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Mainstreet Golf Car

Swapping Your Golf Car Batteries Made Simple

  • mainstreetgolfcars
  • Apr 4
  • 5 min read

Updated: May 8

Step-by-step guidance on safely removing and replacing your golf car’s old battery to keep it running strong.

Swapping Your Golf Car Batteries Made Simple

Before reading this article, please see the following notes:

  • This is a general guide for replacing golf car batteries.

  • Please read this fully before attempting to replace your battery.

  • This information serves as a reference guideline; it's recommended to follow all manufacturer instructions.

  • Reader accepts all responsibility on serving their own golf car. The reader needs to know what they are doing and are fully capable of replacing their batteries.




Preparation and Safety


Start with safety. Make sure your golf car is turned off at the key and if equipped turn off the tow run / switch under the seat. Block the tires so the car does not move. Wear safety glasses and rubber gloves to protect against battery acid and corrosion. Make sure you are comfortable doing this task at hand and that you are able to lift up to 80 pounds.


It is important to take pictures or draw up a sketch of the battery configuration for knowing where all the cables go and how the batteries are laid out. 


Know which cables are the main car cables and now which cables go to the right battery. Knowing the correct configuration will make this easier.


Tools needed:

  • Safety glasses

  • Rubber gloves

  • Battery strap

  • Proper set of wrenches

  • Wire brush / sand paper / wire wheel

  • Baking soda / water mixture / battery clean 

  • Battery meter: is a good tool to have if you own an electric golf car.




Getting Started


Once you have your safety gear on and know the configuration and where everything is, remove the old batteries. Start by disconnecting the main negative cable (this cable is labeled NEG with minus sign - next to the post and goes to the back of the car and not to another battery).


Once the batteries have been removed clean the battery bay and seal the metal framing to help protect it from further rust and corrosion. Inspect all the battery cables, replace any cable that is not in good solid condition. Clean the cable ends with a wire brush, wire wheel, sandpaper or battery cleaner. Clean all battery hardware and battery hold downs. Replace any hold down that is not in good shape or is missing. With everything cleaned the cables in good shape and the bay area sealed you should be good to install new batteries.




Install the New Batteries:


Refer to your diagram and or pictures taken before removing the batteries.


Double check to make sure all the batteries are set in the battery bay area the same way you took them out. You must have the correct layout for all the cable to connect and to have the proper voltage and the end runs.


With the batteries in their correct spot facing the correct way, install the battery hold downs. Spray battery sealer on the hold before installing them to help with corrosion. 


Starting connecting the cables, leave the two main cables that go to the car last. Start with the main positive battery (this is the battery with the positive cable going to the car. (Do not connect the positive cable at this time. Start with the negative and connect that to the positive of the next battery and so until you get to the last battery. You should have the two main batteries that do not have the main cable connected yet (refer to your pictures or diagram).


Tighten the cable with a good firm lock or the cable nuts (do not over tighten the) Over tightening and cause the battery post to snap off.


If you have a battery meter, check the voltage at the two main batteries. For a 36-volt system you should have around 36-volts, for a 48-volt system you should have around 48-volts. Use the meter and probe the main positive battery and the main negative battery for your readings.


AGAIN, double check your cable and layout.


Seal the batteries with a good battery sealer. Spray the sealer about an eighth of an inch up the cable to help sealing the cable fully. 


Double check everything and give your car a quick test, remove the blocks under the wheels if you did that step. If equipped, turn the tow/run switch to run, turn the key switch on and give your car a short test drive. If equipped, check lights, stereo and all accessories for proper working condition.  


Charger the batteries fully before using the car. It will take a couple of charges to bring the batteries to their full run time. 


Please return your batteries where they can be recycled and have your core deposit refunded to you.




Battery Tips


  • Keep in mind that lead acid batteries work the best in temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. 

  • Short charges are the best for longer life of the battery. Never let your batteries fully discharge.

  • Regularly check the water levels after a charge and the levels are NEVER FILL TO THE TOP.  Water levels should be about an eighth of an inch over the plates inside the batteries. Distilled water is ideal, or regular drinking water that has been sitting in a clear container in the sun for about eight hours.

  • Extreme Weather. Freezing weather, make sure your batteries are fully charged. Heat can also affect the battery's life. Limit the hottest days, parking your car in the cool shade can help big time.

  • Stored properly, golf cars can sit more than they can be used. Sitting idle for a long period of time not keeping them fully charged is bad. Ideally climate controlled is the best, not too hot and not too cold, just like Goldie Locks, just right.




We're Here to Help!

At Mainstreet Golf Cars, we’re here for the handy and the hopeful - if you’ve got a cigar box of tool, some ambition, and a little bit of handiness, we’ve got your back.


We know that there are people who like to work on their own stuff and can run into a dead end when it comes to repairing it. We fully understand that and are willing to help walk you through getting your golf car back up and running. 


We hope this free information will give you a better understanding of what your golf car is all about. Caring and sharing is old school, and that makes the world a better place!



If you have any questions, concerns, or need to talk through swapping your golf car batteries give us a call. We would be more than happy to help with your needs!


Phone: 630.216.9272




 
 
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