How To Trick Golf Cart Charger? (Charging Dead Batteries)

Charging a completely dead golf cart battery may be tricky. Because chargers are unable to charge batteries that are too low.

But there is a simple solution to this problem. And this can bring your dead golf cart batteries back to life.

So, let’s find out how to trick a golf cart charger to charge dead batteries.

Things you’ll need to trick a golf cart charger

You need the following things to charge a dead golf cart battery.

• A golf cart battery charger
• A new or fully charged battery
• A dead battery
• A set of jumper cables

Yes, you read that correctly. You need a fully charged battery to revive your dead golf cart battery back to life. That’s the trick!

How to trick golf cart charger?

To trick golf cart chargers, you first need to connect your dead battery to a fully charged one by attaching their positive and negative terminals. You can do this using jumper cables. Then, simply plug in the golf cart charger to the dead battery. 

That’s how you trick your charger into charging a completely dead golf cart battery. Let’s go over the steps in detail.

1. Disconnect your battery charger: Firstly, disconnect the charger from your golf cart.

2. Find the battery terminals: Batteries have two metal terminals. The positive one is marked (+), while the negative one is marked (-).

3. Take the jumper cable: The jumper cable set also has positive and negative cables. Those in red are positive (+), and those in black are negative (-).

4. Connect both batteries: Attach one red cable clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery. Then, attach the other red cable clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the fully charged battery. Do the same with the black cable clamps and connect the negative (-) terminals of both batteries.

5. Plug in your battery charger: Plug the battery charger into your dead golf cart battery. The trick is done! Let it charge now.

So there you have it, how to charge a dead golf cart battery.

Always pay attention to the factors affecting the lifespan of golf cart batteries. Eventually, this will help extend battery life.

How to test if your golf cart battery charger has been tricked?

So as you can see, it is possible to charge a completely dead golf cart battery. Yet how can you be sure that the trick is effective?

Well, there are two ways to find out. You can use a load tester or a multimeter.

Begin by disconnecting the charger from your battery. Then connect a load tester to the dead battery. Keep an eye on the needle. Your battery is charged if it moves to the right.

You can also check this using a multimeter. Not so hard, right? But you must remember one thing.

All golf cart hacks, such as tricking the charger or removing the speed limiter from a golf cart, should be done carefully. In case you’re unsure about anything, you should ask a technician.

A few more ways to trick a golf cart charger

We have already discussed how to trick golf cart chargers using jumper cables. There are more ways to do so. But some of them aren’t applicable to every golf cart.

We suggest reading the instruction manual and taking safety stuff seriously. Here are some things you can try.

Use a resistance cable to trick your charger: You can use a resistance cord to charge your dead golf cart battery. This tricked your charger into thinking that your battery had a charge greater than zero. Be careful not to overcharge or overheat the battery.

Use a voltage reducer/booster to trick your charger: You can use a voltage reducer. This will reduce your charger’s voltage. So, you can charge a battery lower than the charger’s rated voltage.

Alternatively, you can also use a voltage booster. This will increase your charger’s voltage. So that you can charge a battery higher than the charger’s rated voltage.

Use a computerized battery tender to trick your charger: An automated battery tender keeps a battery charged at a constant level. In other words, when your battery dips below a certain level, the battery tender kicks your charger back on. The charger will stop charging the battery once it is fully charged.

How long does it take to charge dead golf cart batteries?

Dead golf cart batteries take a long time to charge, depending on factors such as the type and size. Battery age and charger output also matter.

On average, it takes about 8 to 10 hours to charge golf cart batteries using a standard 36-volt charger. But if the batteries are deeply discharged, it may take longer to charge them fully.

Make sure you monitor the charging process and disconnect the charger once the batteries are fully charged. Because overcharging damages golf cart batteries.

In order to maintain battery health, you should also check the battery meter. So that you can track your battery level. Sometimes it may not work properly. Therefore, you need to learn how to reset golf cart battery meter.

Dead golf cart battery charging tips

Here are a few things you can try if your golf cart charger won’t charge a dead battery:

Check the connections:  Be sure the charger is properly plugged into the wall outlet and the golf cart. Also, check that the battery connections are clean and tight.

Check the voltage: Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. If the voltage is very low (less than 5 volts), the charger may not detect it as a battery and not charge it. In this case, you can try boosting the battery voltage with jumper cables.

Reset the charger: Many chargers have a reset button. You can use it to reset the charging process. If you’re not sure how to reset your charger, check the user manual.

Use a high-amperage charger: You might need a higher-amperage charger if your charger isn’t powerful enough to charge a dead battery. Chargers with higher amps charge batteries faster and more efficiently.

Consider a desulfator: Batteries can be revived with a battery desulfator by breaking down the sulfate crystals that form on the plates over time. You can improve the performance of your golf cart battery by connecting a desulfator before charging it.

If your battery is old and has been deeply discharged multiple times, it may not hold a charge anymore. In that case, you need to replace the golf cart battery.

Safety concerns while charging a completely dead golf cart battery

Charging completely dead golf cart batteries can be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. You have to be careful, right?

Well, here are some cautions to remember while charging a dead golf cart battery:

1. Protect yourself by wearing protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses.
2. You shouldn’t use a charger that isn’t designed for the battery you’re charging.
3. Check the voltage of the battery and charger to ensure compatibility.
4. Avoid flammable materials when using the charger and battery.
5. Make sure to keep an eye on the battery while it’s charging.
6. Follow the manufacturer’s charging instructions.
7. Don’t overcharge the battery, as it could explode.
8. Immediately stop charging the battery if it shows signs of swelling or leakage.
9. Never attempt to charge a frozen battery.
10. Seek professional help if you are unsure about charging the battery.

You know how to trick golf cart chargers, you need to be cautious. So, keep these points in mind.

Also, maintain your batteries regularly to avoid critical issues. For example, you should periodically check the water level of your golf cart batteries.

How to stop your golf cart batteries from going dead?

You can prevent your golf cart battery from dying too soon by following these tips:

• You should charge your batteries regularly. If possible try to charge your batteries after every use.
• Never discharge your batteries completely.
• Regularly check the water level in your batteries and add distilled water if necessary.
• Overcharging your batteries can cause damage. So follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging time and voltage.
• Keep your golf cart batteries clean and debris-free. Because dirt and corrosion can cause your batteries to drain faster.
• Whenever you store your golf cart for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them somewhere cool and dry.
• Both extreme heat and cold can affect your batteries. To avoid this, ensure your golf cart is stored in a climate-controlled environment.

So, you can prevent your golf cart batteries from dying prematurely.

But what if you have a lifted golf cart? Well, a lift kit and larger tires can drain your cart’s battery faster. As a result, it may shorten golf cart battery life.

Of course, lifting a golf cart has its advantages and disadvantages. But it’s okay to compromise on extra benefits. Just make sure your batteries don’t die before their time.

Final thoughts on tricking a golf cart charger

As you can see, it is possible to trick your golf cart battery charger. You can even charge a completely dead battery by tricking the charger. But you need to be careful about overheating or overcharging. And take other safety precautions.

Do you remember the last time you tricked your battery charger? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comment box.

Wishing your golf cart batteries a long life!