For some strange reason my Club Car golf cart is moving at a snail’s pace when going forward. I’ve tried a few things, but nothing seems to work. How did I fix this issue?
Personal Response
I’ve had the same issue with an old golf cart of mine. One thing that really helped me was checking the charger and battery voltage. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, and it made a world of difference.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Charger and Battery Voltage | 2 | Checked the charger and battery voltage, and the issue was resolved. | $0 | 10-15 |
| Check Wiring and V-Glide | 2 | Checked every connection, especially the V-Glide. The cart started working better. | $0 | 15-20 |
| Motor Replacement with Plum Quick | 2 | Replaced the motor with a Plum Quick motor, and the speed increased to around 23-24 mph. | $200-$300 | 60-90 |
| Resistor Wired in Reverse | 1 | Found a resistor wired in reverse that was limiting speed in reverse. Fixed it. | $0 | 10-15 |
| Check Battery Connections | 1 | Ensured that the battery series was wired correctly. The cart started moving faster. | $0 | 10-15 |
| Check Battery Health | 1 | Checked the health of the batteries and found one weak cell. Replaced it. | $100-$150 | 30-45 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart moves at a snail’s pace when going forward
- Golf cart has inconsistent speeds
- Golf cart moves fine in reverse but not in forward
Possible Causes
- Weak or faulty batteries
- Incorrect or loose wiring
- Damaged or rusty forward/reverse switch
- Voltage issues with the charger
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Charger and Battery Voltage
What I Did:
Checked the charger and battery voltage while the cart was charging.
Outcome:
The cart started moving at a normal speed.
Personal Experience:
After checking the charger and battery voltage, the issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Use a multimeter to check the battery voltage.
- Make sure the multimeter is set to DC voltage.
- Place the red probe on the positive terminal and the black probe on the negative terminal.
- Check the charger’s voltage output.
- Unplug the charger from the cart and plug it into a wall outlet.
- Use the multimeter to check the voltage output from the charger’s plug.
Expert Tip:
Always make sure your battery is fully charged before using the cart. A low battery can significantly affect the cart’s speed. Also, consider investing in a quality multimeter for accurate readings.
2. Check Wiring and V-Glide
What I Did:
Checked every connection, especially the V-Glide.
Outcome:
The cart started working more consistently.
Personal Experience:
After checking all the connections and the V-Glide, the cart started moving at a normal speed.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-20 minutes
Steps:
- Open the battery compartment and check all the connections.
- Look for any loose or corroded connections.
- Tighten any loose connections and clean off any corrosion.
- Inspect the V-Glide.
- Open the V-Glide compartment.
- Make sure the swiper arm is functioning properly and hitting each stud.
Expert Tip:
Regular maintenance checks can prevent a lot of issues related to speed. Always ensure that your battery is fully charged and the connections are secure. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, consider hiring a professional.
3. Motor Replacement with Plum Quick
What I Did:
Replaced the motor with a Plum Quick motor.
Outcome:
The speed increased to around 23-24 mph.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the motor, the cart started moving much faster.
Estimated Cost:
$200-$300
Time Needed:
60-90 minutes
Steps:
- Disconnect the batteries.
- Remove the old motor by unscrewing the bolts.
- Install the new Plum Quick motor.
- Reconnect the batteries and test the cart.
Expert Tip:
When considering a motor replacement, it’s crucial to also check the compatibility with your existing controller. Some motors may require a new controller to deliver the desired performance.
4. Resistor Wired in Reverse
What I Did:
Found a resistor wired in reverse that was limiting speed in reverse.
Outcome:
Fixed the resistor wiring, and the cart started moving faster in reverse.
Personal Experience:
After identifying and fixing the resistor wired in reverse, the cart’s speed improved.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the resistor in the wiring circuit.
- Check the wiring diagram to ensure it’s wired correctly.
- If wired in reverse, disconnect and rewire it correctly.
Expert Tip:
If your golf cart is running slow in reverse but fine in forward, consider checking the wiring and resistors specifically for the reverse setting. Incorrect or outdated wiring can lead to reduced speed in reverse.
5. Check Battery Connections
What I Did:
Ensured that the battery series was wired correctly.
Outcome:
The cart started moving faster.
Personal Experience:
After ensuring that the battery series was wired correctly, the cart’s speed improved.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Open the battery compartment.
- Check the wiring of the battery series.
- Make sure all connections are tight and secure.
Expert Tip:
Incorrect battery wiring can not only affect speed but also damage your batteries and electrical system. Always double-check your connections.
6. Check Battery Health
What I Did:
Checked the health of the batteries and found one weak cell.
Outcome:
Replaced the weak battery, and the cart started moving faster.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the weak battery, the cart’s speed improved significantly.
Estimated Cost:
$100-$150
Time Needed:
30-45 minutes
Steps:
- Use a battery tester to check the health of each battery.
- Identify any weak cells or batteries.
- Replace the weak battery with a new one.
Expert Tip:
Regularly checking the health of your batteries can prevent a lot of speed-related issues. A single weak battery can significantly affect the overall performance of the cart.
Safety info
- Battery Maintenance: Regularly check the water levels in your batteries and top them off with distilled water. Low water levels can affect performance.
- Tire Pressure: Low tire pressure can also affect the speed of your golf cart. Make sure your tires are inflated to the recommended PSI.
- Software Update: Some modern golf carts come with software that may need updating. Check the manufacturer’s website for any updates that might improve performance.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Club Car DS 2000
- Club Car 1989 36 volt
- Club Car DS 2002 36V