Top 3 Golf Car Issues And DIY Solutions

It’s a beautiful day and you are ready to hit the green for a morning of golf with friends. You get dressed, put on your wide brimmed Tommy Bahama hat and start your golf car. But, it won’t start.

This has happened to most golf car owners, but it doesn’t have to mean that the whole day is ruined. We have asked golf car repair shops about the most common golf car problems and the DIY solutions they suggest.

Issue #1: The Golf Car Will Not Start

Batteries
When your golf car will not start, the first thing to check is the batteries. It may seem obvious, but make sure that they are fully charged. Sometimes chargers do not connect properly with the battery pack and leave the batteries uncharged.

Next, check the water level in the batteries, assuming that they are standard lead acid batteries. The water levels should be appropriate, per the manufacturer specs, or the batteries may fail.

Battery wiring can be tricky and it is important that connections be checked. When the terminals and posts are covered in corrosion, the connection will not be made and the golf car will stop. Cleaning up the terminals with a wire brush may get you back on the green. In some cases, if the terminals are melted, replacing the connections may be the only solution.

For additional help with battery maintenance, check out this ebook.

Key Switch
Just like any well used part, the key switch can wear out. The key switch makes the connection between the starter and the batteries. Check for loose or broken wires.

Sometimes the key switch isn’t really the issue. Make sure that the transmission selector switch is completely in forward or reverse and not in the middle. At times, this issue can appear to be a key switch issue when it isn’t.

Forward/Reverse Switch
Another part that wears out with use is the forward/reverse switch. Replacing one is simple and they are not typically expensive parts. If you have to replace one, consider replacing with a heavy duty one to prevent it from burning out as quickly.

Solenoid
Battery current travels to the motor through the solenoid. When wires in a solenoid are loose or the coil has failed, the golf car will not start. If you hear clicking when you depress the accelerator, chances are, you will be replacing the solenoid.

Issue #2: Intermittent Golf Car Issues

One of the most frustrating issues golf car owners face is when their golf car suddenly dies or stops and starts. The forward reverse switch and the solenoid can also be contributing to intermittent issues. Trial and error is the only way to identify an intermittent issue. Most often, intermittent issues are caused by loose wiring somewhere in the electrical system. Identifying the issue is easier with a manual. Visit the following links to find the appropriate manuals:

Club Car Manual
E-Z-GO Manual
Yamaha Manual

Issue #3: Controller
Golf Car controllers control the speed of the golf car but they also protect the motor from overloaded current, protects batteries from excessive discharge, and control the acceleration rate. Controllers can go bad and cause many tricky and annoying issues, mostly related to overheating and speed. When all other smaller issues have been troubleshooted, the golf car may need a controller replacement.

Imagine the triumph you will experience when you repair your own golf car. With a bit of knowledge and the motivation of a tee time, every golf car owner can save time and money maintaining and repairing their own golf cars.