Check the battery connections. Make sure the battery terminals are all connected and free of erosion. If the terminals are dirty, purchase a battery terminal cleaner spray and use it on the terminals then try to start the motor.
Full Answer
Should I replace the batteries in my electric golf cart?
Surely not the average electric golf cart owner that is starting to experience performance issues with their golf cart. So they start to ponder possible options – which human instinct would suggest oh… great I will just replace the batteries.
Why do golf cart batteries fail?
The never ending war on corrosion. The most common thing that leads to early golf cart battery failure is corrosion. The problem goes deeper, too. It will ruin your cables, terminals, and even cause damage to battery trays and tie downs. Replacing a whole battery cable can be costly and difficult, so it’s best to avoid that problem.
How do I know if my golf cart batteries are charging correctly?
In order to test to see if your batteries are charging properly, you have a few options: A battery hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution and can indicate whether or not your batteries are charging correctly. This method is inexpensive and reliable, making it a popular choice for golf cart owners.
What should a 6 volt battery read on a golf cart?
On a 6-volt battery, you should have slightly over 6 volts, like 6.1 to 6.3. If you get a reading of something like 4.1, then one of the cells in this unit is bad or shorted. How To Test Golf Cart Batteries With A Hydrometer Specific gravity can be measured using a hydrometer.
How to reset a golf cart motor?
What to do if battery terminals are dirty?
About this website
What would cause a golf cart not to run?
As the main source of power to your electric golf cart, the batteries are commonly the cause for why your electric golf cart won't start. Acid-based batteries are typically used for electric golf carts and must be recharged in order to work properly.
How do you fix a golf cart that won't move?
When the cart won't move, you have to be sure that the batteries are sending sufficient power to the circuit. You must check the fuse. Use the voltmeter to check the voltage at the key switch. In a cart with batteries rated at 48V, it must show 48V at the key switch.
Where is the reset button on golf cart motor?
First, you'll want to reset your motor. It should have a small reset button (Usually it will be red) located near the main battery supply. Hit the reset button and then put the cover back on the motor. The next step would be to recharge your cart and try turning it on again. If it starts up then you're in luck!
How do I know if my golf cart motor is bad?
You have enough going on in your life without your golf car refusing to start when you turn the key in the ignition. If your golf car won't start, is slower than it used to be, or is experiencing other technical problems, you could have a bad motor on your hands.
How do I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?
If your golf cart fails to turn on when you turn the key on, this is the most obvious sign of solenoid failure. The solenoid clicks a little with the ignition system in regular operation; in most cases, a failing solenoid will not snap.
How do you test a solenoid on a Club Car?
Turn on the engine of the cart and press the pedal downwards. If you hear a clicking sound, then it means that the low side voltage is working. But, if there is no such sound, it means that either there is no low side voltage or there is a problem with the solenoid. Use a voltmeter and engage the solenoid.
How do you test a club car motor controller?
To test a club car precedent controller, connect a voltmeter between the negative terminal of your cart's battery and the M terminal on the controller. Then push the pedal down and look for a clicking noise from the solenoid. Your batteries should read as full.
Where are the fuses in a Club Car golf cart?
In a 1997 Club Car, the fuse is located in the electrical components black box that is present near the battery. On the other hand, in a 2005 Club Car Precedent, the fuse is connected to a blue wire under the golf cart seat.
Why does my electric golf cart have no power?
The main reason why a EZGO golf cart can lose power is because the battery is not charging due to loose cables or the corrosion of the connecting terminals. If they become loose or some of the electrical circuits' connecting wires snap, the battery loses power.
How do I know if my club car controller is bad?
X Common Symptoms of Controller FailureTop Speeds Not Appropriate for Your Cart. Golf carts are designed to reach pretty specific speeds and to not go over them or beneath them. ... Sudden and Unexpected Slowing. ... Shuttering or Shaky Driving. ... Stalling Out and Refusing to Start. ... Surges in Speed When Driving.
Do all golf cart motors have a reset button?
Electric golf cart motors have a reset button on their chassis which is designed to put your motor back into its original factory state. While it doesn't repair damage that may have occurred to the motor over the years, obviously, it does help to overturn any changes to the operation which may have occurred.
Where is club car solenoid?
0:304:43Club Car Precedent 48 Volt Solenoid | How to Replace on Golf CartYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition next what we want to do is take off the battery of hold-downs. We're going to remove theseMorePosition next what we want to do is take off the battery of hold-downs. We're going to remove these two batteries in the center they'll have to take certain cables either off or loose.
Why Won't My Golf Cart Start? 4 Keys to Fix it Every Time — Hitting ...
Electric golf carts are an excellent way to get around your community, place of work, or a golf course, and they are usually very reliable. However, when problems do occur and you can’t figure out why it won’t start, your golf cart can easily become a source of frustration. Before
My electric golf cart will not go uphill and losses power quickly.
