How to Rebuild a Golf Cart Battery

A golf cart battery, also called a deep-cycle battery, is a 12-volt battery with six 2-volt cells. A deep-cycle battery contains lead acid. When a deep-cycle battery sits for long periods of time in bad weather, damage occurs. When you purchase a new battery, pour additive into the terminals, which prolongs the life of the battery and readies it for reconditioning in the future. Every battery comes with a guaranteed lifespan; however, the level of maintenance determines whether it reaches its full lifespan potential.

Things You'll Need

  • Safety goggles
  • Distilled water
  • Epsom Salt
  • Three-phase charger
  • Drill
  • Nonmetallic container
  • Wrench
  • Rubber gloves
  • Dress in complete safety attire with goggles, rubber gloves and a rubber apron.

  • Work next to a continuous water source because a lot of water is required. Water helps dilute the acid of the battery; work in a well-ventilated area.

  • Take the terminal cables off the battery and remove them from the golf cart. Set the battery on a work bench.

  • Pry off the cell caps on the battery. Depending on the amount of corrosion, you may need a screwdriver to help you pry off the cell caps.

  • Turn the water source on and empty the contents of the battery into a container that is not made of metal. Make sure you have your safety gear on properly. Rinse out the battery cells with running water, pouring the water into the container.

  • Mix Epsom Salt and distilled water together in another container. The ratio of this mixture is 7 ounces of Epsom Salt to 1 quart distilled water. Use distilled water because it is free of minerals that cause corrosion in batteries. Stir the mixture, completely dissolving the Epsom Salt.

  • Pour the Epsom Salt into the battery cells, making sure each cell has the same amount of liquid.

  • Hook a three-phase charger to the golf cart battery. Leave the rebuilt battery charging overnight.

  • Take the rebuilt battery and put it back into the golf cart, reconnecting the battery terminals.

  • Start the golf cart and use for one week. At the end of one week reattach the golf cart battery to the three-phase battery charger and leave until a complete charge is accepted.