How To Tell If Your Electric Golf Cart Motor Is Bad.
- 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 ...
- Check the Solenoid.
- Examine the Potentiometer.
- Check the Motor Itself.
How do I know if my electric golf cart is bad?
May 14, 2021 · 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. Before resetting or replacing the motor, there are a few other parts you should check. Here’s how to tell if your electric golf cart motor is bad or if the problem has another source.
How to fix a golf cart that won’t turn on?
How To Test Golf Cart Motors. 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, you can test …
How do I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?
Mar 22, 2021 · 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.
How do you test a golf cart motor without removing it?
Jun 26, 2018 · First, turn on the ignition while looking for a reading on the smaller terminals. If nothing is appearing, then press on the accelerator. If the needle doesn’t move, then the problem is not with the solenoid. If it jumps and displays full voltage, then the solenoid is the problem and should be replaced with a new one.
How do you test a golf cart motor series?
0:533:48How to test, wire and run a Series Wound motor! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe only way you can make this motor spin the other direction is to disconnect the way you have itMoreThe only way you can make this motor spin the other direction is to disconnect the way you have it in series. Like this and now if you're to put power to here and here it would spin the other.
How do you test a golf cart electric motor?
0:251:28Testing an electric golf cart motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI don't have any batteries in this thing so I'm just going to use my 12 volt jump box that shouldn'tMoreI don't have any batteries in this thing so I'm just going to use my 12 volt jump box that shouldn't be a problem positive going to a2. And now I'm going to connect. Negative 2 a1.
How do you troubleshoot an electric golf cart motor?
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.
Do golf cart motors go bad?
2. 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 do I reset my electric golf cart 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.Feb 12, 2018
How do you test a 48 volt golf cart motor?
3:3037:53Club Car 48 Volt Powerdrive Testing 1995-2013 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your vom set at DC volts place the red positive probe on the positive terminal of batteryMoreWith your vom set at DC volts place the red positive probe on the positive terminal of battery number 1 and the black negative probe on the negative terminal of battery number.
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.
What causes an electric golf cart to lose power?
For example, you must make sure that your batteries are fully connected to ensure that they are able to send power. If their connections are loose, the power flow may not be properly connected and may cause your cart to sputter and drive poorly as it rides, losing power and stopping sporadically during each trip.
How do you fix a golf cart that won't move?
Reconnect or tighten any wires on your MCOR connection which may have worked loose—doing so may be enough to get your cart to start turning over. Look for any damage to wires on your MCOR connection—this damage can occur over time and may cause your cart to fail to turn over. Replace any damaged components or wires.
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.Mar 13, 2018
How long do golf carts usually last?
For example, some experts estimate that the average golf cart has a useful life range of about 5-7 years. That said, golf carts can still be used for 10 years or more depending on how well they are maintained and how much money a buyer wants to put into their vehicle.
Where is the reset button on golf cart motor?
Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button.Jan 20, 2011
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.
What is a series motor?
A series motor has field and armature windings that have the power fed to them from the same source, either in series or parallel. A SePex motor, as the name indicates, is a motor that has a separately excited field and armature windings. These two motor functions are sent to the PDS or DCS giving greater control over the motor.
How to save money on a golf cart?
By locating a problem yourself, you can save some money on an expensive repairman’s time. Keep a few simple tools stored on your golf cart so you can test and make repairs anywhere. If a part breaks, and you have a little extra time and an internet connection, you can save even more by replacing the part yourself.
What happens if your solenoid is not working?
If your solenoid is working and the cart still isn’t going, there is one last part to check before you reset the entire motor. You may have never come across the potentiometer before, but it is an important part to keep your golf cart going. It sends an electrical signal to the speed controller from the accelerator pedal, indicating the pedal’s position.
How to clean corroded battery terminals?
Replace depleted water only with distilled water. If any of your battery terminals are dirty and corroded, use a solution of baking soda and water with a stiff brush to clean them up for better contact.
How does a solenoid work?
The solenoid allows electricity to flow from your batteries to the electric motor. It usually makes a clicking noise when you turn the key to the “on” position. It is engaged each time you turn on the cart and every time you step on the accelerator or the brake, so it is a part that can wear out quickly. If you’re unsure if it is working, it is simple to test.
Do you need to restart an electric golf cart?
Just like many other electronics, an electric golf cart motor sometimes just needs to be restarted to clear the cobwebs. If you’ve checked and double-checked all of the parts mentioned above, and the cart still isn’t moving, you’ll want to reset the motor.
How many terminals are on a solenoid?
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. Be sure to keep the wires together, but not touching, for easy replacement.
Is it awkward to have a golf cart break down?
