I’m really scratching my head over this one. My electric golf cart starts up just fine, runs for a bit, and then just halts. I’ve tried a couple of quick fixes, but no luck so far. Anyone else had this issue? I’m desperate for some advice!
Response
Hey there, I totally get your frustration. I had the same issue with my electric golf cart. After some serious sleuthing, I found a couple of solutions that did the trick. One thing that really made a difference was thoroughly checking the four-conductor plug from the ITS to the controller.
Solutions
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Four-Conductor Plug | 1 | Checked and fixed the four-conductor plug | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Motor Cables | 1 | Tightened loose motor cables | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Cable Connection and F/R Switch | 0 | – | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Micro Switch in Throttle Box | 0 | – | $0 | 10-20 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart stops running at random intervals
- Golf cart moves only a few feet before stopping
- Annoying beeping sound until the tow switch is activated
Possible Causes
- Corroded or loose electrical connections
- Battery issues or failing cells
- Motor controller malfunctions
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Four-Conductor Plug
What I Did:
Inspected the four-conductor plug connecting the ITS (Inductive Throttle Sensor) to the controller.
Outcome:
The cart started running without any hiccups.
Personal Experience:
I noticed some corrosion on the plug. After cleaning it and ensuring a good connection, the cart was back in action.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the batteries for safety.
- Locate the four-conductor plug, usually found near the ITS and the controller.
- Inspect for corrosion, loose wires, or any signs of wear and tear.
- If corrosion is found, use a wire brush to clean the contacts.
- Reconnect the plug, ensuring a snug fit.
Expert Tip:
Corrosion is often a hidden culprit. If your cart has been exposed to moisture or hasn’t been used for a while, always check the electrical connectors.
2. Check Motor Cables
What I Did:
Examined the cables connected to the motor for any signs of looseness or wear.
Outcome:
The cart stopped its erratic “hopping” and ran smoothly.
Personal Experience:
One of the motor cables was not fully secured. Tightening it resolved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Again, start by turning off the golf cart and disconnecting the batteries.
- Locate the motor at the rear of the cart.
- Inspect the cables connected to the motor for any looseness or fraying.
- Use a wrench to tighten any loose connections.
- If any cables are frayed, consider replacing them.
Expert Tip:
Loose connections can cause intermittent issues that are hard to diagnose. A simple tightening of the cables can often solve the problem.
Solutions with Unconfirmed Success
3. Check Cable Connection and Forward/Reverse Switch
What to Do:
Inspect the cable connections and the forward/reverse switch for any issues.
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the batteries.
- Locate the forward/reverse switch, usually found near the driver’s seat.
- Check for any loose or corroded cable connections.
- Tighten or clean as necessary.
4. Check Micro Switch in Throttle Box
What to Do:
Inspect the micro switch in the throttle box located under the driver’s side floor mat.
Steps:
- Lift the driver’s side floor mat to reveal the throttle box.
- Open the throttle box and locate the micro switch.
- Check for any signs of wear or damage.
- Replace if necessary.
Handy Tips
- Always disconnect the batteries before doing any electrical work on your golf cart for safety reasons.
- Keep a set of basic tools like a wrench and wire brush in the cart for quick fixes on the go.
- If you’re not comfortable with DIY fixes, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.
Safety tips
- Sometimes, the issue might not be electrical at all. Check for any obstructions in the wheels or axles that might be causing the cart to stop.
- If your cart has a “Run/Tow” switch, make sure it’s in the “Run” position. Sometimes this switch can get bumped accidentally, causing the cart to stop.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Early 2000’s EZGO TXT
- 2000 EZGO electric golf cart
- 2000 EZ Go Electric Golf cart
I hope this guide helps anyone who’s struggling with a similar issue. If you’ve tried these solutions or have other tips to share, please let us know!