Typically, your golf cart will have more than one battery resulting in several cable connections between them and the motor. If you find a particular cable getting hotter than the other cables, check for the connection made with that cable. A bad or loose cable connection can cause it to get hot.
Why is my golf cart battery getting hot?
Typically, your golf cart will have more than one battery resulting in several cable connections between them and the motor. If you find a particular cable getting hotter than the other cables, check for the connection made with that cable. A bad or loose cable connection can cause it to get hot.
How do golf cart batteries work?
The terminal post of the golf cart battery is attached with the cable using a stainless steel. The post is associated with the cell plates of the golf cart’s battery. This helps in the transferring of power from battery to the engine of the golf cart.
Why won't my electric golf cart run?
If your controller is damaged, your cart won't run. However, a few other reasons could lead your vehicle to stop running. Since the speed controller is the heart of your electric golf cart, you need to make sure that the problem is not something else first. Following is a list of things to check before you troubleshoot the speed controller.
What does a speed controller do on a golf cart?
As the name suggests, one of the important functions of a speed controller is to allow the controller to manage the vehicle's speed. The speed controller controls the acceleration and deceleration of a golf cart and allows the rider to adjust the motor's current.
Why does my positive battery cable get hot?
In case you touched your terminals right after you cranked up the engine and it takes longer than usual, you can expect terminals to be slightly warm to the touch. This happens because the starter draws lots of power, so the battery warms up because of the instant burst of high energy delivered to the starter.
How hot should an electric golf cart motor get?
How hot should a Yamaha golf cart motor get? Generally, a temperature of 170ºF is considered reasonably safe for your Yamaha golf cart motor. If the temperature exceeds 250ºF this indicates a serious problem.
Is it normal for a golf cart motor to get hot?
Every golf cart gets hot with continuous use, but if you're not able to put your hand on the bonnet, you know you have a real issue at hand. What is this? If you are able to put your hand on it for even 4 to 5 seconds, your engine is doing fine and there is no issue of overheating.
Should golf cart wires get hot?
The battery cables of your golf cart are prone to occasionally melting just like the cables of the batteries in any other vehicle. The main reason why golf cart battery cables will melt is because of too much current passing through the jumper cable; resulting in overheating and melting.
What Causes Golf Cart Battery Cables to Melt
The battery cables of your golf cart are prone to occasionally melting just like the cables of the batteries in any other vehicle.
What Causes Golf Cart Battery Terminals to Melt?
Just like the battery cables of your golf cart, the battery terminals also tend to melt. You must check them often and take the necessary measures to avoid damage to your golf cart.
How to Repair Melted Battery Terminals
One main reason why your golf cart batteries get damaged is due to melting. As mentioned above, this can happen to either the cables or the terminals of the batteries.
How to Fix Melted Golf Cart Battery Post
The golf cart battery cables, terminals, and posts are all interrelated. So, it is almost certain that if either the cables, terminals, or both leaks, your battery post is likely to leak soon. A few reasons that could trigger a battery post leak are given below.
Why do golf cart batteries melt?
Why Do Golf Cart Battery Terminals Melt. The terminal of a golf cart battery will usually melt when connections become loose or dirty. To avoid terminals melting, ensure you use the correct size wires, and that limps, nuts and bolts are tightened securely.
Why does water boil in golf cart batteries?
Why Water in Wet-Cell Batteries Keeps Boiling While Charging. There are multiple reasons for the water in wet cell batteries to boil. Sometimes, you may have more water in your golf cart batteries than what is needed. According to some studies, there should be a gap of ¼ inch above the plates.
Why is my cart hot after charging?
Using your cart with a dry battery will cause heat damage quickly! Maintaining optimal water levels is a must. If you find your batteries becoming hot soon after charging, it may indicate low water levels. Don’t forget to check the cable connections as well.
How far should the battery be from the plate on a golf cart?
According to some studies, there should be a gap of ¼ inch above the plates. Sometimes, your golf cart batteries are old and worn out. Such batteries fail to work efficiently and will eventually die. These factors will force your charger to add more pressure on the batteries to get them completely charged.
How much torque does a golf cart battery need?
According to the majority of the golf cart battery manufacturers, the torque required falls between 85 to 100 and 5-inch pounds.
What happens if you use a dry battery?
Remember it’s crucial that you regularly check the water level in your battery. There is a line marked on the tank that indicates how much water is needed. If the amount of water in your battery is too low, then you’re working with a dry battery. Using your cart with a dry battery will cause heat damage quickly!
What is a post on a golf cart?
The post is associated with the cell plates of the golf cart’s battery. This helps in the transferring of power from battery to the engine of the golf cart. Remember that leaving connections loose or dirty can easily lead to some resistance.
How much horsepower does a golf cart need?
These vehicles will have motors with 5 to 10 horsepower, and controllers that can deliver 300 to 600 AMPS.
What does a battery controller do?
With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves.
Why is a speed controller important?
The Importance of the Speed Controller. The main objective for the speed controller is, as the name implies, to control the vehicle speed. Let’s say you try to operate that old DC motor without a controller. Any time you apply throttle, the full battery current and voltage is sent to the motor.
What is the most important part of a golf cart?
Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do. In this guide, we breakdown the speed controller so you have a complete understanding of their functions, and hopefully come out with the knowledge to make an educated decision on the type ...
What is the function of a speed controller?
In addition to controlling the vehicles speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer, regardless of the motor you are using. Battery Current Limiter: This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage.
Can you program a speed controller yourself?
