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 Your Electric Golf Cart Motor
- Check Batteries. Test each battery with a voltmeter to see if it is depleted. ...
- Listen for Solenoid. The solenoid should make a clicking sound when you turn the key to start the golf cart. ...
- Inspect Charger. Test the outlet the charger is plugged into and examine the charger connections. ...
- Inspect Potentiometer. ...
- Reset Motor. ...
What are the most common problems with electric golf carts?
- Headlights start to dim
- Power surges and declines while LSV is in operation
- Trouble starting the golf cart
- Average charge duration starts to shrink
What can go wrong in an electric golf cart?
Why your EZGO golf cart stops suddenly?
- Diagnostic mode: Try out the Diagnostic mode in the golf cart. ...
- Voltage readings: Check out the voltages that are being recorded by the batteries. ...
- Low voltage: The low voltage levels may also cause excess amperage which may end up in the controls to return to thermal cut.
Why did my electric golf cart stop working?
If you're lucky, the problem could be as simple as a loose wire or a broken coil. In some cases, corrosion can also be a factor. If you suspect a faulty solenoid, your best bet is to take your cart to a repair shop. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and replace the solenoid if necessary.
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 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 working?
As the main source of power to your electric golf cart, the batteries are commonly the cause for why your electric golf cart won't start. Acid-based batteries are typically used for electric golf carts and must be recharged in order to work properly.
Where is the reset button on an electric 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.
Is there a reset button on an electric golf cart?
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.
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.
Why won't my golf cart go forward or reverse?
The problem could be with either the Run/Tow switch or Forward/Reverse switch or both. Check the switches to ensure that they aren't stuck midway. If they are, getting them released should help. However, if they show signs of wear and tear, you must get them replaced.
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 would cause a golf cart not to charge?
If your batteries aren't hooked up correctly, or the connections between them are weak or frayed, this can quickly lead to a loss of power and cause your charger to fail. Make sure you check each battery terminal for corrosion; any buildup will impede the flow of electricity, and could likewise cause problems.
How do you test an electric golf 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 I know if my 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 do you troubleshoot an EZ Go golf cart?
Things to Keep in Mind Before TroubleshootingEZGO golf cart batteries aren't perfect right away.Sticky accelerators are perfectly normal and can be fixed easily.Keep your cart stable.Make sure your charging wall socket isn't faulty.Keep your tire pressure stable.Troubleshooting the speed controller.
How do you troubleshoot a gas golf cart?
InstructionsCheck the gas tank to make sure there is enough fuel for operation. ... Remove the oil dipstick and check that the oil level is at or just above the add or fill maker. ... Inspect the battery of the golf cart. ... Examine the wiring and switches. ... Remove the air filter from the engine to access the carburetor.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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?
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 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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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.
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.
How to replace battery in golf cart?
Since nearly all golf carts are electric, the battery often runs down and when empty the cart will not function at all. Remove the battery by disconnecting the cables to the battery terminals. Wearing gloves, remove the battery and replace it with a fresh one.
Why are my golf cart batteries dead?
Keep your golf cart in good running condition with a little know-how. Golf carts frequently become damaged because of overuse, improper use or a lack of maintenance. The latter often results in dead batteries, which can be fixed rather simply.
How to clean a cart battery?
If the cart still does not function with a fresh battery installed (one you are certain is fully charged), remove the battery cables and clean them by brushing with a wire brush. Inspect the battery case for leaks, cracks or damage. If the casing is cracked, a fresh battery needs to be installed.
How to fix a flat tire?
To fix a flat tire, first attempt to inflate the tire with an electric air pump. Listen for hissing sounds (air being released) and see if the tire remains inflated. If not, jack up the golf cart on a car jack. Remove the lug nuts that secure the tire to the axle and remove the entire wheel rim and tire. Replace the complete wheel rim and tire ...
