds
That clicking you hear when plugging in your charger could be an indication that the charging cycle has not completed. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common is that the charger is not getting enough power from the outlet. If your device isn’t charging, try plugging the charger into another outlet.
If you have multiple outlets in your home, try plugging the charger into each one to see if any of them provide enough power. If you don’t have any other outlets available, or if none of them seem to work, you’ll need to call a professional electrician to take a look at your home’s electrical system.
Your Cart
There are several reasons why your golf cart charger might not be working. The first thing you should do is check the charging port on the cart itself. Be sure to check that nothing is blocking the lens and that the contacts are clean.
Next, check the battery. It may be low on power and need to be replaced. If the battery is old, it may no longer hold a charge. In this case, you’ll need to get a new one.
If neither of these is the problem, then it’s likely an issue with the charger itself. [4]
Charger Is Loud
If the battery isn’t the problem, then it’s time to get a new charger. When choosing a replacement, make sure to get one that is designed for your specific make and model of a golf cart. This will ensure compatibility and help avoid any further issues. [5]
Top 3 Golf Cart Battery Chargers:
- Golf Cart King Charger
For those who want an easy-to-use charger that is compatible with most golf cart models, The Golf Cart King’s Charger has what you need. It comes equipped with a built-in display screen so there are no more guessing games about when your battery will be done charging.
The Golf Cart King’s charger is a great choice for those who want to charge their batteries quickly. It can do the job in as little as six hours, so you’ll always have time to get back out there and play some more.
- E-Z-GO RXV Golf Cart Battery Charger
The E-Z-GO RXV Golf Cart Battery Charger provides a convenient way to keep your golf cart charged. The built-in display will tell you when the battery is ready, so there’s no need for guesswork or waiting around.
The E-Z-GO RXV Golf Cart Battery Charger is an excellent choice for those who want a fast charger. It can charge your batteries in as little as a few hours, so you’ll be ready to go by the time it’s done!
- Club Car Precedent Golf Cart Battery Charger
The Club Car Precedent Golf Cart Battery Charger is also a great choice for those who want a fast charger. It can charge your batteries in as little as six hours, so you can get back out on the course quickly. [6]
FAQ
How do you reset a golf cart charger?
It’s always a good idea to consult your charger’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to reset it. In general, however, you can usually reset a golf cart charger by unplugging it from the power source, waiting 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in. If the charger still isn’t working after you’ve tried this reset procedure, it’s time to troubleshoot the problem.
How do you know if a golf cart charger is bad?
Here are a few ways to see if your golf cart’s charger needs replacing. First, check the light on the charger. If it’s not lit, then the charger is probably bad. Second, check the voltage output of the charger with a voltmeter. If it’s not within specifications, then the charger is probably bad. In conclusion, if your golf cart isn’t charging, the issue is probably with the charger. If your charger is bad, then you’ll need to replace it. You can find replacement chargers online or at your local golf cart dealer.
How do you test a golf cart charger to see if it’s working?
The first troubleshooting step for a golf cart charger is to check the power cord. If it’s damaged or frayed, it will need to be replaced. If the power cord appears to be in good condition, plug it into a working outlet and test the charger with a multimeter. If the charger is not receiving power, you’ll need to replace the power cord.
If your multimeter shows no voltage when you try to charge the battery, it’s likely that there is an issue with either the charger or one of its ports. In order to get things working again though they’ll have to resort back to testing out all their connections first so don’t forget about this part.
Start by visually inspecting the charging ports for any damage. If the ports appear to be damaged, the golf cart charger will need to be replaced. If the charging ports look good, use a multimeter to test for voltage output. If there is no voltage output, the golf cart charger is likely faulty and will need to be replaced.
If the golf cart charger is receiving power and outputting voltage, but the golf cart batteries are not charging, the problem is most likely with the batteries themselves.
Can a golf cart charger be fixed?
If you’re experiencing issues with your golf cart charger, don’t despair! In most cases, the problem can be fixed by following these simple steps. We’ll show how to fix common problems that arise when using a specific type of battery in an electric vehicle (like yours).
Is there a fuse in an electric golf cart?
The fuse is an important safety feature in an electric golf cart. It is designed to protect the electrical system from damage if there is a short circuit or overload. The fuse will “blow” or break the circuit if the current flowing through it exceeds the rated value. This will prevent further damage to the electrical system and hopefully allow you to fix the problem so that the fuse does not have to be replaced.
The first step you should take if your golf cart charger stops working is to check whether there is a blown fuse in the circuit. If there is no fuse, then it is likely that the problem lies elsewhere. However, if there is a fuse, then it is possible that the fuse has blown and needs to be replaced.
When I plug in my golf cart charger – why nothing happens?
This is one of the most common questions we get asked, and unfortunately, there isn’t really a straightforward answer. There are a number of reasons why your golf cart charger might not be working properly, so it’s important to narrow down the potential causes until you find what is causing this problem.
Here are some things to look for and tips on how to fix common issues that can cause a golf cart charger to stop working:
- Check the circuit breaker or fuse box;
- Check the power source;
- Check the charging cord;
- Check for loose connections;
- Check for obstructions;
How do you tell if a fuse is blown?
The most common reason for a golf cart charger not working is that it’s due to get fixed with an easy fix. Simply remove the fuse from your appliance and hold it up against the light if there are any signs of damage or destruction. If the metal strip inside is broken, then the fuse is blown and needs to be replaced.
Why does my golf cart have no power?
This is a common question we get here at Golf Cart chargers not working. The issue could be with your golf cart battery, the charger, or both. It’s important that you check these items before buying a new one since they’re most likely what is causing this problem.
Can the charger be repaired?
If the charger is not working, the first question you will want to ask is whether or not it can be repaired. There are a few things that you can check before you give up and buy a new charger. Verify that the charger is plugged into a working outlet. If the outlet is working, then check the fuse on the charger. If the fuse is blown, then it will need to be replaced. Finally, if none of these things have worked, then you may need to replace the charger.
Do golf cart chargers break?
Just like any other piece of machinery, golf cart chargers can and do break from time to time. The good news is that most problems with golf cart chargers are relatively easy to fix, and don’t require a lot of expensive repairs or replacement parts.
Conclusion
It can be a real bummer when the golf cart charger doesn’t work. But by troubleshooting the problem and following these tips, you can get it up and running again in no time.
First, make sure you have a strong power source and check to see if your golf cart charger works.
If the charger is getting power but still not working, then the problem may be with the charging port on the golf cart. Try cleaning it out with a can of compressed air.
If that doesn’t work, then there may be an issue with the battery. Try charging it with a different charger or testing it with a multimeter.
Finally, if all else fails, contact a golf cart repair company for help.
Useful Video: Golf Cart Charger Troubleshooting Guide
References:
- https://powertronbatteryco.com/how-to-troubleshoot-your-golf-cart-battery-charger/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Golf-Cart-Charger
- https://www.golfcartgarage.com/golf-cart-charger-not-working-learn-how-to-test-a-golf-cart-battery-charger/
- https://golfproguides.com/fix-a-golf-cart-battery-charger/
- https://www.golf-carts-etc.com/golf-cart-battery-charger.html
- https://carts-and-parts.com/union-city-golf-cart-battery-charger/