If the speed seems to be off, or your cart gives off a burning wire smell, your golf cart motor might have a problem. Using a multimeter, a jumper wire, and a 12-24 volt power source, you can test the condition and functions of your golf cart motor without removing it from the cart.
How do I know if my electric golf cart motor is bad?
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.
How to test a golf cart motor for a short?
How To Test Your Golf Cart Motor For A Short Begin by labeling the cables going to your electric motor and put a corresponding label on the motor itself if it does not already have one. Assuming that we’re using a multimeter and not just a continuity tester, set your tester to the continuity setting and if it doesn’t have one, set it for ohms.
How to test a golf cart battery with a multimeter?
After fully charging the cart’s battery rack, use the multimeter (Set it to 200v DC)across the posts of each individual battery. You can do this without disconnecting the batteries from each other as long as you test across one battery’s posts. On a 6-volt battery, you should have slightly over 6 volts, like 6.1 to 6.3.
How do I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?
For the electric golf cart, if the solenoid is silent, no clicking, use the setting voltmeter to DC volts using the 200 range. Turn on the ignition while noticing the reading on terminals. If it jumps and shows full voltage, then the solenoid is the problem.
How do you test a club cart motor?
3:5410:28Testing 36 volt golf cart motor with 12 volt battery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just want to connect the two together with this again a2 to s1 with this jumper cable. And youMoreYou just want to connect the two together with this again a2 to s1 with this jumper cable. And you want to take the battery box or positive cable and put it on the s2.
How do you test a golf cart motor series?
2:062:57How to test a series wound electric golf cart motor (won't work on shunt ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo anyway you just take the uh a2 and s2 run one a2 down to your negative. And run s2 down to yourMoreSo anyway you just take the uh a2 and s2 run one a2 down to your negative. And run s2 down to your positive or opposite it does not matter.
How do you test a DC golf cart motor?
1:053:48How to test, wire and run a Series Wound motor! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you see what you're doing is you're flipping clarity of either the um armature. Or you'reMoreSo you see what you're doing is you're flipping clarity of either the um armature. Or you're flipping the clarity of the fields. Put them back in series and it'll spin the opposite. Direction. So
How do you reset a golf cart electric 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 you test a 48 volt golf cart motor?
2:5915:0248 Volt Club Car Diagnostics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow this will also give us light even if it's not at 4-4 or reverse it's in neutral it gets light asMoreNow this will also give us light even if it's not at 4-4 or reverse it's in neutral it gets light as well to make sure this micro switch is working put it in forward or reverse probe.
How do you test a motor with a multimeter?
Set your multimeter to Ohms. Start by completely disconnecting the spindle motor from all power sources. Check each wire, including T1, T2, T3 and the ground wire. If the reading is infinite, your motor should be fine.
Where is the reset button on a ezgo golf cart motor?
Locate the motor Remove the panel so the electric motor is visible. Electric motors usually include reset buttons that can perform similar to circuit breakers. Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button.
How long does an electric golf cart motor last?
Golf Cart Motor Just like solenoids (mentioned above), your golf cart motor works HARD. When properly taken care of, the typical gas or electric golf cart motor can last many, many years (20 to 30+).
What are the 4 terminals on a golf cart motor?
If you're unsure if it is working, it is simple to test. There are four terminals on a solenoid: usually two large and two small. The small terminals are connected to the battery, and the large terminals are connected to the motor. Disconnect all wires from the two large terminals.
How do I know if my electric 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.
Do all electric 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.
What happens when an electric motor burns out?
When a motor burns out, a short circuit occurs in the windings and the motor ceases to turn. You can test for a short circuit by checking the resistance of the windings with an ohmmeter; a reading of 0 ohms (Ω) indicates a short.
What are the 4 terminals on a golf cart motor?
If you're unsure if it is working, it is simple to test. There are four terminals on a solenoid: usually two large and two small. The small terminals are connected to the battery, and the large terminals are connected to the motor. Disconnect all wires from the two large terminals.
Where is the reset button on a ezgo golf cart motor?
Locate the motor Remove the panel so the electric motor is visible. Electric motors usually include reset buttons that can perform similar to circuit breakers. Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button.
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 long does an electric golf cart motor last?
Golf Cart Motor Just like solenoids (mentioned above), your golf cart motor works HARD. When properly taken care of, the typical gas or electric golf cart motor can last many, many years (20 to 30+).
How To Tell If Your Electric Golf Cart Motor Is Bad
Even the most well-maintained golf car will have technical problems eventually. Still, it’s rather unfortunate if the problem is with your motor or engine. You have enough going on in your life without your golf car refusing to start when you turn the key in the ignition.
