How to change the oil on your gas powered golf cart yourself

While the steps to change the oil in your golf cart may vary depending on the make and model, the general steps and procedures are the same.

CAUTION:

DO NOT REMOVE OIL DIPSTICK WHILE THE ENGINE IS RUNNING
Attempting to change the engine oil while it is hot or even warm, is not advised as the oil could cause skin burns.

Park the golf cart on a flat level surface. If you do not have a level place to perform the oil change then it is advised to chock the front wheels. Turn the key switch to the off position and remove the key. Put the forward/reverse handle in the neutral position.

Access the engine compartment. If your cart is equipped with a run/tow switch, put the golf cart into maintenance(tow) mode and disconnect the battery. Remove the negative battery terminal followed by the positive battery terminal. After the battery has been disconnected pull the spark plug wire. Locate the oil dipstick or oil fill cap. Wipe off any loose dirt around the oil dipstick or oil cap with a lint free towel. Remove the dipstick or cap and set aside.

Put a drain pan under the cart at the location of the drain plug and oil filter if your cart is equipped with one. Locate the oil drain plug and oil filter if applicable. Depending on the height of your cart you may need use a jack to raise it up high enough to get to the drain plug and loosen it with the correct size wrench. Make sure your drain pan is positioned correctly then proceed removing the drain plug completely. If you raised the cart to get to the plug, let the jack down and let the oil drain out completely.

While the oil is draining remove the old crush washer from the drain plug and replace with a new appropriate crush washer and clean off the drain plug.

If your cart has a oil filter, loosen the oil filter and remove. Let the oil drain. Take note that the old filter still has the O-ring attached and that it is not stuck to the mating surface. Clean around the filter housing and lubricate the O-ring on the new oil filter and tighten it down by hand. Once tight give it about an extra quarter to half turn. After the oil is finished draining put the drain plug back in and tighten it down to the appropriate torque specification.

Place a funnel in the dipstick port or oil fill port and fill with appropriate oil. For example, a newer club car will require approx. 40 ounces of 10w30 motor oil. Once you have added the correct amount of engine oil replace the dipstick or oil fill cap. Reconnect the spark wire and then the battery in the reverse order that you took it off. While the cart is still in maintenance mode and in neutral insert the key into the ignition and turn the cart to the on position. Run the cart in the service mode for a few minutes. Watch for leaks at the oil drain plug and oil filter if on applicable carts if none are present recheck the dipstick is at the appropriate level. If it needs more oil add a little bit at a time until the level is correct. Replace the dipstick or oil cap and the oil change is now complete.

NOTE:

Properly recycle or dispose of used oil in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

If your cart does not have a service mode. You can chock the front wheels and jack up the rear axle and run the engine normally for a few minutes while checking for leaks then proceed to recheck the oil level on the dipstick.

CAUTION: