How to Troubleshoot a Club Car Golf Cart
By Keith Dooley
Golf carts are common sights on many cart paths and fairways of golf courses. The golf cart has even found its way into neighborhoods and beach communities as a popular and convenient alternative to transportation to and from pools, recreation centers, beach access points and shopping centers. One popular cart is the Club Car, which is reliable, durable and used by golf courses as well as homeowners.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate
Attempt to start the Club Car golf cart by ensuring the key and gear selector control are in the proper position. Typically, it is necessary for the key to be turned on and the gear selector to be in the neutral or center position. It may also be necessary for the parking brake to be set, depending on the cart model.
Lift the seat to access the batteries of the Club Car golf cart. Wear heavy rubber protective gloves and safety glasses to protect against contact with battery acid. Inspect the batteries to ensure the connections are secure and tight. Tighten loose battery cables with an adjustable wrench.
Brush any corrosion from the terminals and make sure that there is a good connection. If necessary, remove the cable by loosening the bolt, remove the cable, thoroughly brush away all corrosion and reattach the cable to the battery.
Check the water level if possible in the batteries by removing the small caps on the batteries. Add distilled water if the water level appears low.
Inspect the wires from the starter switch of the Club Cart to the relay and then to the battery. Check for loose wires, as well, and any worn or damaged wiring.
Tips & Warnings
One common problem associated with Club Car carts, as well as other golf carts, is charging. Make sure the lights or accessories of the cart were not inadvertently left on, which could have drained the battery.
Make sure the batteries were allowed to charge sufficiently during the last charging cycle.
Use caution when working around batteries to avoid potential injury from battery acid or shock.
About The Author
Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for Associated Content in the past and has been a contributing writer at Demand Media Studios for the last year, writing mainly for eHow, Trails, Golflink and Travels.
