How to Change Golf Cart Batteries
By Larry Parr
The vast majority of golf carts use six 6-volt lead-acid batteries. In most carts the batteries are located under the front seat, although some carts have the batteries in the rear. Because golf cart batteries are not recharged as they are being used, their life expectancy is much shorter than the battery in your automobile. Changing cart batteries is not difficult, however.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Remove the battery cover. This may entail lifting out the front seat or lifting a panel near the back of the cart. In some carts the panel will have a hinge, but in most carts the battery compartment lid will simply lift off.
Note how the batteries are arranged and where the positive (+) post is situated for each battery.
Remove the positive (red) wire from each battery by using your crescent wrench to loosen the nut holding the wire to the post. Set the red wires aside, making sure they do not touch the metal frame of the cart.
Loosen the nuts holding the black wires to the negative (-) posts of each battery and set the black wires to one side.
Lift each battery from the compartment while wearing your acid-resistant gloves and eye protection. Handle the batteries carefully and carry them upright to avoid spilling acid from the cells. Set aside the old batteries on a flat surface.
Set the new batteries in place in the same configuration as the old batteries. Make sure that the positive posts of the new batteries are aligned the same way they were when the old batteries were in place.
Sand each battery connector with 100-grit sandpaper or use a battery-post cleaning tool until each connector is shiny. Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to each post and connector. Attach the red wires to the positive posts and the black wires to the negative posts.
Tighten the nut on each connector with your crescent wrench. Replace the battery cover.
Tips & Warnings
Purchase batteries with the same model number as the batteries originally in the cart.
Charge your new batteries before using them for the first time.
Purchase batteries with the same model number as the batteries originally in the cart.
Charge your new batteries before using them for the first time.
Wear gloves and eye protection when handling or connecting wires to any lead-acid battery.
About The Author
Larry Parr has been a full-time professional freelance writer for more than 30 years. For 25 years he wrote cartoons for TV, everything from SMURFS to SPIDER-MAN.
