Extended Storage - Electric Golf Car

 

  1. Turn the key switch to the OFF position, remove the key, and leave the Forward/Reverse switch in the NEUTRAL position during storage.
  2. Place Tow/Run switch in the TOW position. This is to prevent unintentionally starting the golf car or a fire hazard.
  3. Do not attempt to charge frozen batteries or batteries with bulged cases. Discard the battery by recycling or disposing of discarded batteries in accordance with local, state, and federal regluations. Frozen batteries can explode.

Caution 

Batteries in a low state of charge will freeze at low temperatures.

To avoid exposing electrical components to moisture and subsequent damages, do not use any type of pressure washing or steam cleaning equipment to wash the golf car.

Preparing the ELECTRIC golf car for extended storage

  1. Check Battery Water Levels Two Weeks Prior to Storage. (CHECK WATER LEVEL AFTER CHARGING!)
  2. Check water levels at least two weeks prior to winter storage to ensure proper mixing of water and electrolyte. Note that it takes approximately five charge cycles with a minimum of 10-amp hours removed after each charge to properly mix the water with electrolyte.
  3. Check the water levels in each battery cell. If water is required, fill the cells with distilled water to cover the plates, charge the batteries, and then use distilled water to fill each cell to the correct level. Electrolyte level should be from 1/2 inch above plates to ¼ inch below the level indicator.
  4. Do not water batteries immediately prior to storage because this will not provide enough charge time to mix the water with the electrolyte.
  5. Freezing can occur when batteries are stored in this condition.

Immediately Prior to Storage, Perform the Following Steps:

  1. Unload the golf car so that tires are supporting only the weight of the golf car.
  2. Turn the key switch to the OFF position, remove the key, and leave the Forward/Reverse switch in the NEUTRAL position during storage.
  3. Turn off all accessories.
  4. Place the Tow/Run switch in the TOW position.
  5. Batteries should be clean and free of corrosion. Wash tops and terminals of batteries with a solution of baking soda and water; use 1 cup baking soda per 1 gallon of water. Rinse solution off batteries. Do not allow this solution to enter the batteries. Let the terminals dry and then coat them with Battery Terminal Protector Spray.
  6. Tighten all battery cable connections.
  7. Store golf car in a cool, dry place. This will minimize battery self-discharge.
  8. Adjust tires to recommended tire pressure.
  9. Perform semi-annual periodic lubrication.
  10. Thoroughly clean front body, rear body, seats, battery compartment, and underside of golf car.
  11. Do not engage the park brake. Chock the wheels to prevent the golf car from rolling.

NOTE: It is recommended that electric golf cars be charged every 4 weeks and the electrolyte level maintained in the batteries throughout the storage period.

If any of the following conditions exist, disconnect the batteries for storage,

  • You are unable to keep the batteries charged once a month.
  • AC power will not be available during extended storage.
  • Electrolyte levels will not be maintained.

If disconnecting the batteries for storage, disconnect the negative (-) battery cable and secure it in a way that ensures the cable will not contact the battery terminal.

Returning the stored ELECTRIC golf car to service

  1. If necessary, connect batteries.
  2. Fully charge batteries.
  3. Place Tow/Run Switch in the Run position.
  4. Adjust tires to recommended tire pressure.

WARNING • Do not attempt to charge frozen batteries or batteries with bulged cases. Discard the battery by recycling or disposing of discarded batteries in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Frozen batteries can explode.