What are the most common issues with electric golf carts?
Learn about some of the more common issues associated with electric golf carts. 1. Solenoid Wear The solenoid is the primary electrical switch in your golf cart and is designed to ensure the current from the battery flows into the motor.
How many volts does an electric golf cart use?
The motor of an electric golf cart is powered by 4 to 6 batteries with a total power of 36 or 48 volts. The batteries are rechargeable; you have to plug the cart into a wall outlet at home or your garage.
Why is my electric golf cart shuddering when charging?
Sometimes the problem is easy to detect, but sometimes you need to check the entire electrical system. If this is the case, start with checking the socket in which you charge the batteries, then continue with the batteries, the motor itself, the wires, and the terminals. Why Is My Electric Golf Cart Shuddering?
Do electric golf carts have fuel lines?
I realize that electric golf carts don’t have fuel lines, but gas golf carts do. Gas golf carts also have a battery just like the battery on your gas car does. A common issue with gas golf carts is that vapor gets into the fuel line, causing the cart not to start as easy putting more strain on the battery.
How do you reset an electric golf cart?
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!
Why does my electric golf cart surge?
A golf cart can be surging due to insufficient fuel levels, damaged motor brushes or a vacuum leak. The brushes in the motor are damaged or worn out. The MCOR is malfunctioning or a mismatch between the motor and controller results in torque bumps.
How do I know if my golf cart battery charger is bad?
Bad Charger: IN GENERAL, if the charger kicks on, but doesn't charge fully or kicks off soon after, this is likely a charger issue. If the charger makes a loud clicking noise, this is likely a battery charger issue.
How many volts should a fully charged golf cart have?
Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts. Keep in mind that the high number doesn't mean that the batteries are instantly good.
Where is the speed sensor located on a Club Car golf cart?
The speed sensor in a Club Car Precedent golf cart is located on the back of the motor. To remove the sensor, unplug the cables behind the motor. You can use a 5/16-inch socket to remove the pigtail connector and pop off the plastic housing that encases the speed sensor.
Where is the reset button on a Club Car golf cart?
Identify your main battery supply (usually the largest battery) on your motor. Check around this supply for a small red button that may or may not be labeled “Reset”. Press and hold this button for a few moments and then release it to reset the motor.
How do I reset my club battery charger?
How to reset your Club Car's OBC after a faultKey Switch to Off.Forward/Reverse to Neutral.Tow/Run Switch to Tow.Disconnect the Battery NEGATIVE (–) wire from the Battery Minus terminal on the battery pack.Put the Tow/Run to Run.Forward/Reverse Switch to Reverse.Key Switch to On.Lock the throttle pedal down.
How do I know if my golf cart 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.
Can you leave golf cart charger plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
How many volts should a 48V golf cart have when fully charged?
The target voltage for a 48 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 57.6 to 58.8 volts.
What setting do you put a multimeter on a golf cart battery?
0:044:17Testing Golf Cart Batteries with a multimeter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey should read about four point eight one. Let me look at it 8 volt because the eight folds.MoreThey should read about four point eight one. Let me look at it 8 volt because the eight folds.
What is the full charge of 48V battery?
48V LiFePO4 Battery Voltage Chart 48V is more popular for larger solar systems. They rarely make sense for small-scale projects. They are fully charged at 58.4 volts and fully discharged at 40 volts. They are made by connecting 16 3.2V LiFePO4 cells in series.
Why is my golf cart not accelerating?
When your electric golf cart does not accelerate, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that it is not a regular vehicle like your car . That's why the methods and solutions you use to get your car to start are not the same as the solutions you can apply to your cart.
What happens if your golf cart doesn't accelerate?
Bad Solenoid. If your golf cart does not accelerate, there is a possibility of the damaged solenoid. The solenoid is basically an electrical switch that enables the battery's flow from the battery into the motor. Check out the signs of the bad solenoid.
