Golf Cart Troubleshooting

We get it. You just got your (new to you) golf cart and you can’t wait to take it out and tool around. You get your buddy ready to go, but it won’t turn over, or it won’t maintain its speed. You’re new to this stuff and don’t really know where to start. Well, we have a few tips and tricks for beginner maintenance and problem solving. The first thing to keep in mind is the typical lifespan of a golf cart is 7-10 years.

Common problems include:

• Electric Battery: The #1 most common issue that golf cart owners come across is the battery. Something to keep in mind, some golf cart models use a small amount of the battery even when it’s off! Because of this, these need to be charged regularly to keep them in good condition. Make sure your batteries are properly cleaned to ensure a good connection. Golf cart batteries need topped up on water regularly to run, but make sure when you are doing this, you wear protective gear in case of an acid spill!

• Brake Issues: If you hear squeaking or squealing and it’s not from your passenger, you may want to check your brake pads. Yes, like any other vehicle these also have brake pads that need maintenance. When it’s time to change your brake pads, you might notice new sounds, a different feel when you try to stop, and even the golf cart pulling to one side when braking. You will want to change these right away to prevent any additional stress on your golf cart in the long run.

• Solenoid: A solenoid is a coil that is the main electrical switch in the golf cart, designed for the current from your batteries to flow into the motor. A bad or damaged solenoid can be from corrosion, loose wires, or broken coils. Usually when you find that this is the issue, you will need to find a repair shop and have it replaced.

• Charging issues: Charging issues can be very fickle. A common charging issue is a blown fuse. These are put in place to prevent overloading and helps save your batteries in the long run. From one professional mechanic to another, please remember to unplug the golf cart before working. It’s better to just take the advice than learn the hard way on that one. These can be changed at home; however, you will want to follow the manufacturer's manual word for word. Another common problem is the charger cables and plugs are never stationary. They move with the cart and are prone to become loose. This can result in the power bank not being charged properly. This can be fixed at home by tightening the plug connectors.

• Faulty Switches: If you press the accelerator and the golf cart still doesn’t move or responds intermittently, this can indicate a faulty micro switch. Many other things can indicate a faulty micro switch such as brake light issues, reverse alarm malfunctions, and inaccurate state of charge reading. To see if this is the issue, take a close look to see if there is any damage, wear and tear or water on your switch. If you have a multimeter, you can also check the resistance of the switch. If the contacts are dirty or corroded, clean them with isopropyl alcohol. After this, inspect to see any other damage. If things are damaged beyond repair, replacement is the only option. This may include the contacts or the whole switch.

Having a golf cart can be so much fun, especially when it’s running properly. We hope these tips and tricks will save you time and money and keep your golf cart in tip-top shape. Now that you’re ready to get started on your golf cart journeys, stay safe out there!