It is doubly awkward if it breaks down when you are out away from home. Instead of immediately calling the repairman and paying those exorbitant prices, there are a few things that are quick and easy to check for yourself. So, grab your screwdriver and multimeter, and you will have the problem tracked down in no time.
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.
Can you drive an electric golf cart with a bad solenoid?
If you drive an electric golf cart, you may deal with fewer symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart. That doesn't mean that you won't ever run into any problems.
What does it mean when a golf cart starts and doesn't turn over?
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. On an electric golf cart, the most common symptom is the solenoid is not delivering electricity to the controller when the vehicle’s ignition is turned on.
What is a solenoid on a golf cart?
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 that piggybacks on the starter … as that smaller motor contains a wire coiled many times around a metal bar. For a gas golf cart, the function ...
What happens when you turn the ignition key?
When you turn the ignition key, a small amount of electricity goes to the solenoid. The solenoid uses that small amount of juice to close two heavy-duty contacts that allows a large jolt of electricity to pass through the starter. The solenoid also sends a pinion gear forward, which is the device the starter uses to turn over the flywheel.
Why won't my solenoid click?
The solenoid might not be getting enough electricity to do its work – which could be caused by loose connections, a weak battery or the coil wearing out.
What is a golf cart potentiometer?
Inspect Potentiometer. The potentiometer is a small switch that controls the speed of the golf cart. Make sure that the potentiometer is not cracked and that the connections are secure.
Why does my motor not spin?
If the motor does not spin, it might be burnt-out. Motor burn-out can result from excessive resistance from weight, grade, or poor traction. Uninstall the motor and inspect it for damaged bearings, field coils, or worn brushes. These parts can be replaced with right tools and some patience.
How do batteries lose their capacity?
Batteries will also lose their capacity with age. Check the level of water and electrolytes. There should be enough water to cover the conductive plates, but not enough to fill the battery all the way to the cap. The batteries contain acid, so wear protective gear and avoid spills.
Can you reset an electric golf cart?
The motor is the last in a series of components that could fail. After determining that the cart’s batteries and charger are working properly, you can reset the motor to see if it runs. You must replace the motor if it has burnt out.
Why does my golf cart beep?
This is because of a speed sensor failure.
What is regenerative braking?
This will help you to get control over the cart before it crashes. Regenerative braking is a process that causes the golf cart motor to act as a generator. This helps in setting the speed of the cart to a preset rpm. Moreover, the power generated as a result of this can help in recharging the golf cart batteries.
What are the settings on the M3?
The variable settings on the M3 allow a player to adjust the loft, lie, and face angles of the club, as well as create a variable fade or draw bias. Which can correct many swing or hit issues...
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.
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.
Check The Batteries
Inspect The Charger and Test The Wall Socket
- After you’ve verified your battery is in working order, it’s time to move on to the charging process. First, inspect all of the wires in your charger. If there are any loose connections or corrosion, this may be the issue. Clean it up and repair any damaged connections. If your charging cord is often tightly coiled or bent, it is possible that a wire broke somewhere inside the cable. You may be abl…
Listen For The Solenoid
- With the batteries and charging checked off of your list, the solenoid should be your next point of interest. The solenoid allows electricity to flow from your batteries to the electric motor. It usually makes a clicking noise when you turn the key to the “on” position. It is engaged each time you turn on the cart and every time you step on the accelerator or the brake, so it is a part that can wear o…
Examine The Potentiometer
- If your solenoid is working and the cart still isn’t going, there is one last part to check before you reset the entire motor. You may have never come across the potentiometer before, but it is an important part to keep your golf cart going. It sends an electrical signal to the speed controller from the accelerator pedal, indicating the pedal’s pos...
Reset The Motor
- Just like many other electronics, an electric golf cart motor sometimes just needs to be restarted to clear the cobwebs. If you’ve checked and double-checked all of the parts mentioned above, and the cart still isn’t moving, you’ll want to reset the motor. t’s simple to do – just a press of a button. The reset button acts as a mini circuit breaker for the motor, so it will correct any minor errors. E…
Precautions
- Before you begin diagnosing your electric golf cart, there are a couple safety precautions to keep in mind. Always have the manual handy to help you find and identify the parts you want to test. When testing the batteries on a wall socket, make sure you know how to properly use your multimeter. If it is an adjustable meter, make sure it is set to the correct measurement type and t…
Conclusion
- By locating a problem yourself, you can save some money on an expensive repairman’s time. Keep a few simple tools stored on your golf cart so you can test and make repairs anywhere. If a part breaks, and you have a little extra time and an internet connection, you can save even more by replacing the part yourself. Find a reputable dealer online that carries the parts for the make a…