Why is the FORM Charger Not Maintaining My Batteries?
Coming back to your cart after a week or more to find your batteries not fully charged can be a frustrating experience. Through troubleshooting with our customers, we have found a relatively common issue that has a fairly simple solution.
Commonly Occurs After
- The cart hasn’t been used for over a week
- Individual batteries are mismatched and not replaced in unison
The Problem
The cart was left in “RUN” mode when sitting idle for more than 1 week.
The FORM Charger is designed to maintain but minimize the strain of constant charging on your batteries. In order to reduce the constraint draw of power and preserve the life of your batteries it is recommended for all carts regardless of charger brand to be left in TOW mode when leaving the cart for more than 1 week.
- Run Mode: When the switch is set to "Run," the golf cart is in its normal operating mode. This allows the cart to be driven, as the electrical circuit connecting the batteries to the motor controller is complete. In this mode, the cart can be used as intended for playing golf, transportation, etc.
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Tow Mode:Switching to "Tow" mode is crucial when the golf cart needs to be towed, transported, or during extended periods of storage. In "Tow" mode, the cart's motor controller is essentially disconnected from the battery pack. This serves several purposes:
- Prevents Damage: When a golf cart is being towed with the switch in "Run" mode, it can generate electricity back into the motor controller, potentially causing damage. The "Tow" mode prevents this.
- Conserve Battery: It helps in reducing battery drain when the cart is not in use for a long period.
- Maintenance and Safety: It's safer to perform maintenance or repairs on the cart when it's in "Tow" mode to avoid accidental activation of the motor.
The location of the "Run/Tow" switch can vary depending on the make and model of the golf cart, but it is typically found under the seat near the batteries.
How To Fix
When leaving the cart idle for more than 1 week, place the cart in ‘TOW’ mode to reduce possible battery drain.