Recently my 2011 EZGO golf cart has been acting up. Every time I try to accelerate, it jerks like crazy. Anyone else facing this issue?
Response
I’ve encountered the same issue with my EZGO golf cart jerking when accelerating. After some investigation, I found a few solutions that worked for me and others. These solutions range from checking battery voltage to replacing cracked ITS
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Cracked ITS | 1 | Replaced cracked ITS and the issue was resolved | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Check Battery Voltage | 1 | Checked battery voltage and found it to be low, charged batteries and the issue was resolved | $0 | 5-10 |
| Service Batteries Regularly | 1 | Topped off water levels in batteries and fully charged them, issue was resolved | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Drive Clutch and Accelerator Cable | 1 | Adjusted the drive clutch and accelerator cable, issue was resolved | $0 | 10-20 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart jerks during acceleration
- Golf cart hesitates before moving
- Golf cart moves erratically
Possible Causes
- Low battery voltage
- Cracked or malfunctioning ITS
- Drive clutch or accelerator cable issues
- Poorly serviced batteries
Solutions that Worked
1. Replace Cracked ITS
What I Did: Replaced the cracked Inductive Throttle Sensor (ITS).
Outcome: The golf cart stopped jerking during acceleration.
Personal Experience: After replacing a cracked ITS, the issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost: $50-$100
Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the ITS near the accelerator pedal.
- Disconnect the battery to ensure safety.
- Remove the old ITS by unscrewing it.
- Install the new ITS and screw it in place.
- Reconnect the battery.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip: A cracked ITS can cause erratic behavior. If you find a crack, replace the ITS immediately.
Handy Tip: Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical components to avoid any accidents.
2. Check Battery Voltage
What I Did: Checked the battery voltage using a multimeter.
Outcome: Found that the batteries were low and needed charging.
Personal Experience: After charging the batteries, the issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart.
- Locate the battery compartment.
- Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage.
- If the voltage is low, charge the batteries.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip: Low battery voltage can cause jerking during acceleration. Always keep your batteries fully charged and regularly check their voltage.
Handy Tip: Keep a multimeter in your golf cart for quick voltage checks.
3. Service Batteries Regularly
What I Did: Topped off the water levels in the batteries and fully charged them.
Outcome: The golf cart stopped jerking.
Personal Experience: After regular battery service, the issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Open the battery compartment.
- Remove the battery caps.
- Check the water levels in each cell.
- Top off with distilled water if needed.
- Replace the battery caps.
- Charge the batteries fully.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip: Low water levels in the batteries can cause performance issues. Make sure to regularly check and top off the water levels in your batteries.
Handy Tip: Always use distilled water to top off batteries to avoid mineral buildup.
4. Check Drive Clutch and Accelerator Cable
What I Did: Adjusted the drive clutch and accelerator cable.
Outcome: The golf cart stopped jerking.
Personal Experience: After making the adjustments, the issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the drive clutch and accelerator cable.
- Check for any visible wear or damage.
- Make necessary adjustments using a wrench.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip: If someone has tampered with the accelerator cable or regulator to make the cart go faster, it could lead to jerking. Make sure these are set to factory specifications.
Handy Tip: Keep a set of basic tools in your golf cart for quick adjustments.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 1999 EZGO TXT electric golf cart
- 2004 EZGO TXT gas cart
- 2009 EZGO TXT 48 Volt
- 2011 EZGO TXT-48
- 2001 EZGO Gas TXT
Safety Info
Sometimes, the issue might not be with the cart itself but with the terrain. If you’re driving on uneven or hilly terrain, the cart might jerk due to the constant change in gradient. Make sure to test your cart on a flat surface to rule this out.