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. ...
How to fix a golf cart battery that won’t start?
Start checking the battery by twisting the battery connector back and forth and then try and start the golf cart. If the golf cart almost starts or starts successfully then it’s highly likely that the battery terminals are corroded.
Can You troubleshoot an electric golf cart on your own?
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. There are a few simple problems that you can fix yourself that will not necessitate professional maintenance.
What to do if your golf cart 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.
How do you charge a golf cart battery?
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.
What happens if your golf cart battery fails?
Why is my golf cart battery failing?
How to clean corroded battery posts?
How does a battery work?
Why is my battery puddled?
How long do batteries last?
What happens when hydrogen gas is released from a battery?
See more
What would cause an electric golf cart not to move?
Solenoid Wear 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.
What do you do if your golf cart won't move?
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.
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.
What does it mean when a cart doesnt move?
Battery is Dead That's because battery failure is the most common cause of golf cart operational issues. The battery may be strong enough to “click” the starter but may not be enough to provide power for the rest of your travel. Place your battery on a charger for an appropriate time and remove it.
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. If it starts up then you're in luck!
Why won't my ezgo golf cart go forward or reverse?
For example, if your run/tow switch has malfunctioned, your cart won't go forward or backward. This switch is designed to change your cart's operating mode from normal operation to increased power for towing. Check the switch to make sure that it isn't “stuck” between the two modes.
Why is my electric golf cart making a clicking noise?
Golf Cart Making Clicking Noise Typically, a clicking noise on a golf cart suggests that wheels drums may be touching the sides of the vehicle. You may also hear a click sound if your car has lost any bolts that are wiggling in place as you ride your cart.
Why is my golf cart solenoid clicking?
Solenoid Cable and Coil Damage Issues As we mentioned previously, the solenoid is often the most common cause of a click in a Club Car golf cart. It's not necessarily that their solenoids are less durable or reliable than those of other manufacturers, as such.
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.
Why is my cart not hitting on my battery?
Inspect the battery contact; it may be clogged or coated. If this occurs, wipe the contact portion with a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol, let the terminal dry, reconnect your cartridge to the battery and try it again. Do NOT overtighten your cartridge. Make sure your battery is turned on and fully charged.
Why does my cart not pull?
One of the most common reasons for a cartridge to stop pulling is due to the oil being too thick. This may cause the holes in the cartridge to become clogged and make it hard to pull. In the event that this happens, first, check if your cartridge is glass or plastic.
How do you troubleshoot an electric 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.
7 Signs You Need to Replace Bad Golf Cart Batteries
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.
Most Common Golf Cart Problems and Simple Repair Tips
Whether you own an electric or gas golf cart, it’s going to face some technical issues down the road. With frequent use, problems with the battery, tires, and other parts are extremely common.
My electric golf cart will not go uphill and losses power quickly.
@satterfield you want to go ahead and load test the batteries to see their real condition. Your batteries may have the proper voltage and may not hold a charge under load. Even one bad battery can affect the performance of your cart. You should also check the voltage drop while driving uphill.... - Golf Cart
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 ...
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.
Why won't my golf cart move?
A Club Car golf cart will not move if power from the battery pack is not reaching the motor. Faulty parts such as the solenoid, OBC and wiring can also cause a golf cart to not move.
How many batteries are in a golf cart?
Batteries: Some golf cart batteries are designed and structured in such a way that in a pack containing six batteries, #1, #2 and #3 will service the forward movement of the cart and #4, #5, #6 take over when the cart is reversed. So, if one of the batteries were to fail then the movement in that direction will be curtailed.
How to know if a cart 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.
How to check if a controller is corroded?
To check the controller, these are the steps: You will need a digital voltmeter (DVM) to check the 16-pin connector at the controller. Lift one wheel of the cart on a jack. The black probe from the DVM should be on the pack negative post.
What happens if one of the batteries fails?
So, if one of the batteries were to fail then the movement in that direction will be curtailed. Checking individual batteries is very important to avoid such a situation. Controller: The design and functioning of the controller are similarly divided into forward and reverse movements of the golf cart.
