A faulty or failing solenoid could be the cause of your golf cart’s sluggish acceleration. It handles getting battery power to your starter, the golf cart’s generator, and the traction motor. Solenoids can fail more frequently on an electric cart than a gas powered one.
Full Answer
Why won’t my electric golf cart start?
Conclusion. There are many reasons why an electric golf cart won’t start. Depending on the issue, it could be a simple fix that you can easily do on your own. However, the best way to reduce your chances of golf cart issues later on is by performing regular preventative maintenance. With preventative maintenance,...
How does an electric golf cart restrict current?
After repeated use of the cart and pressing down of the gas pedal, the pressure creates small electric arcs on the thin plate. This restricts the current from flowing. Why does my electric golf cart stall?
Why is my golf cart accelerating sluggish?
A faulty or failing solenoid could be the cause of your golf cart’s sluggish acceleration. It handles getting battery power to your starter, the golf cart’s generator, and the traction motor. Solenoids can fail more frequently on an electric cart than a gas powered one. A speed controller controls the golf cart’s speed and acceleration.
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 causes an electric golf cart to hesitate?
In most cases, the hesitation problem occurs due to bad batteries. If you have bought new batteries for your EZGO RXV, make sure to fully charge them before the first use. Batteries should then be charged after every use. To keep the batteries in check, get a Digital MultiMeter to measure the individual voltage.
Why is my electric golf cart moving slow?
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.
Why does my electric Club Car golf cart 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 reset a golf cart electric 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 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.
How do you make electric golf cart go faster?
6 Ways You Can Make a Golf Cart FasterAdd More Torque to Your Golf Cart.Upgrade Your Golf Cart's Motor.Improve the High-Speed Controller of the Cart.Add Better Golf Cart Tires.Use a Higher Powered Golf Cart Battery.Watch the Weight in Your Golf Cart.
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.
Should you charge a golf cart after every use?
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 long should batteries last in an electric golf cart?
That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.
Where is the reset button on an electric Club Car golf cart?
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. Once you've pressed the button to reset the motor, reassemble the cart, charge up the batteries, and give it a test run.
Do all electric golf carts have a reset button?
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.
How do you test an electric golf cart controller?
0:002:12How to bench check curtis controller and golf cart motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo the curtis controller. And just clap your positive. There then you're going to take anotherMoreTo the curtis controller. And just clap your positive. There then you're going to take another jumper lead to give you your voltage to power up the controller.
Why won't my electric golf cart 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 to reduce golf cart issues?
However, the best way to reduce your chances of golf cart issues, later on, is by performing regular preventative maintenance. With preventative maintenance, you can extend the life of your golf cart and potentially save money in the long run.
What is the best way to check if a golf cart battery is charging?
A Battery Hydrometer: A battery hydrometer measures the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution and can indicate whether or not your batteries are charging correctly. This method is inexpensive and reliable, making it a popular choice for golf cart owners.
Why does my golf cart make a clicking noise?
The solenoid is a critical component of your golf cart because it is the main switch that connects the current from the battery to the traction motor. That clicking noise that you hear when you press the gas pedal is the solenoid.
How to test golf cart batteries?
Another method to test your batteries is by using a load tester. Battery load testers can come in a variety of different price ranges. They give golf cart owners the ability to monitor their battery’s voltage to see how much the volt drops during testing, which indicates the health of the batteries.
How to check if a battery is charged?
Make sure your batteries are fully charged, first, and then check for the following: 1 Any cracks or dirt in the batteries. 2 The water-electrolyte levels (on a weekly basis). If the water runs too low, it can shorten the life of your batteries. Overfilling can also result in a loss of electrolytes. 3 Look for signs of corrosion on your connectors and ensure that they are tight. 4 Dirt and other debris can affect the performance of your batteries. Clean them regularly with a bristle brush, water, and baking soda, but take care not to get any of the electrical components wet.
What to check before checking batteries?
Make sure your batteries are fully charged, first, and then check for the following: Any cracks or dirt in the batteries. The water-electrolyte levels (on a weekly basis).
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
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.
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.
