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. One is the gasoline in, one is the gasoline out, and the third is a hose that hooks to the crankcase vacuum.
Full Answer
What does a starter do on a golf cart?
A golf cart starter primarily serves two functions; turning over the engine to start the cart and act as a key link in getting the battery charged. The starter has enough current to crank the engine.
Why is my starter generator not charging my golf cart?
Why Your Golf Cart Starter Generator is Not Charging If your starter generator is not charging properly, it may be that the solenoid, voltage regulator or brushes are faulty. If you’ve ensured that all of these parts are working fine, the starter generator may not be drawing enough current to regenerate the battery.
How to change the brushes on a golf cart starter generator?
Bad brushes should be changed to ensure your starter generator works properly. Bad brushes tend to cause your starter to malfunction first, then as it gets worse, it affects your generator. To replace the brushes of your golf cart starter generator, you must: 1) Unscrew the screws near the end of the case.
What are the symptoms of an electric golf cart not starting?
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.
How do you fix the starter on a golf cart?
2:596:08Fixing a golf cart starter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis motor salvaged commutator and this bracket piece because they're attached together. And then I'MoreThis motor salvaged commutator and this bracket piece because they're attached together. And then I'm gonna take this 400 grit sandpaper and give this a little bit of a buff a little bit of a polish.
How do I know if my 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.
How do you know if you have a bad solenoid on a golf cart?
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 you test a golf cart starter?
Touch the other end to the F2 stud on the starter generator. As soon as the positive cable touches the F2 stud, the motor should start to spin in a counter clockwise rotation. If the motor spins, then it is working correctly. If the motor fails to spin, then it is defective and needs to be replaced.
How long do golf cart motors last?
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+).
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.
Will a bad solenoid drain battery on a golf cart?
A solenoid is integral to your golf cart's functionality, as it's the main switch that directs the battery's current to your generator, traction motor, or starter. However, because it has so much responsibility, it can break down somewhat often.
Can you bypass a golf cart solenoid?
To bypass the solenoid of your golf cart, simply connect both the large side wires of terminals of the solenoid. And after making the connection, attempt to start the cart. If you fail to start, this is an indication that there is no problem with your solenoid.
Where is the reset button on a golf cart motor?
The reset button acts as a mini circuit breaker for the motor, so it will correct any minor errors. Expose the motor (you'll probably need a screwdriver to remove the cover), and look for a red button. It is usually near the main power source, where most of the wires are connected.
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 check a golf cart alternator?
0:011:03How to Check the Generator on Your Golf Cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you should see the voltage jump up from around 12 volts with the cart running to about 16 voltsMoreAnd you should see the voltage jump up from around 12 volts with the cart running to about 16 volts that that happens that proves the generator is fine you simply need to change.
Do golf carts have an alternator?
Unlike with a regular car battery that charges as it's running, a golf cart does not have an alternator in which to do this. It should be a 3-phase charger and pay close attention to the position of the battery poles while charging.
How do you test a motor on a Club Car golf cart?
13:2337:53Club Car 48 Volt Powerdrive Testing 1995-2013 - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition place the red positive probe on the speed controller M minus terminal place the blackMorePosition place the red positive probe on the speed controller M minus terminal place the black negative probe on the s2 motor terminal your vom should display continuity.
Where is the reset button on an electric golf cart motor?
The reset button acts as a mini circuit breaker for the motor, so it will correct any minor errors. Expose the motor (you'll probably need a screwdriver to remove the cover), and look for a red button. It is usually near the main power source, where most of the wires are connected.
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.
How do you test a 48 volt golf cart motor?
2:5915:0248 Volt Club Car Diagnostics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow this will also give us light even if it's not at 4-4 or reverse it's in neutral it gets light asMoreNow this will also give us light even if it's not at 4-4 or reverse it's in neutral it gets light as well to make sure this micro switch is working put it in forward or reverse probe.
What is battery regeneration?