Beyond the already mentioned functions of the speed controller, there are many other features available when programming the controller yourself. If you have a computer or a handheld programmer, then changing the settings on your speed controller is super easy.
Do AC motors require a sensor?
Device Support on SPF ( Speed of Position Feedback): AC motors can require a sensor in order for the controller to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Why is a golf cart controller important?
From being able to change your golf cart's speed to manage all the electrical components perfectly, the controller is an important element of your cart. You could say the controller is the heart of your cart. A properly selected and maintained controller will allow the vehicle to operate smoothly and safely. Learn more about your Club Car speed ...
Why won't my golf cart run?
If your controller is damaged, your cart won't run. However, a few other reasons could lead your vehicle to stop running. Since the speed controller is the heart of your electric golf cart, you need to make sure that the problem is not something else first. Following is a list of things to check before you troubleshoot the speed controller.
What to do if your golf cart doesn't start?
If the cart doesn't start, check the solenoid. If the solenoid is working fine and allowing power to flow, then you can begin inspecting the controller. Learn more about symptoms of a bad golf cart solenoid. If all the components are working well, the next step is to check the speed controller.
How to start a golf cart when it's dead?
Start with batteries and make sure they are working properly. If your batteries are dead, your golf cart will not start. Charge your batteries completely, and then try to drive the cart.
What is the function of a speed controller on a golf cart?
Following are some of the primary functions of the speed controller: Limiting Motor Current – Protects the motor and controller from damage in case of stalling and overloading. Limiting Battery Current – Managing current drawn from the battery ...
What is a club car controller?
The Club Car controller is also known as a speed controller, and the best thing about the controller is that it works as a brain and speed control system for the golf cart.
What is a programmable controller?
Programmable Controller. The programmable controller can easily be configured for the needs of your cart. This controller's most significant and important advantage is that programmable controllers produce 60% less heat than other controllers.
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.
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 ...
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.
Where is the reset button on a cart?
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 happens if a golf cart motor doesn't spin?
If everything else is working properly but the motor does not spin, it may be burnt out. You can burn out a motor by overloading the golf cart or using it on too steep a grade. If the motor is burnt out, it must be completely replaced.
How to protect a golf cart battery?
Golf cart batteries are highly corrosive, so avoid spills at all times. Wear protective gloves when testing or cleaning your battery. It is also recommended to wear protective glasses when you are handling the battery, so corrosive liquid does not splash into your eyes.
How many ohms does a golf cart potentiometer have?
Most golf cart potentiometers are 5K – 0 ohms, which means the potentiometer relays 5,000 ohms when you floor the accelerator. Some older models use volts instead, so double check the resistance type before you try to test the output. There are two terminals on a potentiometer.
What happens if your solenoid is not working?
If your solenoid is working and the cart still isn’t going, there is one last part to check before you reset the entire motor. You may have never come across the potentiometer before, but it is an important part to keep your golf cart going. It sends an electrical signal to the speed controller from the accelerator pedal, indicating the pedal’s position.
How does a potentiometer work on a golf cart?
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.
What to do if your electric cart won't run?
Once you’ve pressed the button to reset the motor, reassemble the cart, charge up the batteries, and give it a test run. If you’ve reset the motor and the cart will still not run, there are a few things that could be wrong with your electric motor.
How to clean corroded battery terminals?
Replace depleted water only with distilled water. If any of your battery terminals are dirty and corroded, use a solution of baking soda and water with a stiff brush to clean them up for better contact.
How many amps does a coach charger use?
That is based on the onboard wattage regulator for the outside outlets. However, the charger requires at least 15 amps.
Is the coach outlet wire too small?
The wire size on the coach outlets is probably too small to support a high amperage charger. Like you mentioned, the outlet is just an extension of the line from the coach to the supply box. Although the cable to the supply box is adequate, the coach is probably internally wired with 14 ga wire which is too light to carry the amperage.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
What is a speed controller?
Speed Controller. The speed controller manages the speed of the golf cart. There are some situations when the speed controller fails, but the cart will still start and move ahead. But, as it runs for a while, it will start malfunctioning.
The Importance of The Speed Controller
Speed Controller Functions
- In addition to controlling the vehicles speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer, regardless of the motor you are using. 1. Battery Current Limiter:This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage. 2. Motor Current Limiter:This can ...
Programming Your Speed Controller
- Beyond the already mentioned functions of the speed controller, there are many other features available when programming the controller yourself. If you have a computer or a handheld programmer, then changing the settings on your speed controller is super easy. Easily access settings for your controller in order to customize the operation. You can even tune the performa…
Determining Your Power Rating Needed
- After you have figured out your motor type and battery voltage, consider looking deeper into the current and power rating of your speed controller. This will be based on multiple aspects including the weight and size of the vehicle (load included), your average vehicle speed, and the environment in which your vehicle will be riding in. The power provided by the controller will obvi…
Choosing The Right Controller
- Like I previously stated, you need to make sure you know what your vehicle is going to be used for! If your golf cart is going to be used for transporting 2 people or light loads on flat ground, and smooth roads, a small 200-300 AMP controller with a 2-5 horsepower motor should adequately perform. You’ll find that most vehicles in this category run with 24 to 36 Volt battery packs. If yo…
Final Thoughts
- As you can see, the speed controller is the center of your golf cart, and most of the other modern day electric vehicles. Making sure you choose the right controller for your new custom cart makes all the difference in the vehicle running safely, and smoothly. When upgrading your controller for your golf cart, we suggest working with manufacturers that have spent the time building controll…