The Most Common Problems With Electric Golf Carts
- Batteries Breaking Down or Losing Charge. If the cart won’t start, the first thing you’d want to check is the battery as that could be the cause of the problem.
- Ignition Problems. This particular problem will come about because of wear and tear and you’re likely to experience it sooner rather than later when you buy a used golf cart.
- Solenoid Breakdown. This is the wire coil that is responsible for carrying electric current. The sound you hear when you turn on your golf cart is because of the solenoid.
- Speed Acceleration. There could be an underlying problem with the golf cart if it can’t keep up with the acceleration. ...
- Direction Switch. The direction switch will let you control the golf cart whether you want to go forward or backward. ...
- Getting the Right Technician. Once you’ve established there is an issue with your electric golf cart, you might attempt to do the repairs on your own or get a technician ...
Do electric golf carts fail over time?
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
What are the common problems with golf cart controllers?
Some refer to the controller as the brain of the golf cart. The most common issue that occurs in the controller is that it might become damaged because of the extensive usage. Apart from that, there might be a problem in the wires of the machinery. Overall though, controllers these days are quite reliable due to the advancement of technology.
Why is my electric golf cart rippling?
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 won't my golf cart move in both directions?
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.
What is the life expectancy of an electric golf cart?
For example, some experts estimate that the average golf cart has a useful life range of about 5-7 years. That said, golf carts can still be used for 10 years or more depending on how well they are maintained and how much money a buyer wants to put into their vehicle.
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 kind of maintenance do electric golf carts need?
9 Essential Golf Cart Maintenance TipsCharge Your Batteries When Your Golf Carts Aren't In Use. ... Check the Water Levels in Your Batteries Regularly. ... Clean the Connections in Your Batteries. ... Fill Up Your Tyres Whenever They're Low on Air. ... Inspect Your Brakes At Least Once Every Year. ... Watch Out for Oil Leaks.More items...•
Should you leave your electric golf cart plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
Is there a reset button on an electric golf cart?
Electric golf cart motors have a reset button on their chassis which is designed to put your motor back into its original factory state. While it doesn't repair damage that may have occurred to the motor over the years, obviously, it does help to overturn any changes to the operation which may have occurred.
When Should golf cart batteries be replaced?
4 Signs You Need to Replace Your Golf Cart Batteries It takes twice as long to charge your batteries as it did when you first had them installed. ... Your Golf Cart loses power very quickly. ... Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. ... The batteries are leaking acid and are beginning to bulge.
How much does it cost to put new batteries in a golf cart?
The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.
Do electric golf carts need oil changes?
Electric golf carts require less for several reasons: You don't have to change any oil as they don't need oil. With no spark plugs or starter belts, you have fewer components to replace. Electric golf carts have fewer than fifty moving parts, whereas most gas ones have more than 1,000.
How often should you service golf cart batteries?
You should aim to check the water level in your battery cells every at least once every two months to ensure that your battery isn't ask risk of being ruined due to low water levels. The best time to refill the water in your golf cart batteries is immediately after fully charging your golf cart.
How often should I add water to my golf cart batteries?
DO: You have to get your timing right. After charging your battery is when you want to add water. Adding water after charging prevents acid from spilling over. ... We recommend service once or twice a year. Always use distilled water so you don't add additional minerals into your battery.
Should you charge your golf cart every night?
Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.
How do you know when golf cart batteries are dying?
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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.
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. If you purchase a preowned electric golf cart, be sure to ask about the age of the battery before you buy.
2. SOLENOID BREAKDOWNS
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!
3. ISSUES WITH THE IGNITION
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.
4. SPEED CONTROLLER
If your golf cart starts up successfully but just can’t manage to speed up or maintain acceleration, your controller may be to blame. Problems with this part are notoriously tricky to diagnose and repair, so even do-it-yourself types will probably want to bring their golf cart into our Service Department.
5. 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.
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 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 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.
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.
What is the controller on a golf cart?
The controller is responsible for controlling the speed of the golf cart and also handles all the information being transferred from the ignition switch to the batteries to the motor. Some refer to the controller as the brain of the golf cart. The most common issue that occurs in the controller is that it might become damaged because ...
Why does my golf cart stop working?
It is one of the essential parts of the golf cart. It will let you know that you have started the car because of the clicking sound that it makes when you engage the accelerator pedal or turn the key switch on. However, it often stops working because of the following reasons: Corrosion. Loose Wires.
Why won't my golf cart start?
