What are the most common problems with my golf cart?
The problem may be as simple as loose wires, or you may be looking at a broken coil or corrosion. If solenoids are the issue, you'll want to bring your golf cart in for repairs. 3. Issues With the Ignition
Why is my electric golf cart not turning on?
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. In normal operating conditions, the solenoid clicks on and off with the ignition switch.
Why does my golf cart backfire when I start it?
Golf Cart Backfires Because Of A Carbon Buildup On Piston/Valves Another possibility (though less likely) reason for your golf cart backfiring can be a buildup of carbon on the piston, also known as coke. This material glows red hot after the engine runs for a while and ignites the fuel without the spark plug being turned on.
Why is my golf cart engine sputtering?
Your golf cart engine is most likely sputtering is a fuel issue: your engine is likely getting too little or too much. Check your air box to make sure the choke isn’t getting stuck and the spring isn’t broken or getting sucked closed.
How do you know if your 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 long do golf cart engines 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+).
Why did my golf cart suddenly stop working?
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.
What can go wrong with a golf cart?
5 Common Electric Golf Cart Problems and How to Solve ThemTroubleshooting Batteries. Like any electric vehicle, the battery is often the root of the problem. ... Ignition or Motor Issues. ... Solenoid Woes. ... Faulty Direction Switch. ... No Speed Control.
How many hours is a lot for a golf cart?
A gas vehicle with good maintenance will provide 1,000-2,500 hours of use before a major overhaul. An electric car will provide 40,000 to 50,000 amp-hours of use before a major overhaul.
Do golf carts hold their value?
Golf cart everywhere A product that is accepted by the majority in a market will hold its value because there will always be someone interested in buying what you have. The golf cart has universal application as it can be used by both old and young, rich and poor.
How do you diagnose a golf cart problem?
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.
How do you reset a 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 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 you test a golf cart motor?
4:0210:28Testing 36 volt golf cart motor with 12 volt battery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're going to take the negative. And put it on the a1. Again i'm going to take the jumper cableMoreYou're going to take the negative. And put it on the a1. Again i'm going to take the jumper cable from a2 to s1 you're going to take the positive cable from the jumper.
How long do EZ GO golf carts last?
between 30-40 yearsWith all other brands-EZ Go, Yamaha, etc... They make them with steel frames and they will rust and eventually break. Longevity ranges between 30-40 years or longer for the various manufacturers.
How long should a 48v golf cart run?
The average range of the electric golf cart is 8-10 miles on a lead-acid battery.
How many miles can an electric golf cart go?
Desired range: An electric cart's range is typically 15 to 25 miles, depending on the type of battery. With a 4 to 6 gallon fuel tank, you'll average 100 to 180 miles with a gas cart.
Are electric golf carts better than gas?
Electric Golf Cart Benefits Electric golf carts produce no emissions. Thus, they are friendlier to the environment. They also produce less noise than gas carts. Most electric golf carts cost slightly less to purchase and they are less frequently used for custom-built carts.
Why does my golf cart keep powering off?
If the cart starts powering off after a new installation, then you will know that the issue is caused due to errors with the installation.
Why does my golf cart cut out?
Another reason why golf carts can cut out is due to problems with the battery voltage or water levels.
What does the first beep sound on a cart mean?
The manual will have the list of beeps and their respective fault codes. The first beep sound will indicate the performance factor.
How to check battery water level in golf cart?
How to Check Battery Water Levels in a Golf Cart. Check if the voltages in both the batteries are at the designated levels. Also, if the water in the batteries has dried up, it could cause this issue. Check for the electrolyte and water levels in the batteries. Make sure that you are not overcharging or undercharging your batteries as these could ...
Why does my cart have a loose solenoid?
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.
What causes a cart engine to die?
If your cart engine dies suddenly, it may be the carburetor causing the issue. Read the following steps to fix it:
What happens if you charge your golf cart?
You would have charged up your cart fully but after driving it around for an hour or two, the power would have got drained off completely. If this is a frequent occurrence with your cart, then you will need to take a look at the batteries.
Why is my golf cart slow?
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.
What does it mean when a golf cart doesn't produce enough power?
Inspect the battery connections throughout the golf cart. If it doesn't produce this much power, then it indicates the battery is not outputting properly.
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 is my Ampacity controller not working?
Usually, this issue arises when the controller has not been installed correctly. Consult with a professional to ensure that you don't run into any problems. Sometimes repair experts may use aftermarket items that don't fit properly on your ampacity controller and cause it to run poorly or fail and leave you with a cart that runs slow.
What happens if your golf cart speed sensor breaks?
So, it will send less power to your engine and cause it to produce less speed as well as cause accelerator problems in the golf cart .
Why does my cart slow down?
Check Mud and Dirt Build-up: Although the speed sensor is a tricky part that withstands some wear and tear, there's a good chance that your cart will slow down because of dirt or mud build-up.
Is there a maximum speed for a golf cart?
There is no universal legal maximum speed for golf carts. Instead, the drivers must follow the speed limits and driving rules of the state and community they live in. The state driving guide includes limitations on where the cart can drive, who can drive, and how fast it can go.
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.
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.
What to do if your car won't start?
If your car still won’t start or you notice any issues with acceleration, it’s time to check the potentiometer. The potentiometer sends an electric signal from the accelerator pedal to the speed controller, allowing the car to accelerate properly. Inspect the potentiometer and then test it out—if you discover any issues, have it repaired or replaced.
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 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 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.
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.
Why Do Golf Carts Blow Out Smoke?
Your cart shouldn’t blow out a lot of smoke. It should run quite clearly without much smoke if your cart has been serviced regularly and maintained well . Older carts tend to release more smoke than newer ones though.
