EZGO RXV/TXT/Marathon Golf Cart Runs Slow (Troubleshooting)

EZGO golf cart running slow

 

Why your EZGO Golf Cart Runs Slow

A EZGO RXV and TXT golf cart can run slow because of a faulty speed sensor, low battery charge and insufficient levels of water in the battery.

  • A problem with the speed sensor.
  • A faulty speed magnet.
  • Accumulation of stones, mud, pebbles or other caked-on particles under the cart
  • One or more batteries could are weak and don’t have sufficient charge or the water level could be low.
  • The cables used for connection are low current cables or defective.
  • The controller has a lower than optimal current rating.
  • The bearing encoder is faulty or damaged.
  • The J1 pins 4 and 5 of the controller don’t have the required full pack voltage rating.

 

How to Fix a Slow EZGO TXT

A EZGO TXT golf cart that is running slow can be fixed by replacing the speed sensor and replacing the batteries.

  1. The speed sensor wire and magnet may be damaged or malfunctioning. Using the wrong wire for connecting the speed sensor can also cause the problem. Replacing these can get the cart running at a decent speed. In case of wrong wire usage, the wire replacement alone may work.
  2. Check the overall battery pack voltage when the cart is under load. Connect a digital voltmeter to the pack by pushing the pedal to the floor as much as possible.
  3. If the reading isn’t at least 34 volts, then there could be a battery problem that hinders with the speed. On the other hand, if the voltage is okay, it means that the speed sensor is problematic.
  4. The contactor cable may be jammed against the plug of the speed sensor. Moving the cable away from the plug will resolve the issue.
  5. If the cart takes off at normal speed and slows down even if it has new batteries, there may be a malfunctioning bearing encoder. Replacing the old one with a new encoder can serve as a fix to the problem.
  6. The golf cart might have a bad ITS that is indicated by a low battery pack voltage. This problem can be rectified by getting a new ITS fitted.
  7. Burnt solenoids can cause the cart to start at full speed when it’s fully charged and then slows down or doesn’t move at all. For such a case, the solenoid must be replaced.
  8. A low ampacity controller, small or faulty cables or weak batteries can slow down the golf cart. Checking them and replacing the defective components is likely to help you regain the speed of your golf cart.

 

How to Fix a Slow EZGO RXV

A EZGO RXV golf cart that is running slow can be fixed by replacing the encoder bearing and speed sensor.

  1. The brake fitted in the golf cart may be incompatible with the motor. Changing the brake to a compatible one is likely to solve the problem.
  2. The encoder bearing could be cut at the point where it gets plugged into the wiring harness and prevents the controller from receiving a speed signal from the motor. Replacing the encoder bearing can serve as a fix for the slow speed issue. Sometimes, the encoder may need a replacement.
  3. The brake pads may have got dislocated from their brackets present inside the drum resulting in locking of the wheel on the driver’s side. Pulling the drum and putting the brake pads in place is a possible solution.
  4. Check the motor temperature sensor for its resistance. A 0 Ohms reading or an open circuit instead of the desired 400 to 1300 Ohms can trigger the slow speed problem. Consider getting the sensor replaced to address the problem.
  5. The speed sensor could be either faulty or damaged. In either case, replacing this part will solve the problem.

 

How to Fix a Slow EZGO Marathon

A EZGO Marathon golf cart that is running slow can be fixed by replacing the speed controller and forward/reverse switch.

  1. The four wiring connections on the motor may have been swapped or interchanged. Getting the wiring redone according to the wiring diagram may solve the problem.
  2. There could be a problem with the speed controller of the golf cart. A replacement or upgrade is likely to increase the speed of the cart.
  3. If the golf cart is a resistor cart, an upgrade to the resistor setup will often help to achieve the desired speed.
  4. The battery cables or other wires that are connected to the motor and other parts of the cart may be getting overheated. Consider making the appropriate cable or wire replacement with higher gauge wires. It’s a good idea to replace all the battery cables even if only one of them has a problem.
  5. Compressing the spring on the governor setup by adjusting the big and small nuts often helps to increase the speed to a considerable extent.
  6. The forward/reverse switch could be malfunctioning or not operating properly. Removing the switch and putting a new one can often be a solution to the problem.

 

How to Fix an EZGO PDS that Runs Slow

A EZGO PDS golf cart that is running slow can be fixed by tightening the J1 pin on the controller and by using a large speed controller.

