how to troubleshoot an electric golf cart

^{How to Troubleshoot an Electric Golf Cart}

1. Test the wall socket where you charge your cart. Every golf cart has a built-in charger that connects to a wall socket.
2. Expose your golf cart batteries. If you are getting power to the charger, it's time to check the batteries.
3. Test the batteries for voltage. Every battery will have two clamps with two cables attached. ...
4. Replace dead batteries. If a battery shows less than 12 volts, leave the clamp off and then lift it out of the golf cart.
5. Expose the motor for inspection. Located under a panel at the back of your golf cart will be the electric motor.
Reset the motor. When you pull the panel off you will see the electric motor. ...
Test the cart. When the reset button has been pushed it, turn the cart on and gently push on the power pedal.

Full Answer

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

Why is my golf cart Charger not working?

• Inspect the condition of the charger, wire, and battery level prior to the recharge session
• Replace damaged or malfunctioning components as soon as possible
• Recharge the used golf cart battery when the unit still has energy left
• Confirm the components are functioning as intended before walking away

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How to troubleshoot your golf cart battery charger?

Testing a battery

• Gas golf cart checklist
• Electric golf cart checklist. If all of these relatively easy to check and replace parts are fine, then it’s time to dig into the wonderful world of battery testing.
• Testing the battery pack as a unit. ...
• Isolating each battery. ...
• Test each individual battery. ...
• But all my batteries passed!!! ...

How to repair golf cart?

• Gas and Electric Carts repair-Golf, ATV, utility cart, LSV (low-speed vehicle), utility vehicle essential service
• Batteries – service and battery replacement-clean battery connections and check the water level
• A variety of battery replacements instead of locking you into one brand.
• 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines parts and replacement

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How do you reset an electric golf cart?

Identify your main battery supply (usually the largest battery) on your motor. Check around this supply for a small red button that may or may not be labeled “Reset”. Press and hold this button for a few moments and then release it to reset the motor.

How do you check electric problems on a 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.

Why electric golf carts stop 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 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.

Where is the reset button on 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. If it starts up then you're in luck!

How do I know if my golf cart controller is bad?

X Common Symptoms of Controller FailureTop Speeds Not Appropriate for Your Cart. Golf carts are designed to reach pretty specific speeds and to not go over them or beneath them. ... Sudden and Unexpected Slowing. ... Shuttering or Shaky Driving. ... Stalling Out and Refusing to Start. ... Surges in Speed When Driving.

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.

What causes a golf cart to suddenly stop?

If the connections from the solenoid have become loose or if there is some other loose contact, the cart might behave in this manner. It can also be caused by a faulty motor or a faulty key switch. If the micro-switch is faulty, it can also cause the cart to suddenly stop midway.

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.

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 test a golf cart controller?

The simplest test to ascertain your golf cart controller's performance is to to watch whether it runs when the batteries are fully charged with a slight push of the pedal. If you hear a distinct clicking noise, then your golf cart is running correctly.

How do you test forward and reverse switch?

Place your foot on the car's brake, insert the key, and put the forward-reverse key in the forward position. If you see that the solenoid charges up pushing the pedal, then your forward reverse switch is working fine.

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 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.

What causes a golf cart not to start?

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.

How do you test a electric golf cart solenoid?

Turn on the engine of the cart and press the pedal downwards. If you hear a clicking sound, then it means that the low side voltage is working. But, if there is no such sound, it means that either there is no low side voltage or there is a problem with the solenoid. Use a voltmeter and engage the solenoid.

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.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.

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 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 does a potentiometer work?

The potentiometer works as a communicator and tells the speed controller how much voltage it has to consume. The more voltage means the more speed and vice versa (Check out our resource on golf cart speed ).

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.

What is a speed controller?

Speed Controller. The speed controller manages the speed of the golf cart. There are some situations when the speed controller fails, but the cart will still start and move ahead. But, as it runs for a while, it will start malfunctioning.

