Personal Plea for Help
Hey everyone, I’m at my wit’s end here. My Club Car golf cart only wants to run when it’s in maintenance mode. I’ve tried a few things, but no luck. Anyone got any solutions?
Personal Response
I feel your pain! I had the same issue with my Club Car Precedent. After a lot of trial and error, I found that replacing the relay at the shifter was the golden ticket. But there are other solutions too, so let’s dive in.
Solutions Table
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace the 3-way switch and connectors | 1 | Replaced the switch and connectors | $20-$50 | 30-60 |
| Replace the relay at the shifter | 1 | Replaced the relay at the shifter | $10-$30 | 15-30 |
| Pull and rotate the yellow knob | 1 | Pulled and rotated the yellow knob | $0 | 5-10 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart only starts in maintenance mode
- Golf cart won’t start in operation mode
Possible Causes
- Faulty 3-way switch
- Damaged relay at the shifter
- Incorrect maintenance mode knob setting
- Water damage or corrosion
Solutions that Worked
1. Replace the 3-way switch and connectors
What I Did:
Replaced the 3-way switch and changed the connectors on the wires.
Outcome:
The cart ran great for 3 weeks.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the 3-way switch and connectors, the cart was back to normal. However, the issue resurfaced after pressure washing the cart.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the 3-way switch on your golf cart, usually found under the seat.
- Take a photo of the existing wiring for reference.
- Disconnect the old switch and connectors.
- Install the new 3-way switch and connectors, referring to the photo for correct wiring.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the cart to ensure it’s working properly.
Expert Tip:
Use dielectric gel when replacing switches or connectors to prevent corrosion. Also, avoid pressure washing the engine area to prevent water damage.
2. Replace the relay at the shifter
What I Did:
Replaced the relay at the shifter.
Outcome:
The cart started right up.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the relay at the shifter, the cart was back to normal operation.
Estimated Cost:
$10-$30
Time Needed:
15-30 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the relay at the shifter, usually found under the seat near the transmission.
- Disconnect the old relay.
- Install the new relay, making sure it clicks into place.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the cart to ensure it’s working properly.
Expert Tip:
Always start with the simplest solutions first. A faulty relay can often mimic more complex problems. Make sure to secure the relay properly to prevent it from coming loose.
3. Pull and rotate the yellow knob
What I Did:
Pulled and rotated the yellow knob on the backside of the forward and reverse handle.
Outcome:
The cart started in operation mode.
Personal Experience:
After pulling and rotating the yellow knob, the cart was back to normal operation.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the yellow knob on the backside of the forward and reverse handle.
- Pull the knob out towards the motor.
- Rotate it halfway around until it clicks into place.
- Test the cart to ensure it’s working properly.
Expert Tip:
Make sure to rotate the knob back to its original position after you’re done with maintenance to avoid any operational issues. Also, this knob is spring-loaded, so make sure it clicks into place.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2015 Club Car Precedent with 14 HP Subaru EFI
- 2001 Club Car DS
- Newer models with Subaru engines
Handy Tips
- Always disconnect the battery before performing any electrical work.
- Take photos of existing wiring setups for reference.
- If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider seeking professional help.