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my golf cart runs with batteries and jerks when i first start up, any answers

by Dr. Lester Dibbert Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

Check Battery Terminal connections The most common reason for your golf cart jerking is often the battery terminal connections are loose and/or corroded. A poor connection prevents the correct amount of current from flowing through the set of batteries to your speed controller (or resistor coil), and ultimately to your electric motor.

Full Answer

Why does my golf cart Jerk when I drive?

If your golf cart is jerking, it’s most likely the battery. However, if you’ve ruled that out and are still experiencing this problem, there may be other issues to consider. Check the connections, solenoid, speed controller, and alignment of the cart.

How to start a golf cart with a bad ignition?

Find the ignition wire on your golf cart. This runs from your ignition switch to the starter solenoid. Check this over for corrosion on either end and make sure you’ve got a tight connection. If the connections use a spade lug, pull the connection loose, wipe off the terminal, and plug it back in again. Try to start the cart now.

When is it time to replace my golf cart battery?

When your electrical golf cart is losing power too soon or shuttering on start, or when your gas powered golf cart is slow cranking or not starting at all, it may be time to consider a new battery. When your golf cart starts to show symptoms of battery failure, it’s important to do some testing before buying a whole new set of batteries.

Why won’t my electric golf cart start?

There are many different reasons why an electric golf cart won't start. Depending on the issue, the right parts, and a bit of work, you can fix it quickly on your own in no time. However, the best way is to reduce any chances of problems by performing regular golf cart maintenance.

What causes a golf cart to jerk?

A Club Car golf cart jerking from the front end of the golf cart occurs due to poor quality of tires. If the tires are worn out or loose, the golf car can start jerking. The uneven height of your front tires can also cause jerking.

How do you fix jerky in a golf cart?

One way to fix the jerky acceleration on a Club Car golf cart is to check if the battery charge is dropping and the battery is nearly dead under load. A load test will help you determine this. If recharging the batteries doesn't help, getting a new battery or new batteries fitted should work.

Why does my electric golf cart surge?

A golf cart can be surging due to insufficient fuel levels, damaged motor brushes or a vacuum leak. The brushes in the motor are damaged or worn out. The MCOR is malfunctioning or a mismatch between the motor and controller results in torque bumps.

How do you reset golf cart batteries?

Easily Reset the Club Car Golf Cart OBCKey switch to off.Set forward/reverse to neutral.Put tow/run switch to tow.Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery pack.Put the tow/run switch to run.Put forward/reverse switch to reverse.Put key switch to on.More items...

Why does my electric golf cart stutter?

If your cart seems to run fine for a few feet, and then it stutters, it is most likely the batteries. If it is not the battery, then check if it is the speed controller or the resistor. If it is the controller, then you will need a replacement. Otherwise, upgrading the resistor can also solve the problem.

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

If your golf cart fails to turn on when you turn the key on, this is the most obvious sign of solenoid failure. The solenoid clicks a little with the ignition system in regular operation; in most cases, a failing solenoid will not snap.

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.

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!

Where is the reset button on a Club Car 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.

Does aspirin help golf cart batteries?

the battery. It is a reasonably safe approach and usually good for one more engine turn. Be warned that adding aspirin will shorten the battery life, as the aspirin will react with the sulfuric acid to form acetic acid. Good for a boost, but bad for the innards of the battery.

How do you know if your golf cart batteries are bad?

8 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart BatteriesCharge Times Are Out of Hand. Just like any rechargeable battery, the repeated cycles of draining and charging your battery can take a toll on it. ... No “Get Up and Go” ... You See Visual Signs. ... Driving Until They Die. ... People Are Always Running The Radio.

Does Epsom salt help golf cart batteries?

Well, the battery acid in your cells may end up getting old and no longer holding a charge. When this happens, you can remove about half of it – as you have done already – and replace it with an Epsom salt and water mix. Salt is an electrolyte and will distribute electricity cells.

Why does my golf cart shake when I accelerate?

The common cause of golf cart vibrates when accelerating due to damaged inner CV joints, broken motor mounts, unbalanced tires or a bent driveshaft. To fix this issue, you should check the CV joints of your golf cart. Check the driveshaft, whether this is in good condition or not. The CV joints should be well greased.

What is a golf cart MCOR?

What is an MCOR in a club car? The throttle device of any club cart is known as MCOR or motor controller output regulator. As the foot pedal is pressed, the impulse is read by the electric motor and works accordingly. Four types of MCOR are fitted with different models of club cart manufactured in different years.

Why does my electric golf cart jerk?

1] Water-logging in some of the components of your electric golf cart can result in jerking. Sensors and micro switches installed near the vehicle’s floor mat can malfunction due to water interference, which causes jerks when you accelerate.

Why is it important to maintain a golf cart?

Hygiene and maintenance of your golf cart are not only important for your comfort but also the regular functioning of your golf cart. The clutch is the component of your golf cart used very frequently and can be easily soiled with dirt and dust particles.