The battery regeneration part involves the starter generator brushes, Solenoid and Voltage Regulator. The solenoid has to remain energized at all times to ensure that the return path via voltage regulator to the battery remains open. This return path is the route through which the current is returned to the battery to recharge it while the cart is running.
Why is my EZGO golf cart not charging?
This is because of the configuration of EZGO Golf carts. Almost all of the EZGO models have a setup that is foolproof to any generator failure. If the battery is not charging, it is usually the wiring or the voltage regulator. The possibility of having an starter generator that doesn’t charge the battery is very low.
What is a golf cart starter?
A golf cart starter primarily serves two functions; turning over the engine to start the cart and act as a key link in getting the battery charged. The starter has enough current to crank the engine. The generator converts the alternating current to direct current and recharges the battery.
Why is my golf cart generator not charging?
If your starter generator is not charging properly, it may be that the solenoid, voltage regulator or brushes are faulty. If you’ve ensured that all of these parts are working fine, the starter generator may not be drawing enough current to regenerate the battery.
How many volts does a starter generator have?
If the starter generator is showing 15 to 16 volts during the full field test, replace the voltage regulator.
What is a starter generator?
The starter generator is an electric motor that runs on the voltage drawn from the cart’s battery. After igniting and cranking the engine, when the starter generator is spinning at over 1200rpm, it starts converting the AC it produces to DC to regenerate the battery.
What happens when a green wire is shorted?
When the green wire gets shorted on its own, the field current starts flowing directly to the starter generator circuit, therefore recharging the battery.
How Do You Troubleshoot a Gasoline Golf Cart?
Check the fuel level, regardless of what the gauge says. I have seen a stuck fuel tank float baffle a mechanic for three hours while looking for a reason for a “full” tank not delivering the fuel.
How Do You Know When Golf Cart Batteries Are Going Bad?
As batteries start to lose their health and take longer to accelerate, you find that you can’t hit the top speed anymore or have problems climbing hills.
Why Does The Golf Cart Battery Drain When Everything Is Off?
Disconnect the negative battery cable ground wire and connect your multimeter set to measure the voltage between the battery terminal and the ground wire. If you’ve turned everything off and are still getting a reading, then you have a faulty component in the electrical system. At this point, we’ll need to start pulling fuses and disconnecting things one of the time to find out what is draining the battery.
How Do I Know If My Golf Cart Solenoid Is Bad?
Older golf carts used a series of solenoids to drive the cart forward and backward and set the speed of that motion.
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.
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.
Why won't my golf cart start?
Your golf cart won’t start if there is a problem with the fuel, airflow, or electrical system. Any one of these areas can cause your golf cart to fail to start. Try these steps to troubleshoot and pinpoint the exact failure point.
How Do You Remove a Golf Cart Starter Generator?
Before anything else, you should take some photos of the starter generator and its wiring as possible. Taking photos will definitely help you remember where all parts were originally located.
Why do starter brushes need to be changed?
Bad brushes should be changed to ensure your starter generator works properly. Bad brushes tend to cause your starter to malfunction first, then as it gets worse, it affects your generator.
How to test a golf cart starter?
Here are general instructions on how to bench test your golf cart starter generator: 1) Put your starter generator in a vice or make someone hold it carefully. 2) Attach a 10-gauge jumper wire from F1 to A2. 3) Attach the black (-) battery cable to the negative bettery terminal.
What are the terminals on a 5 terminal starter generator?
The terminals on a five terminal starter generator are: 1) A1 and A2. They’re the armature terminals which are connected internally through the brushes to the armature. 2) D1 and D2.
What are the four posts on a starter generator?
There are four posts on the starter generator that should be labelled A1, A2, F1 and F2. Also, there should be a green wire and a red wire coming out of the side of the starter.
How to check if a generator is working?
1) Remove the yellow wire from the generator. 2) Then , using a piece of 14 ga wire with the appropriate eyelet, connect to the terminal. 3) Touch the battery with the wire while it’s running. 4) Check the voltage using a multimeter. 5) The generator is working if you pick up any voltage.
