How to Troubleshoot an Electric Golf Cart
- Step 1. Test the wall socket where you charge your cart. Every golf cart has a built-in charger that connects to a wall...
- Step 2. Expose your golf cart batteries. If you are getting power to the charger, it's time to check the batteries.
- Step 3. Test the batteries for voltage. Every battery will have two clamps with two cables...
Full Answer
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.
Do electric golf carts stop in the middle of the course?
As a result, your electric golf cart runs well until the battery is dead. But as the voltage doesn’t drop, you never know when the charge is fading away. Thus, the cart might stop in the middle of the course. Check the battery voltage before buying. You will usually find 6, 8, or 12-volt batteries.
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.
How do I test my electric golf cart?
Look for a small red button located near the main power supply. Press the button and put your cart back together before hooking it up to charge. In many cases, this will solve the problem. If it doesn't, try removing the motor and testing it with a separate, fully charged battery.
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.
How can I test my electric golf cart without batteries?
3:5410:28Testing 36 volt golf cart motor with 12 volt battery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain i'm going to take the jumper cable from a2 to s1 you're going to take the positive cable fromMoreAgain i'm going to take the jumper cable from a2 to s1 you're going to take the positive cable from the jumper. Box to s2 i'm going to take the negative from the jumper box and put it on a1.
How do you test an electric motor on a Club Car golf cart?
Connect the positive jumper cable to the positive battery terminal on the 12-volt battery. Touch the other end of the positive battery cable to the A2 terminal on the electric motor. Once the positive battery cable touches the A2 terminal, the motor should start turning and the rear wheels should start turning as well.
How do you diagnose a golf cart problem?
There are a few simple problems that you can fix yourself that will not necessitate professional maintenance.Test the wall socket where you charge your cart. ... Expose your golf cart batteries. ... Test the batteries for voltage. ... Replace dead batteries. ... Expose the motor for inspection. ... Reset the motor. ... Test the cart.
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!
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 do you test a golf cart?
0:224:08Golf Cart Power Testing | ASK DAVE | Golf Cart Garage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight now on gcg tv hi everyone welcome and thank you for joining us today as we discuss golf cart.MoreRight now on gcg tv hi everyone welcome and thank you for joining us today as we discuss golf cart. Power. If your electric cart jerks or isn't performing like it used to it's losing power while
What causes an electric golf cart to lose power?
If the coach goes without charge for a long time, the battery may lack the minimum voltage required to restart. Batteries also lose their efficiency with age. Golf Carts will run for approximately five years before the battery needs to be replaced or the charger will need replacement.
Why does my golf cart click but not move?
A Club Car golf cart can start clicking but not move, due to dust accumulating inside the battery ports. Opening the battery ports and checking whether there is any dust accumulation can tell you if this is the case. Cleaning it thoroughly with a cloth can resolve the problem.
How do you troubleshoot an electric club car?
2:3915:0248 Volt Club Car Diagnostics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure your key switch is on step on the accelerator. You should get a light here.MoreMake sure your key switch is on step on the accelerator. You should get a light here.
How do you test a club car 48v motor?
13:2337:53Club Car 48 Volt Powerdrive Testing 1995-2013 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition place the red positive probe on the speed controller M minus terminal place the blackMorePosition place the red positive probe on the speed controller M minus terminal place the black negative probe on the s2 motor terminal your vom should display continuity.
How to check if electric golf cart is running?
It sounds absurd, but if your electric golf cart is not running, the very first thing I would check is the reset button on the side of the motor, if your cart is so equipped. Check around the outside of the motor and see if you can find a small button to press. This is usually a safeguard against overheating.
What is wrong with my electric golf cart?
Electric golf carts are usually trouble-free and do their job efficiently and with no fuss, but sometimes you suspect your golf cart is experiencing a problem. 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, ...
Why is it important to test a motor before replacing a controller?
This is an important test to do on your motor before replacing the controller because a short could damage the new controller irreparably. Please note that this test will not find a short in the armature. Note that continuity testing is not directional, so it doesn’t matter if the red and black are reversed.
When did golf carts start having separate excited motors?
In 1999, some golf cart manufacturers started offering Separately Excited Motors. Sepex (Regenerative) Motor carts have a toggle switch F&R device as opposed to the lever-action. In addition to this identifier, they have a tow/run or tow/maintenance switch which cuts power to the controller. Most of the modern-day carts are equipped ...
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf... link to Club Car DS Wiring Diagrams 1981 To 2002.
What to do if battery is too low?
If your batteries are too low for the charger to detect and it will not switch on, you’ll need to individually charge the batteries with a standard 12-volt battery charger. Once the batteries are at the minimum that the charger needs to see, there should be no problem charging them normally.
10 Best Electric Golf Cart Review
Ellwee is the name of a proven leader in the electric 4-wheeler class. They mainly focus on ease of movement with fast speed. Their electric golf carts have large and lightweight wheels that require less air pressure. And this lets you have a smooth and comfortable ride.
Things to Consider Buying Electric Golf Cart
Before going for an electric cart, know the benefits and drawbacks that come with it. Though electric carts are great for use, you should be aware of some facts before buying. It might not be suitable for you if you don't prefer to handle certain issues. Let's have a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
The reason for going slow uphill is mostly the weak batteries. Because an electric cart needs more power to go uphill. As a result, when the cart does not get more power supply, it slows down. Wire corrosion, brake solenoid damage can also make your electric cart go slow uphill.
