Golf carts are reliable due to their simple design and uncomplicated mechanism but they have different components for the moving purpose. Any fault in these components can cause a problem in the golf cart’s proper working.
There are so many simple ways to determine the exact fault and similarly, there are so many easy ways to fix the fault that won’t let your golf cart start properly.
Here, we will go through the ten most common issues that cause a fault in golf carts due to which it won’t start properly.
The ten most common issues due to which a golf cart won’t start
1. Fault in the fuse
Fault in the fuse of golf carts is one of the most common issues. As both electrical-powered golf carts and gasoline-power golf carts contain fuses any fault in these fuses will simply cause a problem in the golf cart’s proper functioning. Whenever there is any fault in the fuse, it will not allow any electricity to pass through it. Due to a shortage of electricity, a golf cart has to face many problems like the sparkling lights arbitrarily, malfunctioning the radio of golf.
Traditionally, the starting of the golf cart is done by these fuses and when there is any fault in these, the golf cart may fail to start.
Fuses of the golf cart may trip due to many reasons which include defects in the structure of the fuse, and electrical power surges during acceleration. In this case, you have to examine the fuses of the golf cart properly.
So here a question arises, How can one check and repair the fuses of the golf cart? Specifically in Yamaha carts, For it, you have to locate the fuses in your golf cart, check for fuse panels, open them, and you will find out the fuses close to the battery as they are easy to approach here.
In some other golf cart models, fuses can be discovered below the seat, if you are not able to find them here, you can open the glove compartment. Here, you have to look for a fuse box, on the door of that fuse box a layout is given, which helps you to discover the exact fuse which is linked with the starting of the golf cart.
Now, properly check that fuse, Is it overturned or tripped?
Start your cart by pushing it back. When you start to the golf cart, does the fuse shift back?
If yes! Then, you have a wiring issue.
If the fuse of your cart is interchangeable, consult a trained technician to use the best type of fuse.
2. Ignition Key Issues
The issue with the ignition key is another common reason for cart failure. If you don’t find any issue in the fuses of your golf cart, then you should examine the ignition key. Is it working properly?
to ignite the cart’s engine, you have to put the key in the ignition key. If it has any fault, it will be difficult to start the cart.
There are too many reasons for the failure of the ignition key which include poor electrical transfer, mechanical issues like weakening of the switch surface, wear out of gears causing less smoothness, and faulty adjustment of the back and forth switch.
The power surge can be disturbed due to faulty adjustment or wear and tear of the back-and-forth switch.
To fix this issue, you have to find the ignition wire which is located in the panel. trace the ignition wire to the starter solenoid and examine the connection of the wires. Are they worn out and rusted?
Now you have to repair or replace the ignition wire and if the condition is worse then you should call a trained technician to replace the ignition switch.
3. Battery Issue
The next issue on your checklist must be battery failure.
It is not a common issue as many golf cart owners are trained enough to keep a regular check and balance on the battery. but when the battery or its cells are worn out and are not able to work smoothly.
This issue occurs when the battery is not holding electricity or is not charging properly. Other common causes of this issue are overcharging and improper discharge between trips.
Checking the battery failure is somehow difficult.
To check this problem, bring the cart to a neutral point by turning it off. unlock the battery holder and detach the connecting wires.
Test the power of the battery by connecting a multimeter to the terminals of your battery. you will have to charge the battery for a proper time if you find no electricity in it.
After charging the battery, check its power again. Is there any power in it? It is going to fail and should be interchanged if it doesn’t hold as much power as a good battery. if there is no power in it at all, it means it has failed already.
4. FUEL ISSUES
Till now we have discussed the issues which may affect both electric-powered carts and gasoline-powered carts but now we will specifically discuss the fuel issue which can occur only in gasoline-powered golf carts.
A deficiency of fuel is the most common issue that will cause a problem in the starting of the cart.
Fixing this issue is very simple. you have to just put fuel in the cart and it will start to work again.
however, many other issues like gasoline leakage or gasoline flow problems lead to the shortage of gasoline too soon.
you can notice this issue easily, as there will be a smell when your cart starts moving or gasoline or gasoline will be dropping off under your cart.
Consult a trained technician to fix this problem and make sure that your cart does not cause any kind of pollution to the environment.
