How to Test a Golf Cart Motor
- Test the Source of Power. Before you check the motor itself, first test the source of the power: the wall socket where you charge it.
- Check the Batteries. After making sure the wall socket is working, it’s time to check if the batteries are the problem. ...
- Uncover the Motor. Finally, its time to check the motor itself. ...
- Detach the Wires. ...
- Check the Terminals. ...
Full Answer
How do I know if my electric golf cart is bad?
· 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. With the proper information, learning how to tell if your electric golf cart motor is bad isn’t hard.
What should I do if the motor on my golf cart fails?
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 …
How to test a golf cart motor for a short?
· If your motor has an S terminal instead of an F, then test the S-1 to the A-1 terminal to make sure there is no continuity. Then, test the S-2 terminal, to the A-1 terminal for no continuity. These continuity tests will help you determine where the problems with your motor lie.
What are the most common symptoms of a gas golf cart failure?
It ran 20 years ago but sat. I replaced battery, spark plug and dry rotted fuel lines. I can't get it to even make a sound when I try to start it. Not sure where to start. Please advise. Was this answer helpful? Yes No.
How to test golf cart motor?
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.
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 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 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.
Where is the motor located on a golf cart?
Finally, its time to check the motor itself. This will be located under a panel, usually at the back of the cart. This panel will be held on with four screws, so just make quick work of them with your screwdriver, and set everything aside in a safe place on a towel.
How to check if a battery is working?
Insert the screwdriver into the slot on a clamp and turn counterclockwise to remove it. Repeat this step with the other clamp. Then, test the voltage of the battery by touching each side of the wires to your 12-volt tester. This needs to be done to check all the batteries, as even one not working can cause your motor to malfunction. Don’t forget to remove the clamps before testing the other batteries as well. If at any time the tester shows less than 12 volts, the batteries need to be replaced.
Do golf carts need to be tested?
Owning a golf cart requires a lot of care, including constantly testing the motor. Early detection and troubleshooting motor problems can save you from spending a lot on repairs. So, if you come across problems, confirm that the motor is functioning properly by following the steps below.
How to reset a golf cart?
Use a screwdriver to locate and expose the motor. It may have a small red reset button near the main power supply. Press this button and reassemble your cart. Connect the golf cart to the charger unit and recharge the batteries. Attempt to operate the golf cart again.
How to check if a cart battery is depleted?
Test each battery with a voltmeter to see if it is depleted. With some models, the cart draws a small amount of electricity even when it’s not running. Over several months, this can completely discharge the battery. Modern chargers must detect a minimum voltage to initiate the recharge sequence. Leaving the cart unplugged for a long time can cause the battery voltage to fall below this level.
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.
What does a golf cart solenoid sound like?
The solenoid should make a clicking sound when you turn the key to start the golf cart. If the solenoid doesn’t work and the battery is full, replace it.
How to clean corrosion from a battery?
The batteries contain acid, so wear protective gear and avoid spills. Clean corrosion from the terminals by brushing with a solution of baking soda and water. Check the cables for broken or frayed wires. Extend the life of the batteries by recharging them fully after every use.
Can you adjust the torque strapping on a cart?
Some carts allow you to adjust the torque strapping the batteries in place; keep this within the manufacturer’s specifications to prevent vibration. Vibrations during movement can cause internal damage to batteries.
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.
Strut is leaking oil or shows physical damage
Most of the time if a strut is going bad it is because a seal holding the fluid (usually oil) in the shock starts to get old and starts to let the oil escape. This can often be discovered by a simple inspection of the shock. If it appears to be oily, wet or caked with dust and dirt, it is likely that the shock is leaking and needs to be replaced.
Golf cart is experiencing excessive body roll
Excessive body rolling is another indication of a strut going bad. This test can be performed by driving the golf car then turning the steering wheel so that the golf cart is tracing out an “S” pattern.
Bonus tip
If none of these tests or inspections reveal that your shock is bad, you may want to inspect the shock bushings. These are the rubber or plastic bushings at the ends of the shocks and also found where the leaf springs are bolted to the spring plates or brackets.
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.
Why won't my golf cart turn over?
For a gas golf cart, the most common symptom is the starter failing to engage, so the engine doesn't turn over. Starters have the responsibility of activating the flywheel. When the flywheel starts to work, the starter is supposed to disconnect.
How to tell if golf cart solenoid is bad?
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. If the cart does not start, there is a big possibility ...
What is a solenoid in golf carts?
Simply put, a solenoid is a device that can transform electrical energy into mechanical energy. It's a coil of wire which is used as an electromagnet. The solenoid has the capability of creating a magnetic field with the help of an electric current. Solenoids work as the “go switch”, which is a must for any golf cart.
How to tell if solenoid is working?
Step on the gas and try to listen to the sound of clicking. If you hear the clicking sound, look for a reading of fewer than 0.4 ohms. If you get a higher reading, the solenoid is not working and needs to be replaced.
Can you test solenoids in a golf cart?
Testing bad solenoids in a golf cart is relatively simple, especially for Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts.
How to check voltage on golf cart?
Ensure that the 3-pin plug from the sensor is connected and place a wire-piercing probe on the output green wire. Lift one wheel of the golf cart and turn it one full rotation with your hand. The voltage reading should change from 0V to 5V 24 times for one full revolution.
Why does my golf cart stutter?
Your golf cart may move very slowly as if it’s creeping along or it may move at an erratic speed. You may experience stuttering in your golf cart like when you have a bad battery or there is a low voltage problem. A broken or damaged magnet on the motor can result in a bad speed sensor.
How to test a speed sensor on a golf cart?
Two methods of testing your speed sensor are the following: Activate the Run/Tow switch of the golf cart by keeping it in Run position and try to push the cart.
What is a golf cart speed sensor?
A golf cart speed sensor interprets the rpm of the motor and passes on this detail to a speed controller present in the golf cart. This helps to keep control over several motor functions including roll-away protection and regenerative braking.
What type of motor does a golf cart use?
A golf cart uses either an AC or a DC motor. DC wound motors don’t incorporate golf cart speed motors because they don’t have many features such as roll-away protection and regenerative braking.
Why do golf carts roll off?
Roll-away protection is essential for the safety of the golf cart. If the parking brake is not activated, the golf cart tends to roll off when it is in a neutral position and stopped in an incline.
How to check battery voltage?
Connect the positive and negative probes of a voltmeter to the corresponding battery terminals and note down the battery voltage.
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.
