How to Troubleshoot an Electric Golf Cart
- Test the wall socket where you charge your cart. Every golf cart has a built-in charger that connects to a wall socket.
- Expose your golf cart batteries. If you are getting power to the charger, it's time to check the batteries.
- Test the batteries for voltage. ...
- Replace dead batteries. ...
- Expose the motor for inspection. ...
- Reset the motor. ...
- Test the cart. ...
Full Answer
How to fix an electric golf cart?
The following steps should allow you to determine the problem:
- Evaluate the circuit connection. ...
- Check the connections from wire to wire. ...
- Using a multimeter check the amount of power running to the lighting fuse. ...
- If the fuse is not the problem, you will need to now check your vehicle’s lighting switch. ...
- Replace the switch.
How to troubleshoot an electric golf cart?
Troubleshooting
- Golf cart troubleshooting checklist. This checklist is designed to handle most minor no-start problems, or an immobile issue. ...
- Electric throttle system troubleshooting. An electric golf cart will have a speed control system that involves an inductive throttle sensor and a speed controller.
- Gas throttle system troubleshooting. ...
- General gas troubleshooting. ...
What are the most common problems with electric golf carts?
What can go wrong in an electric golf cart?
- Batteries. Batteries can be one of the most common problems that take places in an electric golf car, however it doesn’t have to be with some proper education.
- Ignition. When you love to play golf, then you will be regularly visiting golf courses. ...
- Solenoid. It is one of the essential parts of the golf cart. ...
- Direction Switch. ...
- Controller. ...
- Bottom line. ...
How to store your electric golf cart for the winter?
Preparing Your Golf Car Battery for Storage
- Start by moving your car wherever it is going to be stored. ...
- Leave the forward/reverse switch in the neutral position.
- Depending on your golf car, it will have either a tow/run or a maintenance/run switch. ...
- Fully charge the battery and water it with distilled water. ...
- Check terminals and cords for damage and corrosion. ...
Where is the reset button on 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.
What would make an electric golf cart stop running?
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.
Are electric golf carts easy to fix?
Unfortunately, these electric golf cart issues aren't so easy to fix. You're probably better off to replace the motor than trying to salvage what's left of it.
How do you troubleshoot a golf cart?
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 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.
Why is my golf cart not firing?
First, try this: turn the key switch on, hit the accelerator, and check for a clicking noise. If you don't hear clicking, it's time to take a look at your cart's batteries. Make sure the battery is fully charged and the terminals are cleaned and secure. Next, see how the water level in the battery is holding up.
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.
What goes bad on electric golf cart?
What Are the Most Common Problems With Electric Golf Carts?Batteries That Break Down or Lose Charge. If your golf cart won't start, the first thing we suggest it checking your battery! ... Solenoid Breakdowns. ... Issues With the Ignition. ... Speed Controller. ... Direction Switch.
Do electric golf carts have fuses?
Yes, golf carts contain fuses just like those found in a car or truck.
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.
How do you test a golf cart electric motor?
3:5410:27Testing 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 an electric golf cart controller?
0:002:12How to bench check curtis controller and golf cart motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo the curtis controller. And just clap your positive. There then you're going to take anotherMoreTo the curtis controller. And just clap your positive. There then you're going to take another jumper lead to give you your voltage to power up the controller.
Why does my golf cart stop working?
Broken Switches. Modern golf carts tend to have a lot of switches on them that let you do all manner of things. These switches can often stop working, and it can be hard to work out what is going wrong. Sometimes there might be a problem with the wiring or the switches themselves could be faulty.
Why is my cart battery not working?
If the cart is quite old, then battery problems tend to occur because the battery has simply lost a lot of its power.
Why do people own electric golf carts?
A lot of these people own an electric golf cart so that they can avoid the exhaustion that comes with carrying a set of clubs. But while such carts can make things easier, they can also create a lot of headaches when they break down. There can be battery issues, or there can be problems with the various moving parts on the cart.
How many people play golf with electric golf carts?
Common Electric Golf Cart Problems and How to Fix Them. In the USA, there are around 24 million people that play golf. A lot of these people own an electric golf cart so that they can avoid the exhaustion that comes with carrying a set of clubs. But while such carts can make things easier, they can also create a lot of headaches when they break ...
How long do you have to replace golf cart wheels?
