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. Article Contents
- A sudden inability to maintain even slow speeds when heading uphill or changing elevation.
- Slowing down to a crawl, then speeding up, then slowing again, seemingly without reason.
- Jolting during startup.
How do I know if my golf cart is going bad?
The first and most obvious symptom is the golf cart won’t start. If it is a gas-powered cart, the engine doesn’t turn over, and if it is an electric cart, the cart doesn’t move. Now, on to the next symptoms…
Why won’t my golf cart start?
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 to do if your golf cart is not charging?
Charging Issues 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.
How to test a bad golf cart solenoid?
How to Test a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart? 1 Step 1: Get the Right Tools#N#First, get a couple of tools, including a voltmeter, a wrench, gloves, electrical tape, and... 2 Step 2: Disconnect the Solenoid Cables#N#Disconnect the cable attached with solenoid terminals from the starter or... 3 Step 3: Check Each Terminal More ...
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.
Why is my golf cart clutch not engaging?
The battery might be the key reason for the clutch not engaging. If the battery is faulty, the clutch systems will fail to generate enough power and will not function. If this is the case, it is advisable to replace or fix the battery and the issue should be resolved.
What does the secondary clutch do on a golf cart?
The drive (or primary) clutch attaches to the engine crankshaft. At rest, the drive clutch faces (sheaves) are separated by the wide drive belt. The driven (or secondary) clutch bolts onto the input shaft of the differential.
How do I know if my EZGO controller is bad?
Press the accelerator and watch to see if the voltage increases. It should increase from a reading of 0 to the full voltage of the battery. If the motor is not turning, the problem may be in the directional switch or motor. If there is no voltage, the controller is bad and must be replaced.
How do you diagnose a clutch problem?
You are most likely to notice this when putting the car in reverse and first gear.Slipping. This is exactly what it sounds like. ... Burning smell. A burning smell many times goes hand-in-hand with a failing clutch. ... Noises. ... Sticky or stuck pedal.
What is the most common problem associated with clutch?
Experiencing Clutch Problems? Here Are The Most Common Issues.The master or slave cylinder might start to leak. Hydraulic and cable-operated are two kinds of clutches. ... The throwout may wear out. ... The clutch disc may be worn out. ... The flywheel may become warped. ... Your pressure plate may be worn out.
How do you know if your secondary clutch is bad on a golf cart?
What Kinds of Problems Can a Golf Cart Clutch Have?A sudden inability to maintain even slow speeds when heading uphill or changing elevation.Slowing down to a crawl, then speeding up, then slowing again, seemingly without reason.Jolting during startup.A 'cranking' sound when starting up the golf cart.
Can you adjust a golf cart clutch?
If you are unsure about removing the drive belt or the clutch, then you can adjust it. Just take out the belt and wound it again with the secondary clutch according to the requirements, and your problem should be fixed.
Why does my gas golf cart go slow uphill?
A fully charged battery can create up to 24 volts. With a voltmeter, determine how much current you need by checking if your cart will move on flat ground with a dead battery. If your golf cart's speed drops significantly as it ascends an incline, your batteries may be weak and need replacement.
How do you test a golf cart motor controller?
How to Test a Club Car Golf Cart Speed Controller? The simplest test to ascertain your golf cart controller's performance is to to watch whether it runs when the batteries are fully charged with a slight push of the pedal. If you hear a distinct clicking noise, then your golf cart is running correctly.
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.
What would cause an electric golf cart not to move?
Solenoid Wear 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. Each time the solenoid activates as you press down on the gas pedal, the solenoid compounds down onto a thin metal contact plate.
How to tell if a golf cart is bad?
Watch out for these telltale signs of a malfunctioning golf cart CVT that is in need of repair or replacement: 1 A sudden inability to maintain even slow speeds when heading uphill or changing elevation 2 Slowing down to a crawl, then speeding up, then slowing again, seemingly without reason 3 Jolting during startup 4 A 'cranking' sound when starting up the golf cart
What Kinds of Problems Can a Golf Cart Clutch Have?
Your golf cart's ability to climb uphill — an essential skill to have on South Carolina terrain — depends on how well your primary and secondary clutches work as a unit. If one or both clutches begin to fail, your ability to get your golf cart from point A to point B will begin to fail as well.
What does it mean when a golf cart starts jolting?
