An electrical component box is typically associated with the accelerator pedal of your golf cart. Whether it is connected via a cable or rod, generally the accelerator micro switch is located within this box on both gas and electric golf carts.
How do electric golf carts work?
Basically, an electric golf cart works in this process, firstly the electric power goes from the battery to the motor, and then the motor runs the wheels of the cart. The whole thing is about when and what power should be delivered.
What are the most common issues with electric golf carts?
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 are the terminals on an electric golf cart called?
The A1 and A2 terminals are 5/8″ and the F1 and F2 terminals are 1/4″. 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.
How does a golf cart brake work?
Most of the modern-day carts are equipped with a Sepex motor. The advantage of the SePex motor is that they prevent the cart from freewheeling down an incline and over-spinning the armature. This form of electrical braking is switched on and off with the tow/run switch.
What are the parts of an electric golf cart?
Typically, a golf cart needs the following electrical components to work:The Battery Pack. It contains some batteries wired to provide the voltage need for your cart. ... Solenoid. It regulates the use of electricity to drive the cart. ... Speed Controller. ... Throttle. ... Electric Motor. ... Electrical Accessories.
Where is the reset button on 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!
What does a potentiometer do on a golf cart?
It sends an electrical signal to the speed controller from the accelerator pedal, indicating the pedal's position. When it is working properly, the potentiometer allows your golf cart to accelerate smoothly. Find your potentiometer and inspect it for any cracks, broken parts, or disconnected wires.
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.
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.
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.
Why does my electric golf cart hesitate when I accelerate?
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.
Why does my electric golf cart jerk when accelerating?
Why does my Club car golf cart jerk when accelerating? The main reason why a Club car golf cart jerks when you accelerate it is due to a misaligned Inductive Throttle Sensor or dirty clutch.
Why is my golf cart not going full speed?
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.
How long do electric golf cart motors last?
However, their durability is the same as that of an electric vehicle, which is nice for those who are interested in gasoline or diesel golf carts. That said, some manufacturers claim that the average golf cart will last 30-40 years if the engine is properly maintained, repaired, or even replaced.
How do you test a golf cart electric motor?
3:5410:28Testing 36 volt golf cart motor with 12 volt battery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just want to connect the two together with this again a2 to s1 with this jumper cable. And youMoreYou just want to connect the two together with this again a2 to s1 with this jumper cable. And you want to take the battery box or positive cable and put it on the s2.
How do I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?
Press on the accelerator while the key is turned on and the cart is in forward.The solenoid needs to be replaced IF the voltmeter shows a full battery voltage without a click.If your voltmeter stays at 0, the problem stems from somewhere else in your cart.
How do I reset my golf cart?
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...
Do electric golf carts have fuses?
Yes, golf carts contain fuses just like those found in a car or truck.
What would cause 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.
Where are the fuses located on a Club Car golf cart?
In a 1997 Club Car, the fuse is located in the electrical components black box that is present near the battery. On the other hand, in a 2005 Club Car Precedent, the fuse is connected to a blue wire under the golf cart seat.
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
How to reset a golf car?
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.
Why won't my golf car start?
If your batteries are charged and in working condition, but your car still won’t start, check its solenoid. A solenoid is an electromagnetic coil of wire that transmits energy from your car’s battery to its motor to help it start. Every time you start your golf car, you should hear the click of the solenoid. If you don’t hear it, you probably have an issue with your solenoid. If you suspect an issue with the solenoid, take your car to a repair shop to have it repaired or replaced.
What size anchor bolts are used on a golf cart?
Lastly if you are under the golf cart and you see two different sets of threaded anchor bolts but all are the same size 5/16″-20 it is a series motor.
What is a regen golf cart?
If your golf cart motor has wires coming out the end and has a speed sensor it is a Regen Motor. If your golf cart has a toggle switch for the Forward / Reverse Selector you have a regen cart.
What type of motor?
Next you will need to determine if your golf cart has a Series Motor or a Regen Motor. This is fairly straight forward. You will have several tell-tale signs that will help you determine the type of electric golf cart motor and system that is in your golf cart.
What motor do you have if you don't have wires?
If you do not have wires coming out the end of the motor or speed sensor you have plain motor or Series motor system. If your golf cart has a handle and throw lever for the Forward / Reverse Selector you have a Series Motor. Lastly if you are under the golf cart and you see two different sets of threaded anchor bolts but all are ...
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.
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, ...
How Do I Tell What Kind Of Motor I Have?
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 with a Sepex motor.
What is a series motor?
A series motor has field and armature windings that have the power fed to them from the same source, either in series or parallel. A SePex motor, as the name indicates, is a motor that has a separately excited field and armature windings. These two motor functions are sent to the PDS or DCS giving greater control over the motor.
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.
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 raise back wheels of a golf cart?
Using a floor jack, raise the back wheels of the cart, so they’re no longer touching the pavement. Naturally, the key switch is off since you’ve already removed the cables from the motor.
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 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]
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.
How does an inductive throttle sensor work?
So you push the pedal down, and your inductive throttle sensor makes its first signal. This will activate the speed controller and solenoid. The way this works is a relatively low powered circuit is made with the low side of the solenoid.
Where are the solenoids on a golf cart?
Most golf cart solenoids will be found under the seat with four wires connected to it. It should look like this.
Is it safe to test a golf cart solenoid?
If you don’t read pack voltage, then the problem lies elsewhere. The other, more fun way to test your golf cart solenoid is certainly not as safe or good for your golf cart. It mainly involves bypassing, or jumping, your solenoid.
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.
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. ...
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.
Why does my gas pedal have a current disruption?
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. 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.
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.
Can an electric golf cart keep you from the greens?
Don't let an issue with your electric golf cart keep you from the greens. As with other mechanical issues, the sooner you tackle the problem, the sooner you can get your cart up and running efficiently again. Sierra Golf Carts & Auto is here to help you with your cart repair needs.
How does an electric cart work?
In an electric cart, the electric motor that runs the cart has an essential role in barking. When you press the brake pedal, the regenerative braking circuit shifts the motor to work in reverse. As a result of reversal, the circuit works as a power generator that creates electrical energy.
Why are electric golf carts so popular?
With the rise in a demand of less consumption and less polluting vehicles, the electric vehicle has gained popularity. Electric golf carts offer decreased operating costs and are referred to as green carts since they produce zero emissions.
What is a braking controller?
Furthermore, the braking controller creates a connection between the energy storage device and actuator. This helps in controlling the process of the actuator, calculating the braking torque and wheel-speed. It is useful in pointing generated electricity during braking into the energy storage device.
Do electric golf carts have regenerative brakes?
What is interesting to know is that electric golf carts have been using regenerative brakes for some years now as a means to help recharge the batteries. There are many benefits to regenerative brakes that we explain throughout this article, but in the meantime, we explore what exactly regenerative brakes do and their overall importance to ...