What to do if you don't get readings on golf cart?
If you are not getting these readings, change your batteries. You must keep in mind that there are differences between the various models of golf carts. Each model may have a different component and you have to be careful while handling them. Wrong handling can cause problems and the golf cart can get damaged.
Where is the Delphi fuse holder on a 2010 Club Car?
For this, the first place you must check is the main fuse. In the 2010 Club Car Precedent, the Delphi fuse holder is located near the solenoid. There are standard operating procedures to be followed while working on your golf cart. The Run/Tow switch must be on Tow and preferably you should disconnect the batteries.
How to troubleshoot a golf cart battery charger?
If your batteries get too low, you could be stranded. To avoid this, you have to ensure that your battery charger is working correctly. If your battery charger ever fails, ...
Why is my golf cart not charging?
If your batteries are carrying a minimal load, and your charger will still not charge them, it may be because your golf cart’s onboard computer is confused about how much charge they are currently carrying.
Why does my charger fail?
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 many volts does a battery charger need to charge?
When your charger can’t tell that your batteries are hooked up, it often won’t even turn on. A base charge of 25-30 volts is usually sufficient to wake up your charger and begin charging. To get around this problem, specific chargers offer modes that keep your batteries charged even when you’re not using them.
What to do if battery charger fails?
You can’t address every problem with a simple DIY repair, but a sound diagnosis can save hours of frustration. In many cases, the solution is simple, and you’ll be able to handle it with minimal expense.
Why won't my battery turn on?
Make Sure the Batteries have Some Charge. In the scenario that it doesn’t turn on, it might mean you waited too long to recharge them, and now the charge that they currently carry is too low for the charger to detect them. When your charger can’t tell that your batteries are hooked up, it often won’t even turn on.
What to do if battery is stuck at no charge?
However, if you’re stuck at no charge, a small, manual charger should provide each battery with enough juice to activate your regular charger.
How to reset a golf cart motor?
Reset the motor. Remove a panel in the rear of the golf cart using a screwdriver. When the motor is exposed, search for a small red button. Most often, the button is located where the wires enter the motor. If the button is sticking out, push it back in.
What to do if battery terminals are dirty?
If the terminals are dirty, purchase a battery terminal cleaner spray and use it on the terminals then try to start the motor. The cleaner spray is available at auto retail shops and in most automotive sections of chain retail stores.
How to check if golf cart battery is corroded?
Also, make sure the golf cart is turned off. Start checking the battery by twisting the battery connector back and forth and then try and start the golf cart. If the golf cart almost starts or starts successfully then it’s highly likely that the battery terminals are corroded.
Why is my golf cart ignitor failing?
The most common reason for a failed ignitor is a bad voltage regulator. Therefore, when you replace or fix the ignitor on your golf cart, make sure you also check the voltage regulator and see if it needs to be replaced. There have also been cases where the battery has switch polarity for some reason.
Why won't my EZGO golf cart start?
EZGO golf carts may not start due to a transmission problem, corroded battery terminals or a faulty wiring coming from the ignition. Transmission Problem For safety reasons, many EZGO golf carts won’t start if its transmission is not in the Park position. Check and make sure the gear is in the Park position.
What to do if replacing ignition wire doesn't work?
To check the continuity of the ignition wire you’ll need to use an ohmmeter or a continuity tester. To do this, set the switch to off and set your ohmmeter to X1.
Why does my golf cart make a clicking noise?
When you press your golf cart pedal you should hear a clicking noise, if you don’t hear a clicking noise there might be a problem with the solenoid. To make sure your solenoid is functioning properly check it with a voltmeter. If you hear a click then you need to check its power with the voltmeter.
Why won't my EZGO RXV move?
Brake Problems: Many times the reason your RXV won’t move is because of brake problems. The RXV is designed to be disabled when there is a problem with the break. Many times, the wiring that connects the brakes to the controller gets loose or is damaged. This can disable your EZGO RXV.
Why is my Ezgo golf cart not moving?