Slowing down to a crawl, then speeding up, then slowing again, seemingly without reason. Jolting during startup. A 'cranking' sound when starting up the golf cart.
What does CVT mean in golf carts?
The golf cart clutch or CVT (which stands for Continuously Variable Transmission) may be easy enough for you if you're used to stick-shift driving with your regular vehicle. However, because many people these days don't drive stick-shift, they have a difficult time adjusting to the clutch when they purchase a new or preowned gas-powered golf cart.
Why won't my golf car start?
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. If you don’t hear it, you probably have an issue with your solenoid. If you suspect an issue with the solenoid, take your car to a repair shop to have it repaired or replaced.
How to reset a golf car?
To reset your golf car’s motor, open the hood to expose your motor and look for the red reset button. Push this button and test out your golf car again. If this hasn’t solved the issue, your motor may be burnt out and will need to be replaced.
What to do if your car won't start?
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. Inspect the potentiometer and then test it out—if you discover any issues, have it repaired or replaced.
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?
In addition, the spring that pulls the pinion back to its resting position could wear down leaving the starter engaged continuously. (Starters are supposed to get the flywheel moving, then back out of position – disengage.)
Why does my golf cart make clicking sounds?
On a gas golf cart, the most common symptom is the starter failing to engage – so the engine doesn’t turn over – while all you hear a series of very futile clicking sounds.
What does it mean when a golf cart solenoid goes bad?
Technically, in fact, a solenoid is a shape – a shape in which the length of something coiled is longer than the diameter of the coils. In engine starters, this refers to the smaller motor ...
How to check ohms of a cable?
Once you’ve disconnected the cables safely – using your multimeter – use the voltmeter on the ohms setting and touch each large terminal with the probes with the key turned off. You should get a zero reading.
Why does my solenoid wear out?
Like any switch that relies on wiring, the solenoid could also just wear out due to overheating. This might cause it to fail to retrieve the pinion gear.
Why do starter contacts wear out?
Secondly, the contacts could begin to wear out from overheating or exposure to high levels of current. This needs to be fixed right away if possible, because this causes continuous use of the starter. If not caught in time, the solenoid and the starter will both need replacement.
What is the reading for a solenoid?
If you get a clicking sound, look for a reading of less than 0.4 ohms. If the reading is higher, the solenoid is not working and needs to be replaced.
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.
How to check if a battery is sealed?
Inspect the batteries to see if they are sealed lead-acid batteries or if there are caps on the top of the batteries . If there are caps (lids) present – then open them and check that the cells inside are adequately covered with the clear fluid. This fluid is the acid – so be careful not to splash it near your eyes or on clothing. It will burn.
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.
Why is my golf cart jerky?
After a while, it could become smooth, but this problem is caused due to some issues with the clutch system.
Why won't my clutch engage in a cart?
This could be because the clutch is slipping from its designated position.
Why does my clutch make a squeaking noise?
Sometimes this issue of the clutch not fully engaging but slipping could be caused due to the dirt build-up inside .
How to stop a clutch from squeaking?
You could also try lubricating the system with a good quality lubricant. This might free up the clutch and thus prevent the squeaking noise.
How to stop clutch from coming apart?
Gently place the crowbar behind the clutch and apply pressure. The clutch might slide off and come apart. Make sure to add even pressure at the same intervals otherwise you might end up breaking a part. If none of these techniques work, you can try cutting some relief on the clutch.
What to do if clutch doesn't engage?
If the clutch still refuses to engage, you might have to get it checked by a service center. They will be able to identify the issue easily and help fix it.
Why is my clutch not engaging?
Sometimes a belt that does not have the correct tension and is loose may cause the clutch to not engage properly. It might help to clean out any rust on the clutch system as this could also be the cause of this issue. Rectifying these problems could help resolve the clutch issue.
How to tell if a golf cart is bad?
Club Car golf cart bad MCOR symptoms 1 However, if there are erratic movements, say like 20%, then 60%, and then 15%, and likewise despite keeping the pedal pressed with uniform pressure, the MCOR is giving trouble. It will never reach 100%. 2 If it takes too much time for the MCOR reading to move up, the MCOR is malfunctioning. 3 The cart will not get enough speed as the motor will not move as per requirement and movement hiccups of the cart indicate that the motor is not getting enough or erratic power signals. It is a sign of a bad motor controller output regulator or the MCOR.