Golf Cart Troubleshooting - Electric Golf Cart Repair FAQ

3. Golf Cart Troubleshooting - Solenoid. Electric golf cart repair is where I have had my experience since I have owned, regularly used and repaired my electric golf cart since 1995. Some of the more common repair questions usually involve the batteries, golf cart battery wiring, cleaning up corrosion, the starter and the … More ›

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! Electric golf cart batteries need to be charged and have water added regularly.

How to Repair Electrical Problems on an E-Z-GO Golf Cart ..

Common problems experienced by cart owners range from the golf cart not starting to the cart losing speed when going uphill. Before spending money on a mechanic, see if you can repair the problem yourself. This guide covers some common troubleshooting tips to pinpoint your cart's electrical problems. More ›

Repair and Service Guides - EZGO Golf Cart Guide

The aim of these Repair and Service Guides is to give you guideline instructions and schematics for the range of preventative and corrective maintenance you need to perform on your EZ GO Golf Cart. EZGO carts are simple vehicles with basic replacement parts.

E-Z-Go Golf Cart Service Manuals PDF Download

"Service Manual" is a generic term we use to describe Repair Manuals, Technical Manuals, Workshop Manuals, Shop Manuals, etc. Customer Service. Customer Support View My Cart ... 1996 E-Z-Go 4 Caddy Electric Golf Cart Service Manual; 1996 E-Z-Go Workhorse 1500G Gas HD Truck Service Parts Manual. More ›

How to Repair an E-Z-GO Speed Controller

Every EZ-GO golf cart comes equipped with one of two kinds of speed controllers, a precision drive system or a drive control system. All modern golf carts (Including any cart that is sold by Garrett’s) use the precision drive system or PDS, whereas older carts made before 1994 will use a drive control system. More ›

Electric Golf Cart Repair Solutions and Troubleshooting ..

Jul 30, 2020 - Common electric golf cart repair problems can often be fixed by the golf cart owner. Addressing the common performance and failures of an electric golf cart including golf cart performance parts and golf cart repair FAQ may help you troubleshoot performance of your own cart. #golfcartrepair.

Why won't my golf cart start?

Like any other electric vehicle, the batteries are mainly at the root of why your cart won't start. After all, they are the primary source of power for your electric golf cart. If your cart is not working, this is the first place to check. Generally, lead acid-based batteries are used for electric golf carts, and you must recharge them regularly so that they function correctly.

What is a direction switch on a golf cart?

The direction switch or forward/reverse switch controls whether the golf cart moves forward or backward. This switch is one of the most used parts in a golf cart, which means it will be subject to wear and tear. You'll find what the issue is if the switch is acting up. There is a big chance that it will need to be replaced. Again, it's best to choose a mechanic for repair.

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 ...

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 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.

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.

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.

What are the problems with electric golf carts?

With frequent use, problems with the battery, tires, and other parts are extremely common.

What are the problems with electric golf carts?

These carts can start to show signs of wear and may fail just like any other vehicle over time. Learn about some of the more common issues associated with electric golf carts. 1. Solenoid Wear. The solenoid is the primary electrical switch in your golf cart and is designed to ensure the current from the battery flows into the motor. ...

What is the controller on a golf cart?

An electric golf carts' controller is known as the heart of the operation and closely resembles and operates much like the motherboard in a computer. So a problem with the controller will have rippling effects throughout the cart. A common function of the speed controller is to control the speed of the golf cart.

Why does my gas cart not work?

When you press down on the gas pedal and hear a tapping-like sound, this is the sound of the solenoid activating. 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.

Why do electric golf carts fail?

These carts can start to show signs of wear and may fail just like any other vehicle over time.

What happens if your cart doesn't move?

If the cart doesn't move in either direction, both switches have failed. Diagnosing a problem with the direction switches isn't a complicated matter, but repairing the switch is more complex, especially if the switches are built into the speed controller.

How does a solenoid work?

Each time the solenoid activates as you press down on the gas pedal, the solenoid compounds down onto a thin metal contact plate. Over time, the force of this pressure creates tiny electric arcs on the plates' surface. These arcs eventually create a resistance that prevents the current from properly flowing.

Why won't my sped controller accelerate?

Problems with the sped controller occur for a variety of reasons, but most often the cause is degradation due to age or lack of use.