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Club Car Tempo 48V Charger & Round 3‑Pin Plug Guide
Intro
This guide helps Club Car Tempo owners quickly identify the round 3-pin charging port and pick a safe, compatible 48V smart charger. We’ll show you what the port looks like, typical amperage choices, lithium-conversion notes, and a step-by-step troubleshooting checklist. This page focuses only on Club Car Tempo electric 48V carts—other models (Precedent, Onward, DS, etc.) use similar but not identical setups.
Quick Specs
- Model covered: Club Car Tempo (electric)
- System voltage: 48V
- OEM port: Round 3-pin receptacle (Club Car family)
- Typical charger output: 15–18A smart charger (we recommend 18A)
- Chemistry supported: Lead-acid by default; LiFePO₄ with a lithium profile charger
- Common upgrades: New round 3-pin receptacle, Anderson/SB50 adapter for fleet/shop use
How to Identify Your Charging Port
- Shape: A circular housing with three pins inside; the shell is keyed to prevent incorrect insertion.
- Location: Typically on the front cowl or side panel.
- Look-alikes to avoid:
- EZGO triangle 3-pin (three pins in a triangular pattern—not round).
- Yamaha 3-pin “clover” (still 3 pins but in a three-leaf layout).
- Voltage check: Tempo electric carts are 48V—count your batteries or verify pack label if unsure.
Recommended Chargers (Replacement & Upgrade)
Choose a 48V smart charger that matches the round 3-pin plug. If you’ve converted to lithium, use a LiFePO₄ profile and follow your BMS specs.
A) Standard Replacement (Lead-Acid)
- 48V / 18A smart charger, auto start/stop, temperature/voltage protections.
- Daily use for single carts or small fleets.
CTA: Shop 48V Round 3-Pin Smart Charger (18A)
B) Lithium Conversions (LiFePO₄)
- 48V lithium profile (no equalization), end voltage per pack (typical 57–58.4V; follow BMS).
- Label charger clearly as “LiFePO₄”.
CTA: 48V LiFePO₄ Round 3-Pin Charger
C) Receptacle & Adapter Options
- Round 3-Pin receptacle kit (wire, terminals, gasket).
- Optional Round 3-Pin ↔ Anderson/SB50 adapter for workshop quick-connects.
CTA: Club Car Round 3-Pin Receptacle Kit
Wiring & Safety Notes
- Polarity matters: Photograph the old receptacle and verify pin assignment before rewiring.
- Sense/lockout line: Poor connections here can look like a “dead charger.”
- Cable & fuse: Use the specified gauge and inline fuse rating; replace heat-damaged plugs.
- Ventilation: Charge on a dry, ventilated surface; don’t cover the charger.
- Lithium only: Never use lead-acid equalization on lithium packs.
Troubleshooting Checklist
- Charger won’t start
- Pack below start threshold → pre-charge (recover to nominal voltage first).
- Tow/Run switch in wrong position → set to Run.
- Loose/damaged sense wire or corroded pins.
- Charging stops early
- High internal resistance / weak battery → test and balance cells.
- Thermal or voltage protection triggered → improve ventilation; check pack health.
- Intermittent charging / hot connector
- Worn receptacle contacts → replace receptacle.
- Cable strain relief broken → replace cord/plug before further use.
FAQ
A: The round 3-pin Club Car receptacle.
A: Electric Tempo carts are 48V. Confirm by pack label or battery count.
A: No. Plug type and voltage must match. Use a 48V round 3-pin charger.
A: 15–18A is typical for 48V lead-acid. Higher current increases heat—ensure healthy batteries and proper ventilation.
A: A 48V LiFePO₄ charger with the correct profile and end voltage for your pack/BMS. Do not use lead-acid equalize modes.
A: Yes, with basic tools (crimper, meter, heat-shrink). Disconnect the pack, verify polarity, and follow torque/specs.