  1. The speed sensor may be at fault. Push the golf cart and check if you hear a beep as there is resistance to the push. If you don’t, the sensor is faulty and calls for a replacement. You may want to first check that the battery pack voltage is correct under load is correct.
  2. Broken wires or bad connections can slow down the cart. Replacing broken wires and fixing up bad or loose connections may solve the problem.
  3. If the cart has 22-inch tires and a freedom chip installed, there are chances that the already fitted speed controller is too small. A bigger speed controller can help to enhance the speed.
  4. The J1 pin on the controller may be loose. Fixing it back tightly in place is likely to be a solution.
  5. There could be a problem with the solenoid. Removing it and putting another one in place may resolve the problem.
  6. The microswitch on the floor under the floor mat near the ITS of the cart could be stuck. Releasing it may help the golf cart pick up speed.

 

Why Does an EZGO Golf Cart Runs Slow on a Full Charge

A EZGO golf cart can run slow on a full charge due to a faulty solenoid or micro-switch.

  • The golf cart may have a faulty solenoid or micro-switch that needs replacement. To check for a defective solenoid, remove the negative battery cable as well as the diode, restorer and all wires from the solenoid.
  • Set a voltmeter on continuity and connect it to the two big terminal studs. There should now be no continuity on the meter. If there is, a solenoid replacement will help.
  • You can also test the solenoid by connecting jumper wires from the main positive and negative terminals of the battery pack to the small solenoid studs. Check for a clicking sound when the solenoid engages and see if the meter shows continuity on the big terminals. Replace the solenoid if it clicks rapidly or there is no continuity.
  • Hot cables can slow down the golf cart. Recheck the cable wiring for loose connections and replace cables that get heated up.

 

Why your EZGO Golf Cart is Running Slow with New Batteries

A EZGO golf cart can run slow on new batteries because of a faulty solenoid or insufficient water levels in the battery.

  • A welded solenoid may cause the golf cart to run slowly. The cart will run properly when the solenoid is replaced.
  • The speed controller may have a faulty voltage comparator. The entire speed controller will have to be changed to solve the problem.
  • The ITS switch, foot control or forward/reverse switch may be malfunctioning. Identifying the faulty component and doing a replacement can help the cart gain speed.
  • Check the distilled water levels in the battery and ensure that they are always 50% or more. This is important to get good speed.
  • Check the battery connections and ensure proper series wiring. Mismatched wiring can slow down the cart even if the batteries are new.
  • Check the drop in battery pack voltage when the accelerator is pressed and also the ITS output. There should not be a major variation in the pack voltage from when the pedal is released. Similarly, the ITS output must produce a 100% throttle signal. If not, it’s time to change the ITS.

 

Why your EZGO Golf Cart is Slow to Take Off

  • If you have a controller golf cart, check the throttle potentiometer to see if it reads 0 Ohms at rest, not more than 10 Ohms when the solenoid is activated and rises to 5,000-5,500 Ohms at full throttle. Remove the white and black wires connected to the controller to do the check.

  • Jack up the golf cart and check if the hubs are out of alignment. If they are out of place or striped, you will have less torque and therefore less speed. Fitting them back properly may help.

  • Check if the golf cart has hot components, cables or connections. Fixing these components that get hot could solve the problem.

  • The golf cart may have a larger gates belt than required. Substituting this with a smaller one may be a solution.

  • Confirm if the valve lash is set at 0.004 inches. If not, set this right to resolve the problem.

 

How to Fix an EZGO Golf Cart that is Slow Uphill

  1. Check the battery pack voltage when going uphill by connecting a digital voltmeter to the main positive and negative of the battery. If you don’t have the required pack voltage, check each battery individually.
  2. Check if the amperage controller and solenoid are compatible with the motor, especially if it’s a high-speed motor. A stock controller may get burnt with a high-speed motor and affect the speed.
  3. The connections, contacts or wirings may have a high resistance that results in them getting heated up. Doing appropriate replacements can help.
  4. Check for problems like dragging brakes or dry bearings. Some lubrication may fix the problem.

 

Read more: Is your golf cart still going slow uphill?

 

Why Your EZGO Goes Fast Then Slow

A EZGO golf cart can run fast then slow because of faulty tachometer sensor and batteries that perform poorly while under load.

  • Check if the throttle box and Molex connector are clean and dry. If not, cleaning them well with a dry cloth may help.
  • Check the battery pack voltage and water level in each battery. Ensure that they are at the desired levels to fix the problem.
  • The tachometer sensor may be defective and slows down the golf cart after it goes fast initially. Replacing the sensor may be a good idea.
  • One or more batteries may not be performing well under load. Identifying them and doing a replacement is advisable.
  • The ITS near the gas pedal could be faulty and not functioning as required. Use a voltmeter to check the functioning before doing a replacement.
  • If you’re using a lifted golf cart, the bigger tires are not likely to work well with the stock controller. The controller tends to get overheated and will eventually fail. A controller upgrade could solve the problem.

Ernie

Ernie loves documenting interesting facts about golf.

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