How many types of starter generators are there?
In general, there are two types of starter generators. 1) Two terminal starter generator. Two terminal starter generators only work in one direction and the direction depends on how it’s wired internally. The starter generator can be rewired to make it spin in another direction. 2) Five terminal starter generator.
How to test a starter generator?
In order to test the function of the Starter/Generator and the Voltage Regulator, the wire attached to DF can be removed and while a meter is used to monitor the voltage B+, DF can be shorted to ground (with a jumper) with the motor running. Before the jumper is shorted to ground, the voltage at B+ should, of course, reflect the charge state of the battery (around 12 volts), but when the jumper is touched to ground (which is what the Voltage Regulator does in instantaneous bursts), the voltage at B+ should rise as the motor’s speed is increased. It should peak at about 15 volts (the maximum output of the Starter/Generator’s charge ability). If it does increase, then the Starter/Generator is alright. If it doesn’t, there is a problem with the Starter/Generator. If the voltage does increase, but the voltage at B+ doesn’t increase when the wire is re-attached to DF as the speed of the motor is increased, the Voltage Regulator is the culprit.
How many volts should a jumper have before it is shorted?
Before the jumper is shorted to ground, the voltage at B+ should, of course, reflect the charge state of the battery (around 12 volts), but when the jumper is touched to ground (which is what the Voltage Regulator does in instantaneous bursts), the voltage at B+ should rise as the motor’s speed is increased.
What happens when a starter generator spins?
That completes the circuit, so the Starter/Generator begins to spin. As it spins, a voltage appears at the DF terminal of the Starter/Generator, which is connected to the Voltage Regulator.
How many volts should a starter generator output?
It should peak at about 15 volts (the maximum output of the Starter/Generator’s charge ability). If it does increase, then the Starter/Generator is alright. If it doesn’t, there is a problem with the Starter/Generator.
How to fix a cart that won't start up?
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! Repairs avoided! However, if your cart doesn’t start up after resetting the motor, you are most likely dealing with burnout.
Why does my golf cart quit?
motor burnt-out. One of the big reasons your golf cart could quit on you is that your motor burnt out. Motor burnout happens when your engine gets too hot and overheats, frying the wiring and other components inside. One common cause of golf cart motor burnout is continually pressing the pedal to the metal like you’re trying to drive a race car.
How to find out if your cart has a burnt out motor?
First, you’ll want to reset your motor. Get out your handy screw driver and work to uncover the motor itself. It should have a small reset button (Usually it will be red) located near the main battery supply.
Why won't my cart start up after resetting the motor?
However, if your cart doesn’t start up after resetting the motor, you are most likely dealing with burnout. If this seems to be the case, remove the motor from your cart and inspect it to see if there are individual parts like bearings, coils, or brushes that are just broken. You can purchase these parts for a pretty low cost ...
Is technology good when it works?
That statement is never truer than when you’re driving down the path in your golf cart on the way to pick your kids up from the pool and all of a sudden – nothing. Your golf cart just stops and you can’t get it to start back up again .
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?
In addition, the spring that pulls the pinion back to its resting position could wear down leaving the starter engaged continuously. (Starters are supposed to get the flywheel moving, then back out of position – disengage.)
What does it mean when a golf cart solenoid goes bad?
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 ...
Why does my golf cart make clicking sounds?
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.
How to check ohms of a cable?
Once you’ve disconnected the cables safely – using your multimeter – use the voltmeter on the ohms setting and touch each large terminal with the probes with the key turned off. You should get a zero reading.
Why does my solenoid wear out?
Like any switch that relies on wiring, the solenoid could also just wear out due to overheating. This might cause it to fail to retrieve the pinion gear.
What does a solenoid do when you turn the ignition?
Step by step, it looks like this: 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 ...
Why do starter contacts wear out?
Secondly, the contacts could begin to wear out from overheating or exposure to high levels of current. This needs to be fixed right away if possible, because this causes continuous use of the starter. If not caught in time, the solenoid and the starter will both need replacement.