The reason for a EZGO golf cart having no power can be due to a battery that has drained, the spark plug not working, or snapped electrical cables. The battery is draining- It is one of the most common causes of the Ezgo golf cart having no power to move. Every battery has a life.
How to check if a battery is running?
First, check the battery with a voltmeter. If the readings in the voltmeter are ok, then the battery is running without any fault. Now check the electrical wires for loose contact, snaps, and any blown-out fuse. Many times the spark plug gives problems, and cleaning or replacing is necessary.
Why is my EZGO key switch not working?
EZGO has no power to key switch. The problem of EZGO having no power to the key switch may be due to worn out wires or loose contact. Checking the wiring to the key switch as well as to the battery can solve the problem. Also, check for any blown out fuses and replacing them if any can get rid of the problem.
Why does my EZGO controller not have power?
If the EZGO has no power to the solenoid, it may be due to burning of the solenoid output ends of the controller. Sometimes the outputs burn due to short-circuit or any electrical malfunctions. Replacing the solenoid in this type of case is best. Replacing solves the problems in maximum occasions.
Why does my EZGO PDS battery drain?
Some damage cells in the battery don’t give enough power. Again, a problem in the ignition key or any electrical short-circuits or always running the EZGO PDS at high speed can drain the battery. Playing music system at high volume also drains the battery. If all of these are ok, then it is the battery problem.
Why does my EZGO RXV lose power?
The main reason for the EZGO RXV losing power is a weak battery. If the battery is old or has some dead and dry cells, the battery drains fast. Again if the battery terminals are loose or there is a short circuit in the electrical wiring, the battery loses power.
Why is my EZGO TXT not getting power?
The EZGO TXT does not get power and move for various reasons. It runs at 36 volts. If the battery malfunctions or is too old , the motor of the cart will not get enough power and run. Changing the controller can also solve the problem, and the cart can run with full power.
What happens if your golf cart battery fails?
Obviously, for electric golf carts, the battery is what provides power to your motor. If your batteries start to quit on you, the golf cart won’t move, or will drastically decrease in range. With a gas motor, the battery is what starts the motor and keeps it running by providing electricity to the spark plugs. Without it, your motor won’t crank.
Why is my golf cart battery failing?
The most common thing that leads to early golf cart battery failure is corrosion. The problem goes deeper, too. It will ruin your cables, terminals, and even cause damage to battery trays and tie downs. Replacing a whole battery cable can be costly and difficult, so it’s best to avoid that problem.
How to clean corroded battery posts?
Undo the terminals from the battery posts and soak the corroded area in the cleaner or baking soda solution for about 5 or so minutes, then put on some gloves, grab your wire brush, and keep scrubbing until it’s all gone. Repeat as necessary, then rinse with a lot of water.
How does a battery work?
Your battery works by having two metals, a cathode and anode, react to each other to create chemical energy that we harness as electrical energy. With wet cell lead-acid batteries, these metals are kept in a liquid electrolyte, a liquid solution comprised of pure water and hydrosulphuric acid mixed to a set specific gravity. Other types of batteries typically use a gel, mat, or solid electrolyte to perform the same function. For the purpose of this topic however, the only battery we’ll be discussing is the traditional lead-acid battery, as this is the only type of battery for which you will have to worry about electrolyte levels.
Why is my battery puddled?
If your battery gets dirty, muddy, grimy, or anything else, make sure to clean that off too. These things can cause extra resistance in your electrical system, putting an unnecessary drain on your battery and shortening its life.
How long do batteries last?
All joking aside, every battery is different, but most properly maintained batteries will last about 4 to 6 years depending on usage, charge cycle, and a bunch of uncontrollable variables. Lead acid batteries will require a lot of maintenance to do so, however.
What happens when hydrogen gas is released from a battery?
Look for corrosion often, and neutralize it immediately. It’s a long and never ending war, but your wallet will thank you. Corrosion happens when hydrogen gases, released from your battery, mix with other chemicals and gasses in the atmosphere, and then bond to the metals of cables, terminals, and battery posts.