@satterfield you want to go ahead and load test the batteries to see their real condition. Your batteries may have the proper voltage and may not hold a charge under load. Even one bad battery can affect the performance of your cart. You should also check the voltage drop while driving uphill.... - Golf Cart
How to reset a golf cart motor?
Reset the motor. Remove a panel in the rear of the golf cart using a screwdriver. When the motor is exposed, search for a small red button. Most often, the button is located where the wires enter the motor. If the button is sticking out, push it back in.
What to do if battery terminals are dirty?
If the terminals are dirty, purchase a battery terminal cleaner spray and use it on the terminals then try to start the motor. The cleaner spray is available at auto retail shops and in most automotive sections of chain retail stores.
What happens if your golf cart battery fails?
Obviously, for electric golf carts, the battery is what provides power to your motor. If your batteries start to quit on you, the golf cart won’t move, or will drastically decrease in range. With a gas motor, the battery is what starts the motor and keeps it running by providing electricity to the spark plugs. Without it, your motor won’t crank.
Why is my golf cart battery failing?
The most common thing that leads to early golf cart battery failure is corrosion. The problem goes deeper, too. It will ruin your cables, terminals, and even cause damage to battery trays and tie downs. Replacing a whole battery cable can be costly and difficult, so it’s best to avoid that problem.
How to clean corroded battery posts?
Undo the terminals from the battery posts and soak the corroded area in the cleaner or baking soda solution for about 5 or so minutes, then put on some gloves, grab your wire brush, and keep scrubbing until it’s all gone. Repeat as necessary, then rinse with a lot of water.
How does a battery work?
Your battery works by having two metals, a cathode and anode, react to each other to create chemical energy that we harness as electrical energy. With wet cell lead-acid batteries, these metals are kept in a liquid electrolyte, a liquid solution comprised of pure water and hydrosulphuric acid mixed to a set specific gravity. Other types of batteries typically use a gel, mat, or solid electrolyte to perform the same function. For the purpose of this topic however, the only battery we’ll be discussing is the traditional lead-acid battery, as this is the only type of battery for which you will have to worry about electrolyte levels.
Why is my battery puddled?
If your battery gets dirty, muddy, grimy, or anything else, make sure to clean that off too. These things can cause extra resistance in your electrical system, putting an unnecessary drain on your battery and shortening its life.
How often should you check your electrolyte level?
These two metals are usually bound to each other in a series of plates called cells. You should check your electrolyte level about every couple weeks or so.
How long do batteries last?
All joking aside, every battery is different, but most properly maintained batteries will last about 4 to 6 years depending on usage, charge cycle, and a bunch of uncontrollable variables. Lead acid batteries will require a lot of maintenance to do so, however.
How to test golf cart batteries?
Another method to test your batteries is by using a load tester. Battery load testers can come in a variety of different price ranges. They give golf cart owners the ability to monitor their battery’s voltage to see how much the volt drops during testing, which indicates the health of the batteries.
What is the best way to check if a golf cart battery is charging?
A Battery Hydrometer: A battery hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution and can indicate whether or not your batteries are charging correctly. This method is inexpensive and reliable, making it a popular choice for golf cart owners.
Why won't my electric golf cart start?
As the main source of power to your electric golf cart, the batteries are commonly the cause for why your electric golf cart won’t start. Acid-based batteries are typically used for electric golf carts and must be recharged in order to work properly.
How to reduce golf cart issues?
However, the best way to reduce your chances of golf cart issues, later on, is by performing regular preventative maintenance. With preventative maintenance, you can extend the life of your golf cart and potentially save money in the long run.
Why does my golf cart make a clicking noise?
The solenoid is a critical component of your golf cart because it is the main switch that connects the current from the battery to the traction motor. That clicking noise that you hear when you press the gas pedal is the solenoid.
How to check if a battery is charged?
Make sure your batteries are fully charged, first, and then check for the following: 1 Any cracks or dirt in the batteries. 2 The water-electrolyte levels (on a weekly basis). If the water runs too low, it can shorten the life of your batteries. Overfilling can also result in a loss of electrolytes. 3 Look for signs of corrosion on your connectors and ensure that they are tight. 4 Dirt and other debris can affect the performance of your batteries. Clean them regularly with a bristle brush, water, and baking soda, but take care not to get any of the electrical components wet.
What to check before checking batteries?
Make sure your batteries are fully charged, first, and then check for the following: Any cracks or dirt in the batteries. The water-electrolyte levels (on a weekly basis).
What happens if your golf cart battery is low?
If the water level of the batteries is low, then the blade inside it will be dried, and you won’t be able to recharge your battery. Charging problems of golf carts are not something new. It can be quickly resolved. All you need to do is to examine the cart thoroughly and immediately replace the faulty parts.