It is one of the essential parts of the golf cart. It will let you know that you have started the car because of the clicking sound that it makes when you engage the accelerator pedal or turn the key switch on. However, it often stops working because of the following reasons: 1 Corrosion 2 Loose Wires 3 Broken Internal Coil
What happens if you use a golf car for a long time?
The wear and tear of the machinery behind the ignition. Extensive usage will eventually damage the ignition switch and can lead to improper usage. There also might be an issue with the wiring of the ignition switch. It is important that you inspect potential ...
Why do people use golf carts?
Individuals use golf carts for a wide variety of reasons. It originally started as a means to relieve the burden of carrying golf clubs on the course and has now evolved into a means of transportation.
What is a direction switch on a golf cart?
Direction Switch. There are special direction switches in the golf cart. It helps the person to move the car in a forward or reverse direction. However, with the extensive usage of the vehicle, the switch can become damaged and eventually breakdown.
Can you check the performance of a golf cart?
Bottom line. As now you are aware of the issues that might occur in your golf cart, make sure that you always get preventative maintenance. Also, with a few techniques, you can easily check the performance and machinery of your vehicle with visible inspection of parts and components yourself.
What is the direction switch on a golf cart?
Direction Switch. The direction switch will let you control the golf cart whether you want to go forward or backward. It is one of the most used parts in a golf cart and that means that it will be subject to wear and tear. You will know what is the issue if the switch is acting up.
Can you drive a golf cart?
The golf cart will not be fun to drive if you can’t accelerate when there is a need to. Such a problem could be challenging to diagnose and repair on your own and that is why it is usually recommended that you’re getting in touch with an expert. Read This: 7 Benefits of Under Sink Water Filters.
Is an electric golf cart noisy?
They’re generally less noisy than their gasoline counterparts and you get to reduce carbon emissions. Electric golf carts are not without problems. It is important that you’re aware of the common challenges if you intend to buy one. This will make maintenance a breeze.
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.
Why is my golf cart not accelerating?
When your electric golf cart does not accelerate, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that it is not a regular vehicle like your car . That's why the methods and solutions you use to get your car to start are not the same as the solutions you can apply to your cart.
What happens if your golf cart doesn't accelerate?
Bad Solenoid. If your golf cart does not accelerate, there is a possibility of the damaged solenoid. The solenoid is basically an electrical switch that enables the battery's flow from the battery into the motor. Check out the signs of the bad solenoid.
Why is my golf cart speed controller not working?
There are many reasons behind a speed controller malfunction. The most common problem that happens in the controller has aged due to infrequent use. These are just some of the issues that could be affecting your vehicle's acceleration. If you have trouble finding the issue of your golf cart accelerator, don't be afraid to take it to the mechanic.
How does a golf cart solenoid work?
The golf cart speed controller and solenoid are both controlled by the accelerator. The pedal is connected to the potentiometer. That means when you are pressing the pedal for acceleration, you are actually going through the potentiometer by pushing a rod. The potentiometer works as a communicator and tells the speed controller how much voltage it ...
Why do golf cart batteries deteriorate?
The main reason would be a concern for the golf cart battery. Manufacturers recommend leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time, but only if using an automatic battery charger. This will keep the batteries topped off and ready to go. If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate ...
What type of batteries does a club car use?
They have produced carts with 48V lead-acid configurations and lithium ion batteries. However, the 48V lead acid carts are the most common. The Club Car guidelines for charging such a cart are as follows:
How hot should a Yamaha cart be?
The location of storage should maintain a temperature between 0 degrees celsius (32F) and 32 degrees Celsius (90F).
What happens if golf cart batteries are not charged?
If batteries are not charged over a storage period of several months, they can deteriorate and provide less capacity. When there are experienced and inexperienced owners asking the same question, you have to wonder if this question is being addressed by golf cart manufacturers and where the confusion surrounding the questions is sprouting from. ...
How cold should a golf cart battery be?
As we know, it is a pain to uninstall and reinstall golf cart batteries, my recommendation would be to make sure your golf cart is stored above 32 degrees F and keep them charged and maintained throughout winter. This will prolong their life and keep older batteries running for a long time.
Can you leave your car plugged in during storage?
According to Club Car, you should leave your cart plugged in during storage and let the computer detect when the batteries need a charge. According to E-Z-GO, you can leave your cart charging during storage, but you should consistently check on your power source.
Can you leave a battery charger plugged in?
The battery chargers can be left plugged in during prolonged storage, if the charger is plugged into an active electrical source. If the electrical source is not consistent, you should not leave the battery chargers plugged in , for the battery charger will automatically continue to address the battery pack.