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How to Clean Battery Terminals on Your Electric E-Z-GO Golf Cart

Apr. 25 2025 Battery Maintenance By Joseph Powell

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Keeping your electric E-Z-GO golf cart in top condition doesn’t just mean charging it regularly—it also means maintaining the battery system. One of the most important (and often overlooked) tasks is cleaning the battery terminals. Corroded or dirty terminals can reduce performance, shorten battery life, and even lead to electrical failure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you safely and effectively clean your golf cart’s battery terminals.

Why It Matters

Battery terminals are the connection points between the battery and your cart's electrical system. Over time, they can accumulate corrosion, typically a white, crusty buildup that forms due to the reaction between the battery posts and cable ends. This corrosion can restrict electrical flow, making your golf cart sluggish or unresponsive.

Regular cleaning ensures:

  • Better electrical conductivity
  • Longer battery life
  • Fewer charging issues
  • Improved overall performance

What You'll Need

Before you start, gather the following materials:

  • Safety gloves and goggles
  • Baking soda
  • Water
  • Wire brush or battery terminal cleaner
  • Wrench
  • An old toothbrush or a small scrub brush
  • Clean cloth or paper towels
  • Petroleum jelly or battery terminal protectant

Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide

1. Turn Off and Disconnect

Always start by turning off your golf cart and removing the key. Then, disconnect the negative (-) battery cable first, followed by the positive (+). This helps prevent short circuits or electric shock.

2. Inspect the Terminals

Look for corrosion, cracks, or damage to the cables or connectors. If corrosion is minor, cleaning should be enough. If the terminals or wires look damaged, they may need to be replaced.

3. Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a cup of warm water. This neutralizes the acidic corrosion and helps clean the terminals without damaging them.

4. Apply the Solution

Dip your brush into the baking soda solution and scrub the terminals and cable ends. A wire brush works best for heavy buildup, while an old toothbrush can help reach tight spots.

5. Rinse and Dry

After scrubbing, rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue. Use a clean cloth or paper towels to dry everything thoroughly. Moisture left behind can lead to future corrosion.

6. Reconnect the Battery

Once everything is clean and dry, reconnect the battery cables—positive (+) first, then negative (–). Make sure the connections are snug but not over-tightened.

7. Protect the Terminals

Apply a light coat of petroleum jelly or a battery terminal protectant spray. This creates a barrier against moisture and corrosion.

How Often Should You Clean?

For most E-Z-GO electric golf carts, cleaning the battery terminals every 2–3 months is a good rule of thumb. However, if you use your cart frequently or store it in humid conditions, check the terminals more often.

Final Thoughts

Regular battery terminal maintenance is a small task that can significantly impact. By keeping your E-Z-GO’s battery connections clean and corrosion-free, you’ll enjoy smoother rides and extend the life of your investment.

If you're unsure about performing maintenance independently or need help sourcing parts or accessories, check out Lake Erie Golf Cars for expert advice and service.