How to Restore Dead 6 Volt Golf Cart Batteries

Golf-cart batteries are similar in design to car batteries, but are called deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. Batteries used in golf carts need to produce constant voltage and amperes, even when they are low on charge. If you find your 6-volt golf-cart battery doesn’t last long between charges, then try restoring it before deciding to get a new one. In many instances, following a simple restoration procedure will successfully result in your battery retaining a greater charge and operating longer.

Use your golf cart until the battery goes dead. You need to discharge the 6-volt battery as much as possible.

Put on a pair of protective gloves before attempting to restore the 6-volt golf-cart battery. Deep-cycle batteries contain sulfuric acid in the cells that burns if it gets on your skin.

Open the battery compartment on your golf cart. On top of the battery are several caps. Remove the caps carefully. You find you can either unscrew them using your fingers, or by using a flat-head screwdriver. Inside the cells you see fluid and minimum and maximum markers.

Pour distilled water in the cells, if the fluid level is below the maximum marker. Fill the cell until it reaches the maximum mark, but don’t overfill it. Replace the caps using your fingers or a screwdriver.

Connect the battery cables from your battery charger to the 6-volt battery terminals. The red battery cable attaches to the positive battery terminal labeled “Pos” and the black battery cable attaches to the negative terminal labeled “Neg.”

Select the lowest charge rate on your battery charger, which is often called “trickle charge.” Charging your battery slowly is the best way to restore it.

Turn on your battery charger. Check the display to ensure it's charging, then leave it to charge for 24 hours.

Turn off the battery charger after 24 hours. Disconnect the battery cables from the battery and then close the battery compartment.