Why won't my club car golf cart turn off?
A Club Car golf cart will not shut off if the OBC is outdated or faulty. In this case, the reason depends on whether the charger is not shutting off when it is plugged into the device , or it is not plugged in but still not shutting off.
Why is my charger clicking?
If the charger is clicking while plugging it in, and doing nothing, examine your charger and probably replace it . If the “brain” of the charger fails , then it can cause several issues, and the batteries will not charge. Purchasing a new one or repairing the component can solve the problem.
What is the OBC on a 48V club car?
In the 48V club cars, the OBC is primarily responsible for the batteries’ charge. It controls the batteries charging, which is why the 48V requires a fully functional OBC all the time. Connect the batteries to a voltmeter and check if the charger is generating enough power.
How to keep car batteries charged when idle?
Try to keep specific chargers, which will help your batteries to stay charged even when the car is idle. Enough power supply is critical to keep the charger working and keep the batteries charging. Check your connections, and then turn on your charger.
What does it mean when a charger is bad?
Bad charger: if the charger turns on but there is no sign of charging. If the charger is making noises like a loud click, before kicking off. If the charger keeps charging even after turning the switch off then, without any doubt, it’s time to replace the charger.
What is the problem with my 2007 golf cart?
But to bypass the OBC, you will need a smart charger. There are three wires at the back of your cart’s charger connection- a large black wire, a large red wire, and the small wire.
How to tell if your golf cart battery is bad?
Symptoms of a failing battery or batteries could include the following: 1 You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. 2 A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. This is a classic sign of low voltage. If this is experienced, your cart may be low on charge, the charger may not be functioning properly or you may have a battery issue. 3 On electric golf carts, the cart refusing to move at all on a charged set of batteries could be the controller not engaging when the voltage falls below a preset value. 4 It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. The charger has no way to know this and will continue to charge the batteries trying to get to a full charge – meaning it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.
How many amps does a golf cart battery take to recharge?
To recharge, the batteries will require 90 ampere-hours + 20% to make up for any charge deficiency.
How to tell if battery life is nearing?
Draw electrolyte into the hydrometer several times to allow the thermometer to adjust to the temperature of electrolyte and note the reading. Observe also the electrolyte color. A gray or brown coloration shows that the end of your battery life is nearing.
What is a golf cart battery charger?
The battery charger is designed to bring a normally discharged battery back to full or nearly full charge in a given time.
What temperature should a battery be when charging?
This will also initiate the equalizing charge. The batteries should begin gassing and bubbling. Keep the battery temperature between 115 degrees and 125 degrees.
What is a Trojan T-105 battery?
Trojan T-105 batteries are the best-known premium battery and have nearly 100 years of manufacturing experience. Trojan Battery Company was founded in 1925 and developed the golf cart battery for the Autoette in 1952. The distinctive maroon color of the T-105 makes it easy to distinguish from its competitors.
How to tell if your golf cart is low voltage?
You may notice the range decreasing over time. The range should be about 2 rounds of golf. A “Shutter” is when the cart feels like you are running across a corduroy road or someone is tapping the brake in a rapid staccato. This is a classic sign of low voltage.
How to check if a golf cart battery is dead?
There are four methods of checking whether your golf cart battery is dead. Use a multimeter to check the voltage of each battery in your golf cart. Use a hydrometer to check the gravity of the electrolytes in the batteries. Use the Load Testing method.
How many amp hours does a golf cart battery last?
A bigger voltage drop is a sure sign of a failing or faulty battery. A golf cart battery comes with a specific amp hour rating at 20 hours. This is usually mentioned in the battery information sticker.
How to charge a 6 volt battery overnight?
Connect the battery to a three-phase charger that can charge 6 volts batteries and let it charge overnight. Check the charger status in the morning. If it indicates a full charge, check the battery cells once again and add some more distilled water to the cells with exposed battery plates.
Why does my golf cart battery keep going dead?
The reason why your golf cart battery keeps going dead may be due to loose connections, incorrect battery wiring, or having a faulty voltage regulator. The voltage regulator is at fault and tends to affect the starter solenoid.
Why does my golf cart battery drain so quickly?
The reason why your golf cart battery keeps losing charge or drains quickly, may be due to loose wires, corroded connectors or an insufficient amount of water in the battery. The battery connections may have become loose or the connectors are corroded.
How to check the specific gravity of a golf cart battery?
Using a Hydrometer. You can use a hydrometer with a thermometer to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte in the golf cart batteries. If this value lies between 1.1 and 1.2, you must consider recharging the battery. Alternatively, if the value is between 1.225 and 1.265, you can continue testing your battery.
How much sulfuric acid is in a battery?
