How to Hook Up a Golf Cart Battery
Golfers use motorized electric golf carts to drive from hole to hole on a golf course. In electric golf carts, batteries power the motor, and if the cart fails to start, the batteries might be causing the problem. Although some cart designs differ, golf carts typically contain six small lead-acid batteries, connected in a series. The batteries usually sit underneath the front seat.
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Instructions
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Prepare a mixture of water and baking soda (add about one tablespoon baking soda for each cup of water). Soak the cloth in this solution, then use it to remove any crusty build up (or dirt) on the wires, mounts and brackets. This will help reduce possible corrosion of the new batteries.
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Insert one of the new batteries. Place the battery in the first of the six slots and then use the wrench to tighten the brackets that hold it in place. Repeat this process for the remaining five batteries, until you have secured all six batteries in their mounts.
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Attach the positive wire to the positive terminal of the first battery. The terminals will stick out slightly from the top of the battery. You can identify the positive wires by their color (red). The positive terminal will have a large plus sign etched into the top of it. (The "plus" sign might also be raised slightly above the terminal, like an image on a coin.)
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Connect the negative wire to the negative terminal of the first battery. You can identify the negative wires by their color (black). The negative terminal will have a large minus sign etched into the top of it.
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Repeat this process for the remaining five batteries. Make sure you use the battery cables specific to each battery's mount and ensure that you connect them to the proper terminal and in the correct order (positive wire connected first, followed by connecting the negative wire).
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Reattach or lower the seat back into place. Make sure that it "snaps in" so that it won't dislodge during use.
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Charge the new batteries completely. Plug in your golf cart and let it sit overnight. Most batteries require that you "cycle" them several times before they can retain a full charge; that is, use them until they are drained to 50-percent power and then recharge them.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the batteries before you change them. Your golf cart might not start because of another problem, such as a severely frayed wire, or too much corrosion on the cables or corrosion on the battery terminals (where the cables connect). According to windsun.com, golf cart batteries can last from 2 to 7 years.
Always wear safety goggles and acid-resistant gloves when touching or cleaning the batteries. Also, you might want to remove a watch or any jewelry before changing the batteries, as any contact with battery acid can corrode metal.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit golf cart image by Earl Robbins from Fotolia.com
