Golf carts are the perfect way to get around in sunny Southwest Florida, but nothing ruins a day in Bradenton or Sarasota faster than a dead battery that refuses to charge.
A poorly charging battery isn’t just annoying; it can lead to quick power drain and leave you stranded far from home. In our hot and humid climate, batteries work harder than they do up north, which can shorten their lifespan if not watched closely.
Don’t worry, though! As Ellenton’s local golf cart experts, we’ve outlined 5 simple solutions to help you troubleshoot the issue and keep your cart running smoothly.
1. Check the Battery Connections (Watch for Salt Corrosion)
Living near the coast in Manatee County means we constantly battle salt air and humidity. This can cause “white fluff” (corrosion) to build up on your terminals faster than usual.
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The Fix: Inspect your battery terminals. Are they clean and tight?
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DIY Tip: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean off any corrosion. Ensure the cables are tightened down securely. A loose connection creates heat and prevents the charger from doing its job.
2. Verify the Charger & Outlet
If your connections look good, the issue might be the charger itself—or the wall outlet!
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Check the Outlet: Florida garages often have GFCI outlets that trip easily during thunderstorms. Plug another appliance into that same outlet to make sure it actually has power.
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Check the Charger: Ensure the plug is firmly seated in the cart’s receptacle. If your charger doesn’t click or light up, it may be faulty. Not sure? Bring your charger to our shop in Ellenton, and we can test it for you.
3. Monitor Battery Water Level (Critical in FL Heat)
If you have traditional lead-acid batteries, they are likely “thirsty.” The intense Florida heat causes water to evaporate from the cells quickly.
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Why it matters: If the water level drops below the lead plates, the battery cannot store energy, and it may be permanently damaged.
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Maintenance: Check your water levels monthly. Top them off with distilled water only—never use tap water from the hose, as the minerals will ruin the battery.
4. Check Battery Voltage
Sometimes a battery is too “dead” for the charger to recognize it. Most automatic chargers need to detect a minimum voltage to turn on.
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The Test: Use a handheld voltmeter to check the total voltage of your battery pack.
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The Solution: If your voltage is extremely low, the charger won’t kick on. You may need to “jump” the charge or call a professional service like Leisure Products to wake them up.
5. Consider the “Florida Age” of the Battery
Here is the hard truth: Batteries don’t last as long in Florida as they do in cooler states. The extreme heat takes a toll.
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Lifespan: If your batteries are over 3-4 years old and struggling to hold a charge, they are likely reaching the end of their life cycle.
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Replacement: Investing in a fresh set (or upgrading to Lithium) will restore your range and reliability.
Need a Battery Replacement in Ellenton?
Poor charging is frustrating, but you don’t have to fix it alone. Whether it’s a simple connection issue or time for a replacement set, our family-owned business is here to help.
Leisure Products stocks a full range of high-performance batteries for Evolution, Club Car, EZ-GO, and more. We proudly serve Ellenton, Parrish, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch.
Contact us today or stop by our showroom on US Hwy 301 to get your power back!