How do you know it's an Accelerator Problem?
If your cart does not start smoothly , hesitates before starting, or does not gain speed properly , these are all signs of a bad or damaged accelerator.
Why is my golf cart speed controller not working?
There are many reasons behind a speed controller malfunction. The most common problem that happens in the controller has aged due to infrequent use. These are just some of the issues that could be affecting your vehicle's acceleration. If you have trouble finding the issue of your golf cart accelerator, don't be afraid to take it to the mechanic.
How does a golf cart solenoid work?
The golf cart speed controller and solenoid are both controlled by the accelerator. The pedal is connected to the potentiometer. That means when you are pressing the pedal for acceleration, you are actually going through the potentiometer by pushing a rod. The potentiometer works as a communicator and tells the speed controller how much voltage it ...
How does a potentiometer work?
The potentiometer works as a communicator and tells the speed controller how much voltage it has to consume. The more voltage means the more speed and vice versa (Check out our resource on golf cart speed ).
Golf Cart General Introduction
The popular definition for a golf cart is that it is a small vehicle designed to carry two or more golfers and their equipment around the golf course or desert pathways to avoid walking effort.
Electric Golf Carts
The two main types of golf carts driven at the golf courses are gasoline and electric golf carts. Both of them function on the principle of a regular, less powerful gasoline or electric car, with some insignificant differences. Electric golf cars are popular with their environmentally friendly mode of operation.
Common Things That Can Go Wrong With An Electric Golf Cart
Buying and driving an electric golf cart, you should be aware that, just like other cars, it has a lifespan, and its parts also wear out. Some golfers perceive their carts as small, funny vehicles that can drive them around the golf course forever.
How To Avoid Or Mitigate The Issues
The key to avoiding or mitigating possible electrical golf carts malfunctioning is, as already mentioned a few times above, proper and regular maintenance. Golf cart owners should perceive their small electric vehicles as regular cars with a more restricted use range.
The Elite Of The Electrical Golf Carts
Pointing out so many common issues with the electrical golf carts may leave you with the wrong impression that they are pretty problematic vehicles. Let’s clarify that technical issues are typical for the used carts but are quite unusual for new carts with a warranty.
Electric Golf Carts FAQ
To determine whether your electric golf cart motor is bad or not, you need to test it first. Sometimes the problem is easy to detect, but sometimes you need to check the entire electrical system.
Sources
Wikipedia, “Golf Cart.” Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_cart Assessed June 8, 2021
How does amperage affect golf carts?
It determines how far you can travel before having to fill up the tank. Well, Amperage in a golf cart is like the gas tank in your car. It will determine how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric Golf Car. The more amperage in a battery pack, the further you can drive before having to charge. Click here to learn how ...
How many volts are in a golf cart battery?
Now that we understand the differences between Amperage and Voltage, we can begin to break this down so we can locate the differences between various battery packs. For standard golf carts, we will typically see a Six Eight Volt Battery System. This can be visually determined by locating six batteries with 8 cells per battery. A cell is distinguished by a battery cap that is used for watering the batteries. With batteries used in Golf Carts, each cell will represent 2 Volts. Let’s take a look at the 5 most common battery packs we see in the market:
What is the relationship between horsepower and MPG?
To get a better idea of what amperage is like in a car, let us discuss the relationship between Horsepower and MPG. Horsepower within a car determines the acceleration and power of your car . If there is no fuel in the car though, then the vehicle is not going to go anywhere. That is the importance of MPG and also how big your gas tank is in your ...
Why is it important to know the difference between golf cart batteries?
The reason understanding their differences is so important is due to the large expense of replacement batteries. By knowing their differences ahead of time, you will be able to decipher which battery pack is suitable for you when making your golf cart purchase.
Is voltage in a golf cart battery similar to horsepower?
Therefore, Voltage in a battery pack inside of an electric vehicle has to do with power. It does not have to do with fuel. Therefore, voltage in a battery pack within a golf cart will be comparable to the horsepower in a car.