Do E-Z-Go Golf Carts have titles?
E-Z-Go Golf Carts, unlike vehicles, do not have a title, but they do have serial numbers. If you are buying a golf cart, it is essential to check the serial number to ensure you do not buy a stolen one. Each E-Z-Go Golf cart has a unique serial number that you can use to identify your golf cart.
How do I push my E-Z-Go Golf Cart?
It can be frustrating when your battery is flat and your golf cart will not roll. To push it to the nearest charging or gas station, you need to release the motor brake. Follow these easy steps to do that.
How do you test an E-Z-Go Golf Cart Controller?
Depending on the E-Z-Go Golf cart you own, there are two types of controllers, the Drive control systems and the Precision Drive System. Only E-Z-Go carts made before 1994 have a Drive Control System. If you notice that your E-Z-Go golf cart is not running at a constant speed, you should troubleshoot the controller to identify the problem. Here are the steps you should use to test your E-Z-Go golf cart controller.
Why does my E-Z-Go Golf Cart feel sluggish when accelerating?
The reason why your golf cart is sluggish during acceleration or stalls depends on whether it is a gas cart or an electric one. Here are the reasons for sluggishness in both.
Why is my E-Z-Go golf cart losing power?
E-Z-Go golf carts often lose power because of corrosion or loose cables. If the connecting wires in electrical circuits break, your battery will lose power. The same will happen if you have a short circuit in the ignition system. Here are steps you can use to ensure that the system is working correctly.
Why won’t my gas golf cart charge the battery?
If you own a gas E-Z-Go golf cart, the battery may not get charged. Make sure that you have refueled your golf cart, and then check for the following issues.
Why is my reverse speed the same as my forward speed?
The reverse speed should be slower than your forward speed. If you notice that it is the same as your forward speed, you may have an ESC system malfunction. Make sure that you check the ESC system components and replace them.
Where is my solenoid?
Now that we have an idea of the solenoid’s job, it’ll be a lot easier to diagnose the solenoid in the case of no start or no go. Of course, before you get your tester out, it may be a good idea to know where the solenoid is and what it looks like.
Why does my golf cart have no solenoid?
Golf cart solenoids are also typically one of the first components to fail in your golf cart, because they work very hard, turning on and off every time you stop and go in your golf cart. If you have an issue with no start or no go then your solenoid should be pretty high on your list of things to check.
What is a golf cart go switch?
On your golf cart, this high powered circuit is either your ignition on a gas golf cart or your electrical motor power circuit for an electric golf cart. Basically it’s your golf cart’s go switch, and it’s absolutely essential to your golf cart’s ability to do its job. Golf cart solenoids are also typically one of the first components ...
What is a solenoid relay?
Good question! A solenoid, for our purposes, is a type of relay. A relay is a type of switch that uses a low power circuit to operate a high power circuit. A solenoid uses a magnetic coil (the actual solenoid) on a low power circuit to push a rod that closes a high power circuit. On your golf cart, this high powered circuit is either your ignition on a gas golf cart or your electrical motor power circuit for an electric golf cart.
What happens if a solenoid reads infinity?
If it reads infinity or open lead, then the solenoid has an internal fault and requires replacement. Your solenoid should also have a range that it operates in, and if the resistance reads outside of that range, you should replace the solenoid even if it works to avoid damaging other components.
What is the most important part of a golf cart?
One of the most important components of your golf cart is the solenoid. It is one of the main components of your golf cart that allows it to move. Whether you have a Yamaha, E-Z-GO, or Club Car golf cart, and no matter if it is an electric or gas golf cart, you need a properly operating solenoid to get anywhere. Contents [ show]
What happens if you don't have a voltmeter?
If you don’t then you aren’t getting low side voltage, or the solenoid is bad. From this point there are two ways to continue, a safe way with a voltmeter, and a fun way without a voltmeter. If you have a voltmeter, then it is really in your best interest to use it.