Golf Cart Battery Cables
Prevent Corrosion and Increase Cart Reliability
Golf cart battery cables are essential for the proper functioning of a golf cart's electrical system. They connect the battery to various components, such as the motor, controller, and accessories.
Golf cart battery cables are made of strands of copper wire, which provide flexibility and conductivity. The strands are bundled together to form a cable. The ends are terminated with connectors to attach to the battery terminals.
These cables and terminals are key to the proper functioning of your golf cart. Here's what you need to know...
- Size and Gauge: Golf cart battery cables come in various sizes and gauges. The size of the cables depends on the voltage and amperage requirements of the golf cart. Most golf cart batteries use 6-volt or 8-volt batteries, and the most common cable gauge for these batteries is 6 AWG (American Wire Gauge).
- Length: The length of the battery cables depends on the specific design and configuration of the golf cart.
- Upgrading Cables: In some cases, golf cart owners may choose to upgrade their battery cables for improved performance. Thicker cables with a lower gauge such as 4 AWG or 2 AWG can reduce resistance and voltage drop, which can enhance the overall efficiency and power delivery of the golf cart's electrical system.
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Golf cart battery cables require periodic inspection, cleaning and maintenance or you may find yourself with a golf cart that won't start or dies suddenly - like my son-in-law's golf cart.
My daughter was driving on the golf cart paths near her home when her EZ Go golf cart suddenly died. Fortunately, it was close enough to their house to push it back into the garage.
As soon as I lifted the seat to look at the batteries, I pretty much knew what the problem was. The battery cables and terminals were full of corrosion. It is important to keep the cables and terminals clean to keep the power flowing. Corrosion can cause power to the golf cart to be disrupted at any point.
Golf Cart Battery Cables and Corrosion
It's important to regularly inspect the cables for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or corrosion. If you notice cracking, fraying, corrosion, or exposed wire, replace the cables to ensure proper electrical conduction and performance reliability.
It's normal that over time, golf cart battery cables will corrode or wear out which will lead to performance problems or electrical issues. Also battery acid may seep out of the batteries and you will notice a white, crusty material around the terminals and cables. If you don't clean off the corrosion the result is a shorter battery life, meaning you will need to replace your electric golf cart batteries more often.
Always protect your hands and eyes with gloves and eye goggles when working with golf cart batteries. Remove any metal jewelry. Remember these are lead acid batteries and acid causes some serious damage to you, your skin, your clothes or anything else it touches.
How to Check the battery cables and posts for corrosion.
Is there a lot of dirt or corrosion like the above picture? All that white stuff is corrosion.
Cleaning Golf Cart Battery Cables
I cleaned the worst of the battery terminals and cables on my daughter's golf cart with
some sandpaper and a wire brush. Reconnected them, tightened the terminals and "voila" the cart
started right up again.
You can also clean the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water - but be sure none of the mixture gets into the batteries. You can apply the baking soda/water mixture as a paste with a tooth brush or put it in a spray bottle to spray on the neutralizing solution.
Before applying, all vent caps need to be tightly closed.
Make sure the mixture covers all the corroded terminals and cables. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Use a cloth to wipe down the batteries.
Battery post cleaners also work well to kill the acid on the posts. Corroded cables will melt battery posts.
A battery terminal cleaner helps to loosen the corrosion. It turns red if acid is there and turns yellow once the acid or corrosion is neutralized. Once it is neutralized just wipe it off with a rag. Tighten all the terminals.
You can get yours at Amazon here:
CRC 05023 Battery Cleaner with Acid Indicator
Depending on the use, it's a good idea to check your battery terminals monthly for corrosion and to tighten the lugs.
Golf Cart Battery Terminal Protector
After your battery terminals are clean and free from all corrosion it's a good idea to put something on the terminals to prevent new corrosion from developing.
You can apply a thin coat of petroleum jelly to the battery posts or use a commercial product like this Battery Terminal Protector.
Either way, this protection does help to prevent your golf cart batteries from developing corrosion on the terminals and keeping them cleaner longer.
Corrosion is a common cause for golf cart's not starting or stopping suddenly. Purchase your Battery Terminal Protector from Amazon:
CRC 05046 Battery Terminal Protector
Golf Cart Battery Cable Sets
Cables need to be checked not just for corrosion but to see if they are loose or frayed. If they are cracked or you see exposed wire they need to be replaced right away.
Golf cart battery cables can be purchased at on-line golf cart parts stores or Amazon. Some places will sell them as a single cable. The cables are available as 6 gauge (which is the standard size) or as 4 gauge with 4 gauge being thicker than the 6 gauge.
These golf cart parts are specific to a golf cart make, model and year. You will also need to know if you have a set of 36 volt batteries or 48 volt.
Club Car DS 95+ (48 Volt) Golf Cart - Battery Cable Set (4 Guage)
Golf Cart King EZGO TXT Medalist/TXT Battery Cable Set (6-Gauge)
Yamaha G14 G16 Golf Cart - Battery Cable Set (4 Guage)
By performing regular golf cart battery cleaning of your cables and terminals you can improve the performance and reliability of your cart AND extend the life of your batteries.
It's important that you choose golf cart battery cables that are compatible with your specific golf cart model and battery configuration.
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