What are the problems with electric golf carts?
These carts can start to show signs of wear and may fail just like any other vehicle over time. Learn about some of the more common issues associated with electric golf carts. 1. Solenoid Wear. The solenoid is the primary electrical switch in your golf cart and is designed to ensure the current from the battery flows into the motor. ...
Why do electric golf carts fail?
These carts can start to show signs of wear and may fail just like any other vehicle over time.
What is the controller on a golf cart?
An electric golf carts' controller is known as the heart of the operation and closely resembles and operates much like the motherboard in a computer. So a problem with the controller will have rippling effects throughout the cart. A common function of the speed controller is to control the speed of the golf cart.
Why does my gas cart not work?
When you press down on the gas pedal and hear a tapping-like sound, this is the sound of the solenoid activating. When there is a disruption in the flow of the electrical current , your cart will not operate. A common reason for current disruption is solenoid wear.
Why does my gas pedal have a current disruption?
A common reason for current disruption is solenoid wear. Each time the solenoid activates as you press down on the gas pedal, the solenoid compounds down onto a thin metal contact plate. Over time, the force of this pressure creates tiny electric arcs on the plates' surface. These arcs eventually create a resistance that prevents the current from properly flowing.
What happens if your cart doesn't move?
If the cart doesn't move in either direction, both switches have failed. Diagnosing a problem with the direction switches isn't a complicated matter, but repairing the switch is more complex, especially if the switches are built into the speed controller.
Why won't my sped controller accelerate?
Problems with the sped controller occur for a variety of reasons, but most often the cause is degradation due to age or lack of use.
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.
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.
What is the purpose of a gas motor battery?
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. Such a vital part as a battery demands that you keep an eye on it, maintain it, and know how to fix things when they go bad.
Can you use lithium ion batteries in a golf cart?
However, they are really expensive to install, as your golf cart charger will most likely have to be replaced with one compatible to lithium-ion, and you may even have to make modifications to your cart for it to be able to run on lithium-ion batteries. Lead-acid has a lot of advantages as well. They’re much cheaper, and are what your golf cart was ...
Is lead acid better than a golf cart battery?
Lead-acid has a lot of advantages as well. They’re much cheaper, and are what your golf cart was most likely designed to use. This means less stress, hassle, and less upfront cost. As far as VRLA vs wet cell, there is a bit of give and take. Wet cell requires maintenance to reach its full lifespan, but is somewhat better at storage and can last longer than most VRLAs if taken proper care of. VRLA batteries have no free liquids, so they are better for rough terrains, extreme temperatures, and don’t require maintenance, but are very sensitive to overcharging and a bit more expensive.
Why won't my electric golf cart start?
Today, we'll look at the most common problems with electric golf carts, and how you can prevent or repair them. 1. Batteries That Break Down or Lose Charge. If your golf cart won't start, the first thing we suggest it checking your battery! Electric golf cart batteries need to be charged and have water added regularly.
What is a direction switch on a golf cart?
Direction Switch. The direction switch simply lets you control whether your golf cart is in forward or reverse. One of the most frequently used parts on a golf cart, it's heavily prone to wear and tear and breaking down over time.
Why does my golf cart stop clicking?
If you stop hearing that clicking sound and your golf cart no longer starts up , it's likely the solenoids are to blame. The problem may be as simple as loose wires, or you may be looking at a broken coil or corrosion. If solenoids are the issue, you'll want to bring your golf cart in for repairs.
What is the solenoid on a golf cart?
The solenoid is a cylindrical coil of wire that works as the magnet carrying an electric current. Basically, when you start up your golf cart, the solenoid is the reason for the clicking sound you hear when engaging the acceleration pedal. This sound is a good thing!
Why is my golf cart ignition not working?