How much does a DS golf cart weigh?

The DS produces both battery and gas-powered golf carts. The electric DS weighs 498 pounds, whereas the Gas DS weighs 619 pounds. The speed ranges between 12-15 miles/hour for the gas model, whereas 12-19 miles/hour for the electric one. Jerks can occur in the DS Car for the following reasons.

How fast is a club car?

Club Car’s gasoline-powered Tempo golf cart is one of the most highly coveted golf carts by golfers worldwide. Its speed ranges from12-15 miles/hour. The Tempo golf cart comes with a 5-year warranty and a dynamic engine of 3.3 horsepower.

What tools do you need to dismantle a golf cart battery?

This battery consists of various cables and wires, which are crucial for the working of your vehicle. Cutters, crimpers, nails, and a screwdriver are all essential tools you should carry in case you want to dismantle or recharge your golf cart’s battery.

How much does a club car precedent weigh?

It costs around 11,500 USD and has a minimum horsepower of 3.7 (2.7 kW). The Precedent weighs 1176 lbs, and its speed ranges from 8-14.8 miles/hour.

Why does my DS car jerk?

Battery damage: – Jerks can occur while accelerating in a DS model if the cart’s battery and other electrical components have been damaged . Repairing or replacing these components can lessen or nullify the problem of jerking.

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.

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.

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.

How to tell if a golf cart won't start?

The first and most obvious symptom is the golf cart won’t start. If it is a gas-powered cart, the engine doesn’t turn over, and if it is an electric cart, the cart doesn’t move. The engine on the gas-powered cart starts, but the starter doesn’t disengage after starting. When the contacts weld together, the power to the starter never stops ...

Why does my golf cart not click?

This can be a faulty wire connection, but can also mean the solenoid is beginning to fail. The golf cart solenoid doesn’t click when the accelerator is pressed. This again can be faulty wiring or a failed solenoid.

How to tell if a golf cart is bad?

Symptoms Of A Bad Solenoid 1 The first and most obvious symptom is the golf cart won’t start. If it is a gas-powered cart, the engine doesn’t turn over, and if it is an electric cart, the cart doesn’t move. 2 The engine on the gas-powered cart starts, but the starter doesn’t disengage after starting. When the contacts weld together, the power to the starter never stops and will result in destroying the starter, the wiring, or the flywheel. 3 The relay clicks and works sometimes, and sometimes it doesn’t. This can be a faulty wire connection, but can also mean the solenoid is beginning to fail. 4 The golf cart solenoid doesn’t click when the accelerator is pressed. This again can be faulty wiring or a failed solenoid. 5 The golf cart solenoid clicks, but nothing happens. This will sometimes be the result of burned contacts or contacts no longer coming in contact with each other as shown in the illustration at the bottom of this page. This can also be the result of not enough voltage amps reaching the solenoid control connection due to a low battery.

What causes a car to start when the spark plug is replaced?

If it sputters and tries to start, then the likely culprit is the fuel pump followed by the carburetor. The fuel pump on most gasoline powered carts usually has three hoses going to it.

How to check if a gas cart battery is charged?

First, you turn the key, press the pedal, and listen for a click. If nothing happens, it’s most likely an electrical issue. On gasoline carts, check the battery that turns the engine over to make sure it is charged. On Electric carts, the battery pack should be checked for a full charge.

What to do if a gas cart key switch fails?

There should be a reading or continuity between any combination. If this is a gasoline cart, set the switch to “ON” and take a reading between the terminals. There should be continuity. If the key switch fails any of these tests, it’s worn out and should be replaced.

How to tell if a battery is leaking?

It can begin with the batteries taking longer and longer to charge, and the charge they take, they don’t keep very long. Physical signs can include bulging sides, cracks or, in extreme cases, leaking battery acid. If the engine or motor turns over slowly, get out a multimeter and make this quick test.

1. Speed Sensor Issues

The speed sensor is an essential and critical part of golf cart operation that helps to ensure that cart runs smoothly and efficiently. It operates by measuring how fast you are driving and how much electricity is needed to maintain that speed. When the speed sensor ends up running into trouble, chances are your cart may end up running slowly.

2. Low Battery

Usually, the most common reason golf carts slow down is when they don't get enough power output from the battery. If the battery pack charge is very low and your cart is out of power, your cart will run slow.

4. Bearing Encoder Issues

The bearing encoder is an essential part of your golf cart that provides you with careful electrical charge distribution throughout your cart. It works by encoding various elements of your cart's operation and translating them to different impulses to keep the power running smoothly.

5 Ampacity Controller Fault

The Ampacity controller is a part of your cart that helps to manage the amperage that produces and uses as your cart drives. When this particular part malfunctions, you're going to run into some issues with your cart operation.

How to Increase your golf cart speed?

Are you looking to increase your golf cart speed? Learn more about how to make your golf cart go faster.

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.

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