How to Fix a Golf Cart

Golf court owners can perform some basic repairs. Among the most common problems are failure to start (battery failure in electric carts) and flat or depleted tires. Consult your service manual. If you don't have a manual for your specific make and model, you can order one through a dealer.

Service manual for your vehicle

Wrench

Socket and ratchet wrench or a tire tool

Hydrometer for testing batteries

Distilled water

Baking soda

Post cleaner.

Goggles and acid-proof gloves

Rubber patching kit (if you still have tube tires)

Small floor jack for replacing tires

Step 1: If you own an electric cart, regularly inspect the batteries for leaks, cracks in the container and other damage. The smell of rotten eggs is a sign of leakage—and charging a leaking battery can be very dangerous.

Step 2: Keep the top of the batteries clean with a solution of baking soda and water. Don't allow foreign matter to get inside the battery. Keep the area around the battery clean and dry. Inspect and clean all battery cables and posts. Replace any frayed or broken cables. Reconnect the cables. Coat terminals with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or battery terminal anti-corrosion gel. Test the batteries with a hydrometer to make sure they are properly charged. If you must replace a battery, install the new battery in the same position as the old one. Keep the battery clear of the cables. Reconnect the positive cable to the positive terminal and the negative cable to the negative terminal. Coat the terminals with petroleum jelly or anti-corrosion gel.

Step 3: If you own a gas cart, perform regular maintenance as you would with your automobile. Give your cart a tune-up at the start of each season. If your cart fails to start or dies, check the spark plugs and wires. Golf cart supply outlets sell tune-up kits for various models of gas-powered carts. Follow the instructions in your repair manual.

Step 4: Maintain proper air pressure in the cart tires. Most contemporary carts feature tubeless tires, If you have a leaking or flat tube tire, use a rubber patching kit to repair the leak. If you have a tubeless tire, replace it with the same model. Most golf cart tires, like car ties, are secured with lug nuts. Use a small floor jack to elevate the cart. Loosen the lug nuts before elevating the cart. Make sure to block the tires to keep the cart from rolling.

Step 5: Cracks in plastic cart bodies can be repaired with plastic repair adhesives available through auto body supply stores. Cracks in fiberglass bodies can be repaired with fiberglass repair kits.

Most carts are similar, but all aren't built exactly alike. Always refer to the instructions that came with the cart.

Wear acid-proof goggles and gloves while handling batteries. Remove all jewelry.

Work in a well-ventilated area. Do not smoke in the vicinity.

Do not use solvents or spray cleaners.