The wheels on a golf cart can experience a lot of wear and tear as time goes on, and so it makes sense that you’d need to replace them after a few years. Ideally, you want to make sure you buy wheels designed specifically for the golf cart you own.
Can a switch be faulty?
Sometimes there might be a problem with the wiring or the switches themselves could be faulty . These switches are connected to other bits wiring, and so tinkering with them can lead to a lot of problems. Following this, you should be wary of trying to fix anything yourself. Damage one wire, and you might break several other things in the cart.
Should you send your cart to a mechanic?
Following this, you should be wary of trying to fix anything yourself. Damage one wire, and you might break several other things in the cart. Thus, you should always send your cart to a cart mechanic, should you suspect a problem with the switches.
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 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.
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 ...
What are the problems with electric golf carts?
With frequent use, problems with the battery, tires, and other parts are extremely common.
How to prevent battery malfunction in golf cart?
To reduce the risk of battery malfunctions, do general maintenance on a regular basis by making sure your batteries are properly watered and free of corrosion. The most obvious sign of an issue with the batteries is when your golf cart doesn’t start. The first thing to do in this case is to fully charge your battery.
How to fix a flat tire that won't inflate?
If a flat tire refuses to inflate due to a leak, replace it. Begin by raising your car with car jack. Then, unscrew the lug nuts, and remove the tire and wheel rim. Then, replace the old tire with a new one.
Why is my golf cart not clicking?
When the solenoid isn’t working properly, you might stop hearing the clicking sound, and your cart might have intermittent issues starting. If your battery is working well and your car is having trouble starting, it might be time for a solenoid replacement. Properly maintaining your golf cart will help to ensure it’s in prime condition ...
What to do if your cart doesn't start?
The first thing to do in this case is to fully charge your battery. If after doing this, your cart still doesn’t start, then your battery is probably dead. Before changing the battery, take a look at the terminal cables to see if they’re the root cause of the problem by cleaning them and making sure they look alright.
What is a solenoid on a golf cart?
A solenoid is a cylindrical coil of wire responsible for carrying electric current to the motor. It’s not uncommon for this part to stop working because it has to work constantly when you use your golf cart.
How to find tire pressure?
To find the right pressure, check the air pressure rating in each tire’s rim. Then, with an air pump, inflate each tire to the appropriate pressure.
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.
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.
Do you need to replace a golf cart battery?
If you purchase a preowned electric golf cart, be sure to ask about the age of the battery before you buy. You may not need to replace your battery for a long time, but the older a golf cart is, the more prone it may be to corrosion.
Do electric golf carts run quietly?
They generally run more quietly than gasoline-powered golf carts and ATVs do, and keeping them moving is as simple as keeping up with preventative maintenance and maintaining a full charge. However, electric golf carts do have their share of unique concerns and potential issues that you'll want to keep an eye out for.
Check What Works
If your golf cart won't on, check what is and is not working. Attempt to turn your headlights (if applicable) on and off a few times. If the cart has a built-in GPS system, attempt to power it on manually. Finally, if the golf cart has an auxiliary port, attempt to plug-in something, such as a phone, to see if it takes a charge.
Battery Inspection
Have a pair of safety glasses and acid resistant gloves handy. Access your battery connections to see if any are loose, frayed, or corroded. Visually inspect each connection. If any appear significantly frayed or broken, you will need to replace the battery cable.
About the Author
Todd Mrowice is a Staff Writer for GolfLink. He has been writing about golf for over 10 years including a long tenure at GOLFChicago Magazine. Todd has covered all aspects of the game including travel, products, business, and professional tours.
Golf Cart Schematics
Golf cart schematics can be found in golf cart service or repair manuals as well as on line.
Golf Cart Repair FAQ
Golf cart repair FAQ will cover some basic, yet essential tips to keep your electric golf cart running.
Golf Cart Troubleshooting
Golf cart troubleshooting involves trying to identify the source of the problem. Often the best way to do this is to try to eliminate possible causes.
Golf Cart Repair Manuals
Golf cart manuals provide golf cart wiring diagrams, tips for maintaining your golf cart for optimal performance, repair instructions as well as trouble shooting for problems.
Golf Cart Battery Cables & Terminals
Intermittent power or no power at all to your golf cart can be caused by several different failures. But one possibility is that the golf cart battery cables and/or terminals have built up corrosion causing interruption to the flow of power to your batteries.