Why Does a Golf Cart Sputter and Die?
If your cart sputters and dies, it might be because your spark plug is faulty. If your cart starts and runs for awhile but then sputters then dies, try replacing your spark plug. If you’re lucky that’ll instantly solve your problem. If not, you might have a failing ignition coil.
Why does my carburetor spit gas?
Problems with the timing chain in your cart might also be making your carburetor spit gas. If you have a timing belt that jumps, it’s probably causing your gas spitting problems. Jumping belts are more common when you have plastic camshaft timing gears rather than metal timing gears. Lastly, bad reeds can lead to gas spitting.
How to fix gas spitting from valve cover?
Here’s what you can do to fix gas spitting from the valve cover. Replace the needle in the carburetor or replace the whole carburetor. The other thing that’s likely to cause gas to spit from the valve cover of your cart is your carburetor float being stuck open. This is simple enough to fix.
Why does my golf cart spit?
Golf carts can spit and sputter for several reasons, but mainly due to worn out spark plugs or dirty filters inside the fuel system. There might be something wrong with the fuel system of your cart. You could be having a spit and sputter problem because the filter, pump and injectors in your golf cart are very dirty.
What to do if your golf cart is spitting gas?
Lastly, if your golf cart is spitting gas, you may need to replace your air box. A relatively common problem is getting replacements that aren’t the stock air box for your cart. Something that most people don’t know or forget about is that if you’re using aftermarket filters, you absolutely must reset your carburetor.
Why is my oil more than full?
Your oil will probably be more than full because of this: the oil has been diluted with fuel! Here’s what you can do to fix gas spitting from the valve cover.
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.
Why are my ignition switches loose?
There might be issues with the wiring of the ignition switch. Due to wear and tear, wires may become loose and require replacement.
What to do if your solenoid is bad?
Make sure to inspect it properly. If you find a damaged solenoid, the best thing is to take your cart to a garage. A mechanic can solve the issue and replace the solenoid if required.
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.
Can you fix a golf cart speed controller?
If you face issues with the speed controller, do not try to fix it yourself unless you can easily find and tighten the connection. It's best to take it to a specialist to diagnose the problem correctly.
Do batteries lose their efficiency over time?
Batteries also lose their efficiency over time. This applies if you bought a used cart or have had yours for many years. The best thing is to complete regular maintenance and fully charge your batteries after every use.
Is an electric golf cart invincible?
Electric golf carts are convenient, durable, and efficient, but that doesn't make them invincible. Therefore, it is essential to understand that issues can arise in an electric golf cart. Do not panic if your golf cart doesn't start— chances are, it's going to be one of the following five most common reasons.
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 ...
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.)
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.
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 won't my solenoid click?
The solenoid might not be getting enough electricity to do its work – which could be caused by loose connections, a weak battery or the coil wearing out.
Is there a starter on an electric golf cart?
For an electric golf cart, it functions in the same way, however there is no starter. The solenoid is simply there to allow electricity to flow freely to the controller and motor which will result in a running golf cart. RELATED: 4 Signs you need to Replace your Golf Cart Batteries.
Why does my golf cart backfire?
Golf Cart Backfires Because Fuel Mixture Is Too Rich. Always check the air and fuel ratio to make sure your engine is not receiving too rich of a fuel mixture. The following adjustments are an example of most carburetors, but you should look up the proper number of screw turns your model requires.
How Do I Clean The Carburetor To Stop Backfiring On My Golf Cart?
Cleaning the golf cart carburetor will require you to obtain a rebuild kit, or at the very least, a gasket kit. The gaskets and seals will not re-compress properly if you try to reuse them. If you buy a kit online, specify the year and make of your golf cart and make sure that it includes the main jet and gaskets required to finish this job.
How to adjust a golf cart?
Adjustment is made by loosening the nut or screw, pressing the throttle closed, and then retightening the nut. Some golf carts may not have accelerator cables but instead will have a series of rods between the gas pedal and the carburetor.
Why is my throttle plate not closing?
If none of these accelerator cable adjustments solve the problem, then the throttle plate may not be closing all the way due to an obstruction or internal mechanism being bent. Unfortunately, the only way to find out if this is true is to remove the carburetor and inspect it.
How to clean a carburetor?
(it might be a good idea to take a picture of it with your cell phone.) Using a can of carburetor cleaner, spray all the ports and jets thoroughly. Use a bristle brush to remove the heavier deposits inside the fuel bowl and outside the carburetor body.
What is the ignition system on a golf cart?
Older golf carts used a set of points and a condenser to produce the spark needed to run the engine, but the more modern carts have a solid-state ignition system . The solid-state system utilizes an internal magnetic pickup device inside the engine that sends an electrical signal down the line to the igniter.
Why is my piston red?
If you find that there is a buildup of coke on the top of your piston be sure and use a blunt tool to scrape it off because the piston material is very soft and can scratch or gouge easily. A scratch or gouge would glow red at the edges and cause just as much of an ignition point as the original issue would have and would defeat the purpose of de-coking.
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.
Why does my golf cart stop clicking?
If you stop hearing that clicking sound and your golf cart no longer starts up , it's likely the solenoids are to blame. The problem may be as simple as loose wires, or you may be looking at a broken coil or corrosion. If solenoids are the issue, you'll want to bring your golf cart in for repairs.
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.
Is an electric golf cart good for the environment?
If you're the type to keep the environment in mind or you're interested in saving on fuel costs, an electric golf cart may be the solution to your golf cart needs!
Can electric golf carts be kept in winter?
However, electric golf carts do have their share of unique concerns and potential issues that you'll want to keep an eye out for. Most of these problems can be prevented with regular tune-ups and following our storage guidelines during the winter.