Conclusion
Choosing the best electric golf cart is important for making your game better in an eco-friendly way. For you, maybe it is important for outside game rides as well. That's why knowing the best options and how to determine the best is crucial for you.
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 charge a golf cart?
Step 1. Test the wall socket where you charge your cart. Every golf cart has a built-in charger that connects to a wall socket. Take your wall socket 120-volt tester and check the actual socket that you use to charge the cart itself. Plug in your 120-volt tester and make sure the actual wall socket is good. If there is no voltage reading, your ...
Where is the electric motor on a golf cart?
Located under a panel at the back of your golf cart will be the electric motor. The panel will be held in place by four or six screws. Use your screwdriver to remove these, turning them counterclockwise.
How to test a 12 volt battery?
So, with your flat-bladed screwdriver, insert it into the screw slot on a clamp and turn it counterclockwise. Do this to both clamps. Using your 12-volt battery tester, test the voltage of this battery by touching each side of it to one ...
What are the problems with electric golf carts?
Electric golf carts have two areas where problems usually occur, the batteries and the motor. Before you spend a lot of time and money waiting on a repairman or taking your electric golf cart to the shop, take a few seconds to troubleshoot the cart on your own.
Where are the batteries in a car charger?
If you are getting power to the charger, it's time to check the batteries. Most batteries are located under the seat, which flips up for access. Grab a hold of the back of your seat and flip it up to expose the batteries. There will be a row of batteries. Each one of these need to be checked.
What to do if your socket is not reading voltage?
If there is no voltage reading, your socket is bad and either needs to be replaced or the circuit breaker needs to be reset. You can reset the circuit breaker by flipping all the switches in your breaker box. An electrician should replace the socket.
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.
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
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.
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 to test golf cart battery charger?
How to test a golf cart battery charger? Assure that the golf cart battery charger is actually running and that you have volta ge at the battery charger plug by using a multimeter or voltage tester. Let’s go over some of the simple basics and get that battery charger operating the way it should. Step 1.
What is a golf cart?
Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf... Continue Reading.
How many volts does a battery charger need?
Did you know that most modern battery chargers will not even begin to charge batteries if the batteries original charge is not high enough? The automatic battery charger needs a minimal amount of voltage in the batteries to even begin working, say somewhere around 20 to 35 volts total.
How long does it take for a battery charger to turn on?
With an automatic battery charger, the batteries must be hooked up before the charger will even turn on. allow 3 to 4 seconds for the time delay And if there is no click and a transformer hum, then we need to make sure that there is a proper connection between the battery charger and the batteries.
What to do if your car battery is too low?
If the batteries are too low, charge them individually with a regular old car battery charger, usually the12-volt variety. 12-Volt Automotive Battery Charger. You can either charge them to full capacity or just high enough to meet the minimum voltage required.
How to test a diode?
Test the diodes. Diodes are a one-way gate and will pass dc voltage in one direction. Connect your continuity tester leads on 1 and 3 shown in the illustration above…then reverse the leads. You should get continuity one way but not the other. Repeat this procedure on 2 and 3.
What happens when an ohmmeter fails?
When the ohmmeter leads are connected to the terminals, the meter needle stays at a high resistance. If the capacitor has failed “Open”, there may be a visible bulge on the top. Shorted Capacitor. When the leads are connected to the capacitor terminals, the meter needle jumps immediately to zero ohms and remains there.
10 Best Electric Golf Cart Review
- 1. Ellwee Electric Golf Cart
Ellwee is the name of a proven leader in the electric 4-wheeler class. They mainly focus on ease of movement with fast speed. Their electric golf carts have large and lightweight wheels that require less air pressure. And this lets you have a smooth and comfortable ride. Ellwee tests have show… - 2. Club Car XRT1550 SE
XRT1550 SE electric cart lets you drive at a maximum speed of 25 mph. But that doesn't make it hard for you to control. Because the cart has an automatic all-wheel-drive system. It senses your location and shifts the gears as needed. All you have to do is to select ‘forward' or ‘reverse'. You …
Things to Consider Buying Electric Golf Cart
- Benefits and drawbacks of electric cart
Before going for an electric cart, know the benefits and drawbacks that come with it. Though electric carts are great for use, you should be aware of some facts before buying. It might not be suitable for you if you don't prefer to handle certain issues. Let's have a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does your electric golf cart go slow uphill?
The reason for going slow uphill is mostly the weak batteries. Because an electric cart needs more power to go uphill. As a result, when the cart does not get more power supply, it slows down. Wire corrosion, brake solenoid damage can also make your electric cart go slow uphill. - Should you leave your electric golf cart plugged in all the time?
The answer differs with the manufacturer of your cart. For example, Club Car suggests leaving the cart plugged during storage and the computer will determine if it needs charging or not. Whereas, Yamaha tells you to remove the batteries from the cart and store them separately. So, check the …
Conclusion
- Choosing the best electric golf cart is important for making your game better in an eco-friendly way. For you, maybe it is important for outside game rides as well. That's why knowing the best options and how to determine the best is crucial for you. With these electric golf cart reviews and buying guides, we have tried to help you a little bit in that process. Feel free to give your reviews …