It’s worth keeping in mind that the sulfuric acid to water concentration for a fully charged battery is 1.28 while it’s 1.145 for a discharged battery. It’s highly recommended that you wear a pair of safety gloves and safety glasses when you use a hydrometer. Pour the electrolyte into the hydrometer.
Why is my golf cart battery undercharging?
Undercharging: Undercharging caused by using a cheap golf cart battery charging system ( One that does not apply enough amperage in the charging cycle) can cause lead sulfate to gradually build up and crystallize on the plates greatly reducing the. battery’s capacity and ability to be recharged.
What is the specific gravity of a battery?
If the specific gravity measures between 1.100 and 1.220, the battery must be. recharged. If the specific gravity is between 1.225 and 1.265, the battery is ok to test. If the hydrometer has a temperature correction chart, be sure to adjust the reading for the battery’s temperature.
How to troubleshoot a golf cart?
GOLF CART CONTROLLER TROUBLESHOOTING 1 Make sure it isn’t your batteries! If your batteries are old and dead, then your golf cart will not operate. Charge them fully first and attempt to drive the unit. 2 If your batteries are fully charged and your vehicle won’t run, when you press on the accelerator pedal, then you should hear a clicking sound which will indicate the solenoid is engaging and allowing power to flow to your controller. If there is no distinct clicking sound, then check your solenoid. Also, it could have to do with something in the accelerator device as well. But, we can eliminate the controller as being defective. 3 If your batteries are fully charged and you get a clicking sound ensuring the solenoid is allowing power to flow to the controller, then you can begin inspecting the controller 4 Check all the wiring and signs of disconnection or damage. Also, most controllers will have an operation light that will begin to flash a morse code that will unveil the secrets of the problem. If that is the case and all of the above have been eliminated, then you are getting closer to determining it is the controller.
Why won't my club car run?
Due to their expense, you want to be sure your controller is the major reason and problem with your Club Car. First off, if your controller is bad, your vehicle won’t run. However, there are other reasons that could lead to your vehicle not running. Here are a few quick troubleshooting tips.
What does it mean when there is no controller?
When there is no controller, it means batteries drainage is at its peak, as motors can operate independently at their high speed, which would gradually increase stress on the mechanical and electrical components and let motors and batteries degrade quicker.
Does a golf cart controller degrade?
As a controller in the Club Car or golf cart is made up of electrical and electronics components, it degrades gradually over time with the frequency of usage. But usage is not the only factor, controllers and the Club Car parts may also degrade in case of non-usage. For example, if a golf cart is left for no use for a longer period, ...
Can you trust aftermarket controllers?
price difference. Generally, Club Cars are made with highly precise and quality ensured engineering practices, so you can easily trust the aftermarket controllers if you don’t want to spend much.
Do golf carts have solenoids?
In the old days of golf carts, a series of solenoids were used which was not an efficient means for battery management. As today’s technology does not use full-on DC Motors, instead there exist Brushless DC Motors and AC Motors by way of which operators have the option to drive the Club Car at varying speeds.
Do aftermarket controllers come with warranty?
However, aftermarket controllers can come with a warranty depending on which one you buy. You may also buy a used controller, but be sure to inspect the maintenance history and the level of care while buying them. Be sure to carefully inspect a used controller if you are going to buy one.
How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?
1. Charging Issues. First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out.
How to check if golf cart is charging?
First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out. Plug it back into the charger and follow the instructions. Just in case the charger is the issue, check that the battery charger is turned on. There should be an indicator light to show that it is charging the batteries. In the morning, disconnect ...
What hole does a golf cart stop dead?
It’s a real hassle if your golf cart stops dead and you’re only at the 15 th hole of play. Not only is this an embarrassing event, but it’s a major pain to have to arrange for the cart to be towed back to the parking lot.
Why won't my cart fire up?
But more often than not, your cart suddenly refused to fire up and go due to a dead or bad battery.
Can you top up golf cart batteries?
Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries. If this is the case, you will notice how several individual batteries have been “daisy-chained” together to form one large battery. 4.
Can you top up a golf cart battery with distilled water?
You need to leave enough room for expansion, so the acid should only be filled to just above the lead cells inside. Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries.
Do golf cart batteries last forever?
Golf cart batteries won’t last forever. In fact, each year they age a little bit closer towards their final use. If your battery is close to its warranty end date you may want to consider simply making the upgrade now.
How to reset a golf cart motor?
Reset the motor. Remove a panel in the rear of the golf cart using a screwdriver. When the motor is exposed, search for a small red button. Most often, the button is located where the wires enter the motor. If the button is sticking out, push it back in.
What to do if battery terminals are dirty?
If the terminals are dirty, purchase a battery terminal cleaner spray and use it on the terminals then try to start the motor. The cleaner spray is available at auto retail shops and in most automotive sections of chain retail stores.