How to Troubleshoot an E-Z-Go Golf Cart
By Abaigeal Quinn
E-Z-Go electronic golf carts are fun and economical and can be used for leisure activities such a golfing or as transportation in retirement or resort areas. At times, your golf cart may seem to have a mind of its own and will cause you problems with either a lack of power or sometimes the complete opposite--it seems to want to drive even when you don't. A number of sticky issues may be resolved with a bit of investigation.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Troubleshoot a sticky accelerator by turning the engine on and listening for a small clicking sound. If your golf cart is running without you pushing on the accelerator, the solenoid may be sticking into an on position. The clicking noise should only occur once the accelerator is pressed. This is a common problem with E-Z-Go golf carts and can cause overheating. Have the solenoid replaced by a qualified mechanic.
Notice if you are losing power when you drive up inclines. If so, you may need to replace or tighten a battery cable connection. Examine the wiper speed switch for burned-out contacts. Replace any old, frayed or singed connections.
Check your tire pressure to be sure it is at the proper level. E-Z-Go electric carts with low tire pressure will experience an increased load on the batteries which will slow you down and decrease the distance you can drive before recharging. Inflate tires to 18 to 22 PSI.
Test your battery, if you notice slowing, to see if it has a proper charge. Most batteries last five years, but some may be good for twice that long it properly maintained. If the battery is still good, examine the water level--if it is too low it can make the cart lose power. Fill with distilled water to cover the battery plates up to 1/4 inch below the fill tube.
Check the heavy wiring in the engine if you are experiencing melting of your wires or cables. Examine any loose connections and tighten them. Clean off any corrosion on your battery cables or end wires as this can also cause resistance and heat buildup.
Tips & Warnings
Hilly terrain will drain a golf cart battery much more quickly than flat, so be aware of your battery levels when doing a lot of climbing.
Premature tire wear can occur when under-inflating or over-inflating tires.
Always be careful not to over-inflate tires--it can occur in seconds on small golf cart tires.
Never use a low-inflation tire on any E-Z-Go golf cart.
Premature tire wear can occur when under-inflating or over-inflating tires.
Always be careful not to over-inflate tires--it can occur in seconds on small golf cart tires.
Never use a low-inflation tire on any E-Z-Go golf cart.
About The Author
Abaigeal Quinn works as an international consultant for a famous speakers bureau in Arizona. She is a former news editor and insurance agent and works as a part-time freelance writer for online publishers including eHow, Trails, Answerbag, Bestcovery, NetQuote and GolfLink. Quinn first began writing for a daily newspaper in 1985 after slinking her way into a news desk through the ad department.