Some other issues may disturb the distribution of fuel like the failure of the fuel pump, the working of the diaphragm no more smooth, and dirty fuel filter. all of these lead to engine failure. consult a professional as soon as possible, if your cart is facing any of the above issues.
5. SPARKING PLUGS
The Spark-ignition engine depends on different elements and factors that are all working together smoothly.
For the smooth working of your cart, it is necessary that sparking plugs should be perfectly operational and properly timed.
As the engine in golf carts is small they have only one sparking plug. and this plug may bear many issues like, due to lack of cleanliness, it may turn into an oily and dirty plug, or timing errors because of the space between plug and piston or a wiring issue.
In any of the above-mentioned cases, it is necessary to check the condition of the spark plugs of the cart for their smooth running.
Traditionally, you have to check the tightness of the wires because they get loose over time.to fix this issue, you have to replace or tighten the wires and check if the engine starts or not.
If not, then elements that stimulate the spark have become weary and they need replacement.
In such situations, you have to consult a trained technician to fix the issue in the best way.
6. CARBURETOR ISSUES
This is another issue related to the gasoline-powered golf carburettor. This element of the engine helps to increase the efficiency of the engine as well as helps to keep the discharge clean.
However, fuel cut-off can easily happen in this part which causes the failure of the cart to start.
Other problems like blocking of thick fuel leakage of fuel in different elements for example the floats, the fuel jets, and the gasket can also cause issues in the fuel flow which further lead to the problem in starting the cart.
Usually, this issue can be solved easily in the carburettor, to fix this, you just have to clean the carburettor. If this issue is not solved by cleaning then it is time to go for a new carburetor.
Airfilter can also cause a problem in the staring of the cart but you can also repair it on your own just like the carburetor.
Remove the filter from the cart and try to ignite it, if it starts, then that means you have to repair and clean it to protect your golf cart from damage.
7. WIRING ISSUE
Now it’s time to discuss the problems related to electrical golf carts. There are more wiring issues in the electrical golf carts as compared to the gasoline golf carts. Because there are many wires linked with the battery and different solenoids in electrical golf carts.
When there is a problem with the tightness of the wires occurs, it may cause the flow of electricity through the cart properly, due to which sometimes it will start and other times it may not work.
There are different suggestions to fix this problem.
If you have basic knowledge and skills and also have a wiring diagram for your golf cart then go for it on your own and fix it.
But if you don’t have skills as well as diagrams then go for a professional. Because wiring in an electrical golf cart can be complicated and complex. So, it’s better to consult a professional to fix the issue.
8. BAD SOLENOIDS
Different controlling elements of the golf cart get power from the solenoids. Older golf carts have various solenoids while the new ones have only one solenoid which is easy to diagnose.
Traditionally, a bad solenoid is a common problem that leads to the cart’s failure to start.
In older models, various solenoids control back-and-forth motion and other components of the cart which lead to the solenoid failure.
You have to locate all the solenoids present in the golf cart and connect them to a multimeter and you have to apply the voltage from 6 volts up to 12 volts to examine what happens.
If they are switched on it means they are completely ok, something else is wrong.
But if they are not turned on, it means it’s time to replace the old solenoids.
If they are switched on but when the cart starts moving they are switched off, then it’s a problem in the connecting components that need to be fixed. And you should go to a professional to fix this issue.
9. ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILURE
When the golf cart stops working, we immediately think about a problem in the engine or the components related to the starter.
But sometimes the accelerator pad or foot switch of the cart can cause issues.
The pedal is an element that links the starter and other components with the engine. If any kind of fault occurs in it for example loose wires are unable for the electricity flow to the engine or the starter. This issue is noticed
when you try to start the cart by pushing the pedal, but it does not start.
You can determine this issue on your own but it’s better to fix it from a trained technician as it is better to be safe than to be sorry.
10. STARTER GENERATOR
The last common issue that causes a problem in the golf cart operation is the failure of the starter generator.
It is not a minor or negligible issue rather it is the most critical issue.
The starter generator is responsible for the electrical surge for the starter of the golf cart. It transfers electricity from the battery to the starter when the switch is turned on. But if there is any fault in the working of the generator, you will be stuck.
The problem can occur due to many reasons like wearing out of the generator issues in the wiring or corrosion of the generator
Again it is suggested to contact a trained technician to fix the issue to avoid any kind of complications.
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