Tell you how to test and install golf cart voltage regulator

admin
February 1, 2023
6:02 am

What Does a Golf Cart Voltage Regulator Do?

A golf car voltage regulator is one of the most important parts of a golf cart. The voltage regulator helps to limit and regulate the power that is sent to a golf cart battery for its recharge.

When you start your golf cart, the starter generator performs the role of a starter motor and causes the engine to start. However, when the internal combustion of the engine begins, the generator begins to perform its actual function. The combustion triggers the generation of power to be sent back to the battery.

Often, the speed variations of the engine cause the power flow to be erratic and irregular. This fluctuation can be very detrimental to the life of your golf cart battery.

Most of the time, a voltage regulator makes sure that the recharge voltage never goes above 14.5 volts. It helps in recharging the battery while ensuring its long life by offering a constant and smooth voltage.

There are various types of voltage regulators in the market for different models of golf carts. Bosch and Hitachi are two well-known brands for reliable voltage regulators.

Where is the Voltage Regulator Located on a Golf Cart?

The voltage regulator in a golf cart is often found under the cart seat; near the battery. It is generally quite small and compact.

How to Test a Golf Cart Voltage Regulator

Most electric golf carts use 12-volt batteries for their operation. As the name indicates, a voltage regulator is capable of controlling the voltage flow that returns from the magneto. As a result, the batteries experience a backflow of a constant voltage of 14 volts.

There are also instances when the batteries tend to get overcharged. Overcharged batteries eventually get damaged.

To avoid the above problems, it’s recommended that you check the voltage regulator of your golf cart regularly. This is not a time-consuming process and takes just about 10 minutes to get done. You might consider checking your battery before the voltage regulator.

The following steps offer guidance on how to check a battery followed by checking the voltage regulator.

Park the golf cart on a level, hard surface and activate the parking brake. You might want to additionally keep wheel chocks before the front tires so that the cart does not roll forward.
Keep a jack below the frame at the back of the golf cart. Position the jack stands below the frame behind the back tires and elevate the cart.
Lift the golf cart seat upwards until the batteries are exposed.
Turn on the voltmeter and set the reading to 20 volts. Connect the red lead of the voltmeter to one of the positive posts of a battery. Similarly, connect the black lead of the voltmeter to the negative post of this battery.
Check the voltage reading on the voltmeter. If the reading is 12volts, it’s a clear sign that the battery is in good condition.
Release the forward control pedal keeping the voltmeter connected at the same time.
Check if the voltmeter reading is between 14 volts and 16 volts. If it continues to be 12 volts, it indicates that the voltage regulator is faulty.

How to Install Voltage Regulator on a Golf Cart

Installing a voltage regulator in your golf cart often becomes necessary when you experience any problem with the motor of your golf cart. In most cases, a motor problem is likely to be due to a faulty voltage regulator.

Having a faulty voltage regulator can lead to other problems as well, such as overcharge causing electrical components to burn out or inability of the golf cart battery to retain a charge. From my own experience, you should replace your voltage regulator as soon as possible!

For your safety, you should wear a pair of work gloves and safety glasses when you make the replacement. You will have to keep a few simple tools handy to help with the replacement. The process may vary slightly depending on the make and model of your golf cart.

The steps mentioned below will guide you on how to replace a faulty voltage regulator.

Open the battery hatch cover that is usually located below the front hood or under the golf cart seat.
Loosen and remove the negative cable of the battery that is connected to the battery charger directly. Use a wrench for disconnecting the cables.
Remove the negative cables of all other batteries as well, in the same way.
Now remove all the positive cables from the batteries.
Disconnect the voltage regulator from the battery so that it can be removed. In some cases, the regulator may be bolted or latched on to the golf cart. Use the appropriate tool and disconnect it.
Put the new voltage regulator in place and fix the bolts or latches in place.
Connect a voltmeter to the poles of the battery and start the engine of the golf cart. Make sure that there is no spin. The voltage should typically be 12.6 volts.
Raise the speed of the golf cart engine. The voltage will also increase accordingly until the speed is nearly 1,000RPM. After this, the voltage remains steady at 13 volts with a +/-0.5 volts difference.
Check the electrolyte levels in each battery and top up to the required level using distilled water if needed.

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