Safety Notice
Before attempting any maintenance or repairs on your golf car it is imperative that you consult the owner’s manual and follow all the safety guidelines. The following are a few safety tips, but may not be all inclusive.
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.
Check Battery Voltage
Once you’ve cleared all the battery terminals of corrosion, you’ll next need to check that your batteries are providing the correct amount of voltage. This can be accomplished using a simple voltmeter.
Check Resistor Coil (For Older 36V Golf Carts)
If you have an older 36V golf car that doesn’t use a speed controller, and you’ve completed all the steps above and your golf car is still jerking in set to forward, but works fine when the direction is changed to reverse you may have a bad resister coil.
Why does my EZGO golf cart hesitate?
The main reason why an EZGO Gas golf cart hesitates while accelerating, is because of a dirty carburetor. A dirty carburetor causes this hesitation. Regular cleaning can prevent this problem. Check the rubber boot and clean if you spot any dirt. In case it has worn out too much, you can replace the carburetor.
Why does my golf cart spin out?
The brake bub will spin out when there is too much load to prevent any damage to the rear axles, causing the golf cart to stall on hills. Remove the covers from the rear wheel. Notice the castle nuts that are holding the hub to the axles. Apply the brakes.
How to check for leaks in golf cart?
You can check for any leaks by following these steps: Crank up the golf cart and check every seal for leakage. You can also spray wd40 at the clutch to find leaks. When the cart becomes hot, the voltage also drops. So, make sure you provide enough voltage to the batteries so the cart can run.
Why is my EZGO RXV hesitation?
In most cases, the hesitation problem occurs due to bad batteries. If you have bought new batteries for your EZGO RXV, make sure to fully charge them before the first use. Batteries should then be charged after every use. To keep the batteries in check, get a Digital MultiMeter to measure the individual voltage.
Why does my golf cart stall?
The most common reason why your golf cart is stalling is due to a bad solenoid or a faulty speed controller. Batteries have lost charge. Faulty ignition. Problem with the direction switch. Faulty speed controller. Bad solenoid. The solenoid wears out every time the gas pedal is pressed down. The solenoid gets pressed down to a thin plate.
Why does my cart stutter?
If you change the battery, change the charger as well; otherwise, the battery will keep running down. 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.
What causes a cart to heat up?
Weak batteries. Bad connection between the batteries. If there are loose connections, it will cause heating in the battery. To check, you can drive your cart for a while and feel the temperature in the cables and connections. If there is no heating, then check the individual voltages.
Why is my electric golf cart slow?
Your electric golf cart can struggle on inclines for a variety of reasons. Weak batteries, incorrect tires, and wear and tear to the motor and wiring are all potential causes of your cart’s slow speed.
Why does my golf cart go slow?
Our assessment of why does my electric golf cart goes slow uphill has yielded several answers. While battery problems tend to be the most common reason for slow speeds uphill. The size of your tires, speed, wire corrosion, and brake solenoid damage are also possible causes for your cart’s slow speeds. I recommend checking your batteries ...
Why is my golf cart not charging?
Golf Cart Batteries. When it comes to challenges with your cart’s speed, they are more often than not caused by an unruly battery. Corrosion, age, or a lack of routine maintenance can all lead to inefficient battery performance. As your batteries age, they are no longer able to hold a charge like they previously did.
What happens when a brake solenoid overheats?
When your brake solenoid overheats, it will pull all your power through the resistor spring, reducing the energy transmitted to your battery. YouTuber Mike Hughes found that disconnecting the two wires leading to the solenoid, along with the cart’s speed sensor, helped to improve the transmission of power to the motor.
How to tell if a battery is going slow?
The best way to identify if the batteries are the root of your go slow is to use some alligator clip test leads. Link your meter to the positive and negative connection of the cart. Then do a test, driving uphill to simulate the problems you have had.
Can mud affect a cart's speed?
That impacts the ability of your cart to navigate slopes and may even struggle on flat terrain. The performance of your cart’s sensor can become impaired from mud build-up, which cover s the sensors and blocks their ability to determine speed. Cleaning the mud off the sensors should see it back up and running.