What does it mean when a club cart is bad?
The club cart bad MCOR symptoms are commonly diagnosed as a erratic throttle jump. While pressing the pedal, if the club cart’s throttle moves smoothly from 0% to 100%, then the MCOR is ok.
What is the difference between MCOR and Club Car Precedent?
There is not much difference between installing MCOR on Club car DS and Club car Precedent. Club cart DS has MCOR1 or Carryall type controller, and the mounting is a bit different. However, this model of MCOR is not available anymore or sparingly available. Other types of MCOR are used while charging, and it needs to change ...
What does it mean when the MCOR on a golf cart is not working?
If the on/off positions are not working, then the MCOR on the club cart Precedent golf cart is not working or malfunctioning and needs repairing or replacement.
What is a MCOR in a club car?
What is an MCOR in a club car? The throttle device of any club cart is known as MCOR or motor controller output regulator. As the foot pedal is pressed, the impulse is read by the electric motor and works accordingly.
How does a club car MCOR work?
The club car MCOR or the motor controller output regulator works like a dimmer in the headlight. It determines how much power is needed to get the desired speed by modulating the voltage.
What happens if you don't press the accelerator on a MCOR?
However, if the desired speed is not reached despite pressing the accelerator, the MCOR causes problems. One needs to change or repair the MCOR if no other trouble is detected for the cart’s power loss. The MCOR may have corroded over time and require replacement.
How to tell if solenoid is bad on golf cart?
The common symptom of a bad solenoid is no clicks when the cart’s ignition is on and you press the accelerator.
Why doesn't my golf cart solenoid click?
This can be a faulty wire connection, but can also mean the solenoid is beginning to fail. The golf cart solenoid doesn’t click when the accelerator is pressed. This again can be faulty wiring or a failed solenoid.
What Does A Solenoid In A Golf Cart Do?
In the early 1960s, a bank of solenoids was used in electric carts to redirect electrical power of different voltages, or through a resistor, to vary the speed of the electric motor. The number of single-action solenoids (4-terminal solenoids) used in each golf cart was reduced with the advent of dual-action solenoids (6-terminal solenoids).
What to test before testing golf cart solenoid?
BEFORE testing the golf cart solenoid, test both the accelerator micro switch and the key switch. These components are both wired into the control circuit of the solenoid and if they are faulty, the solenoid will not operate.
How to check if a battery is low?
First, follow these steps: Step 1 – Check the battery voltage from the positive connection to the battery negative. A solenoid uses 12-18volts and low voltage will not activate the solenoid. Step 2 – If the voltage is low, check the cable ends for corrosion. Clean and charge the battery.
Why does my solenoid stop working?
A common cause of failure in a solenoid is an improper loosening and tightening of the terminals. You must use TWO 1/2″ wrenches when attaching the cable on the large terminal posts…one to hold the nut closest to the solenoid body to prevent it from twisting inside the unit and the other to turn the outside nut.
Why does my solenoid not click?
There was no click from the solenoid, but it was because there was no power coming from the battery due to all the corrosion and gunk.
Why is my electric golf cart not going fast?
3) Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. Electric Golf Carts are known for being fast and having acceleration power. However, the day you start to feel your electric golf cart being slower to reach top speed is typically a sign of your batteries needing to be replaced. Also, another sign may be that it has trouble climbing hills ...
How far can a golf cart go on a single charge?
Most Golf Carts can travel at least 7 miles or more on a single charge. However, if you are used to playing golf with no battery charge issues, but then one day you start to notice you can barely finish nine holes without having to limp home, then this could very easily be a sign of weak batteries.
How many volts does a golf cart battery have?
Now, just because a battery pack displays 48 volts or more after a full charge does not mean they’re good. The real test would be to test them after they have been used for a few miles. The reason is that a deep cycle golf cart battery will not exhibit signs of needing replacement until after they are fully discharged.
What happens if a battery goes bad?
Batteries that are going bad will expand and have bulges on the battery cases themselves. Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg.
Can batteries leak acid?
Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg. RELATED: Symptoms of a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart.
Is it good to test a battery pack?
So once the batteries are fully discharged (used for several miles of driving), it is good to test the total battery voltage and each individual battery. A weak battery pack can sometimes be indicative of one individual battery being bad.