If your ignition has problems, it's almost certainly due to wear and tear or the age of your golf cart. Wires can become loose and lose the connection between the switch and the battery, or they may require replacement when they wear out or break over time.
Is an electric golf cart good for the environment?
If you're the type to keep the environment in mind or you're interested in saving on fuel costs, an electric golf cart may be the solution to your golf cart needs!
Can electric golf carts be kept in winter?
However, electric golf carts do have their share of unique concerns and potential issues that you'll want to keep an eye out for. Most of these problems can be prevented with regular tune-ups and following our storage guidelines during the winter.
Why is my E-Z-Go golf cart losing power?
E-Z-Go golf carts often lose power because of corrosion or loose cables. If the connecting wires in electrical circuits break, your battery will lose power. The same will happen if you have a short circuit in the ignition system. Here are steps you can use to ensure that the system is working correctly.
Why won’t my gas golf cart charge the battery?
If you own a gas E-Z-Go golf cart, the battery may not get charged. Make sure that you have refueled your golf cart, and then check for the following issues.
How do I push my E-Z-Go Golf Cart?
It can be frustrating when your battery is flat and your golf cart will not roll. To push it to the nearest charging or gas station, you need to release the motor brake. Follow these easy steps to do that.
How do you test an E-Z-Go Golf Cart Controller?
Depending on the E-Z-Go Golf cart you own, there are two types of controllers, the Drive control systems and the Precision Drive System. Only E-Z-Go carts made before 1994 have a Drive Control System. If you notice that your E-Z-Go golf cart is not running at a constant speed, you should troubleshoot the controller to identify the problem. Here are the steps you should use to test your E-Z-Go golf cart controller.
Why does my E-Z-Go Golf Cart feel sluggish when accelerating?
The reason why your golf cart is sluggish during acceleration or stalls depends on whether it is a gas cart or an electric one. Here are the reasons for sluggishness in both.
Why is my reverse speed the same as my forward speed?
The reverse speed should be slower than your forward speed. If you notice that it is the same as your forward speed, you may have an ESC system malfunction. Make sure that you check the ESC system components and replace them.
Why does my golf cart stop moving?
This Golf cart is very temperamental, and even things like over-tightening a stud can make it stop moving. Check the F/R switch stud for overtightening. If it is over-tightened, the contact will not connect with the switch. Adjust this, and your golf cart will start working.
Why is my electric golf cart slow?
Your electric golf cart can struggle on inclines for a variety of reasons. Weak batteries, incorrect tires, and wear and tear to the motor and wiring are all potential causes of your cart’s slow speed.
Why is my golf cart not charging?
Golf Cart Batteries. When it comes to challenges with your cart’s speed, they are more often than not caused by an unruly battery. Corrosion, age, or a lack of routine maintenance can all lead to inefficient battery performance. As your batteries age, they are no longer able to hold a charge like they previously did.
Why does my golf cart go slow?
Our assessment of why does my electric golf cart goes slow uphill has yielded several answers. While battery problems tend to be the most common reason for slow speeds uphill. The size of your tires, speed, wire corrosion, and brake solenoid damage are also possible causes for your cart’s slow speeds. I recommend checking your batteries ...
Why are my cart batteries so slow?
As your batteries age, they are no longer able to hold a charge like they previously did. They, therefore, struggle to generate sufficient power under load. I have heard cart owners complain of slow speeds on inclines, even though their batteries had the proper voltage.
Why disconnect solenoid wires on a golf cart?
YouTuber Mike Hughes found that disconnecting the two wires leading to the solenoid, along with the cart’s speed sensor, helped to improve the transmission of power to the motor.
How to tell if a battery is going slow?
The best way to identify if the batteries are the root of your go slow is to use some alligator clip test leads. Link your meter to the positive and negative connection of the cart. Then do a test, driving uphill to simulate the problems you have had.
Why do old batteries go uphill?
Older batteries tend to lose the ability to deliver sufficient torque to your cart, which would impact its performance going uphill.