Test Your Batteries
When your golf car doesn’t start, it’s tempting to jump straight to the perceived problem area: the motor. But the issue could be a simpler one concerning another part of the car. Before checking its other parts, test the voltage of your batteries to make sure they’re working.
Check the Solenoid
If your batteries are charged and in working condition, but your car still won’t start, check its solenoid. A solenoid is an electromagnetic coil of wire that transmits energy from your car’s battery to its motor to help it start. Every time you start your golf car, you should hear the click of the solenoid.
Examine the Potentiometer
If your car still won’t start or you notice any issues with acceleration, it’s time to check the potentiometer. The potentiometer sends an electric signal from the accelerator pedal to the speed controller, allowing the car to accelerate properly.
Check the Motor Itself
If you’ve checked all the above parts and none of them are responsible for your trouble, inspect the motor of the golf car itself. Sometimes, the issue can be resolved by simply resetting the motor. To reset your golf car’s motor, open the hood to expose your motor and look for the red reset button.
How to check if a battery is working?
Insert the screwdriver into the slot on a clamp and turn counterclockwise to remove it. Repeat this step with the other clamp. Then, test the voltage of the battery by touching each side of the wires to your 12-volt tester. This needs to be done to check all the batteries, as even one not working can cause your motor to malfunction. Don’t forget to remove the clamps before testing the other batteries as well. If at any time the tester shows less than 12 volts, the batteries need to be replaced.
What to do if your motor has an S terminal?
If your motor has an S terminal instead of an F, then test the S-1 to the A-1 terminal to make sure there is no continuity. Then, test the S-2 terminal, to the A-1 terminal for no continuity. These continuity tests will help you determine where the problems with your motor lie.
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
Should A Golf Cart Motor Get Hot?
The golf cart motor will get hot at some point. This is typical of many electronics, so it should not alarm unless the motor gets extremely hot. With normal use, the motor casing temperature will read 150º, although a high of 180º is also acceptable.
Can Electric Golf Carts Overheat?
Yes. Electric golf carts can overheat for several reasons. As mentioned earlier, the engine casing temperature will normally range between 150-180 degrees which means that anything above that is overheating. Several reasons can cause an electric golf cart motor to overheat. Let’s look at some of them.
Why My Golf Cart Motor Has A Burning Smell?
There are several reasons why the electric golf cart may be producing a burning smell, most of which are related to the amperage and the batteries. If you smell something burning and the cart has stopped, you probably have a burnout case on your hands. When you have ruled out the possibility of burnout, look at the following possibilities.
Will My Golf Cart Stop If It Gets Too Hot?
If you were driving your golf cart with a hot engine and it suddenly stopped, there is a good chance that the cart stopped due to overheating. The best-case scenario is that the battery is dead and needs a recharge, but if the power is intact, then you’re facing a motor burnout.
Can you charge a golf cart battery in a closed garage?
Preferably, you should charge your cart on the outside, but if you have sufficient airflow and ventilation in the garage, you should be fine.
Can golf cart batteries give off carbon monoxide?
The short answer is no, most lead acid batteries that golf carts use don’t emit that kind of gas. However, as mentioned above, they emit hydrogen gas, especially if the battery is at risk of overcharging.
Should I store my golf cart outside?
This seems like the most obvious solution, especially if you live in a warm climate. You won’t have to worry all that much about hydrogen gas creating fires, but there are other issues with storing your golf cart outside that can come up if you’re unprepared.
How to tell if golf cart solenoid is bad?
One of the most common and obvious signs of the bad solenoid is the golf cart's failure to start when you initiate the ignition process. Once you click the accelerator and turn on the ignition switch, it is supposed to send a signal to activate the solenoid and start the cart. If the cart does not start, there is a big possibility ...
Why is my golf cart not starting?
If the cart does not start, there is a big possibility of a damaged solenoid. Another reason for a bad solenoid is that the contacts are starting to get damaged due to overheating or high current passing through them. Note: You may not necessarily experience all of these issues to recognize bad solenoids on your golf cart.
What is a solenoid in golf carts?
Simply put, a solenoid is a device that can transform electrical energy into mechanical energy. It's a coil of wire which is used as an electromagnet. The solenoid has the capability of creating a magnetic field with the help of an electric current. Solenoids work as the “go switch”, which is a must for any golf cart.
Why won't my golf cart turn over?
For a gas golf cart, the most common symptom is the starter failing to engage, so the engine doesn't turn over. Starters have the responsibility of activating the flywheel. When the flywheel starts to work, the starter is supposed to disconnect.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.