Hey everyone, I’m stumped. My EZGO golf cart is showing full voltage between the M- and B+ terminals on the controller even before I press the pedal. Has anyone else run into this issue? I’m desperate for some guidance.
Personal Response
I had the same issue and found that checking the ITS (throttle) voltages helped me identify that the controller was bad.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check the ITS (Throttle) Voltages | 1 | Checked ITS voltages, found controller bad | $0 | 10-15 |
| Bypass the Controller | 1 | Bypassed controller, motor ran | $0 | 10-15 |
| Check the F/R Switch | 1 | Checked F/R switch, found no missing voltage | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check for Missing Voltage | 1 | Checked for missing voltage, found it | $0 | 5-10 |
Symptoms
- Full voltage between M- and B+ terminals before pressing the pedal
- Golf cart not moving
- Inconsistent voltage readings
Possible Causes
- Faulty controller
- Bad ITS (throttle) sensor
- Incorrect wiring
- Burnt wires near the motor
Solutions that Worked
1. Check the ITS (Throttle) Voltages
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the ITS sensor, usually situated near the throttle.
- Use a multimeter set to DC voltage.
- Connect the multimeter probes to the ITS sensor terminals.
- Check the voltage readings while the pedal is not pressed and then when it is fully pressed.
- Compare the readings to the standard voltage range for your golf cart model.
- If the voltages are out of range, consider replacing the ITS sensor or the controller.
Expert Tip
Always double-check your readings and consult your golf cart’s manual for standard ITS voltage ranges. A faulty ITS sensor can lead to incorrect voltage readings and misdiagnosis.
2. Bypass the Controller
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Lift the cart’s rear tires off the ground using a hydraulic jack.
- Secure the cart on jackstands for safety.
- Open the battery compartment and identify the battery pack cables.
- Rearrange the cables to create a 12V or 18V battery pack.
- Locate the controller’s B- terminal.
- Disconnect the cable from the B- terminal.
- Connect the cable to the controller’s M- terminal.
- Turn on the golf cart and check if the motor runs.
Expert Tip
Always make sure to lift the cart’s rear tires off the ground and put it on jackstands before performing any electrical tests. This ensures that the cart won’t accidentally move during the testing process.
3. Check the F/R (Forward/Reverse) Switch
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the F/R switch on your golf cart.
- Use a multimeter set to DC voltage.
- Connect the multimeter probes to the terminals on the F/R switch.
- Check for voltage readings in both the forward and reverse positions.
- If the voltage is inconsistent or missing, consider replacing the F/R switch.
Expert Tip
If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider marking the wires connected to the F/R switch before disconnecting them. This will make it easier to reconnect them correctly.
4. Check for Missing Voltage
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the controller’s B- terminal.
- Use a multimeter set to DC voltage.
- Connect one probe to the B- terminal and the other to a ground point on the golf cart.
- Check for voltage readings.
- If voltage is missing or inconsistent, trace back the wiring to find the source of the issue.
Expert Tip
If you find that voltage is missing, it could be due to a loose or corroded connection. Always check the condition of the wires and connectors.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Late 90’s EZGO TXT 36V
- 1992 EZ-GO 36 Volt
Safety Info
- Always disconnect the battery before performing any electrical tests to avoid accidental short circuits.
- If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider seeking professional help.
Handy Tips
- If you’re experiencing this issue after a battery replacement, double-check to make sure the batteries are connected in the correct sequence.
- Some golf carts have a “Run/Tow” switch. Make sure it’s in the “Run” position before performing any tests.