Why is my EZGO Motor Stuck?
Mechanical blockages are the most common reasons for a EZGO golf cart motor getting stuck. The accumulation of dirt and water in the golf cart motor can also result in a stuck motor.
There can be other reasons as well for the motor getting stuck apart from mechanical blockages. As the motor housing is compact, mechanical blockages can occur along the shaft, spline, or axle of the motor and are usually due to improper maintenance of the cart.
Trying to operate the cart while the motor is stuck can lead to an explosion within the cart. It is important to fix the stuck motor before trying to take the cart out for a drive. Here are the four main reasons that can cause a mechanical blockage in the motor.
- Aging
With time, a lot of debris gets collected around the motor which can build up a blockage. This can happen even if the motor is cleaned and maintained at regular intervals. The debris that can cause the blockage builds up within the motor itself. This often makes it difficult to cover it under regular cleaning of the cart.
- Exposure to Water
A golf cart that is driven through waterlogged areas will have its motor exposed to water. The water can seep in and cause the motor to get stuck. The motor may run fine while it’s running but will get stuck once it is turned off.
- Voluntary Obstruction
As the motor housing has a space that allows the entry of foreign objects, it is highly possible that someone could have put an obstructing material inside the motor unknowingly. This can usually happen when the cart is serviced. Similar looking parts can get misplaced while fitting them back and can lead to the motor getting stuck.
- Anti-Fall Feature
This does not lead to a stuck motor but can stop the motor from rotating. When the system of your EZGO cart senses that it is stuck for a long time and can cause damage to the motor, the anti-stall feature gets triggered and cuts the power to the motor. Even after the blockage is removed, the power can remain disrupted to the motor due to this feature.
Getting Started
A golf cart’s motor is the second most replaced or repaired part, coming right behind the batteries. The life of a motor is around 20 to 30 years in a golf cart when maintained properly. If left on its own without care or maintenance, the motor ends up getting clogged in five years or so.
Proper maintenance of the motor in an EZGO golf cart includes timely cleaning and adjusting the valves at regular intervals. Just like any other part, the motor starts degrading without proper care.
Most EZGO users who complain about their cart’s motor getting stuck, end up finding that it is their negligence that is the ultimate reason behind the problem. Handling a stuck motor is not easy and risks a major fire hazard.
This guide answers a few basic questions about the issue, explaining the cause and effect in simple terms. I’ve also tried to cover a few DIY troubleshooting steps in this guide. They’ll help you fix your EZGO’s stuck motor with minimum risk involved.
How to Fix a Stuck Electric Motor on EZGO
Before fixing a stuck motor, it is important to test the motor failure while operating the cart under load. For testing, the vehicle must be switched to diagnostic mode. Once the testing is completed, it should be switched to the ‘Tow/Maintenance’ mode for getting the stuck motor fixed safely. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow for performing the test.
- Turn key switch to the OFF position.
- Toggle the Run/Maintenance switch to RUN.
- Toggle the direction selector switch from Neutral to REV 5 times or until the confirming beep sound is heard.
- After identifying the error code based on the beep sound, exit the test mode and switch to the Tow/Maintenance mode.
- Depending on how and where the motor is stuck, you can fix the problem using lubricants, heat, or sheer force.
How to Remove a Stuck Electrical Motor on EZGO Golf Cart
Handling a stuck motor in an EZGO golf cart can risk a fire hazard. It is advisable to let a mechanic or authorized service provider handle it for the cart’s and the owner’s safety. However, there are a few troubleshooting steps that can be carried out to fix the issue without risking a fire to the cart or electrocuting yourself.
- Lubrication
After the cart is switched to the Maintenance mode as suggested earlier, you can use Kroil to let the motor break free. The motor may be stuck at the rear end on the input shaft or the spline coupler. Using Kroil between these joints can help lubricate the gap and remove the rust that was possibly blocking the motor.
- Heating
This is one of the more delicate methods of getting a stuck motor fixed in an EZGO golf cart. The metal often becomes rigid due to aging or rusting. Heating softens it up and lets the motor break free from the input shaft or spline.
While using heat to fix a stuck motor, it is important to use a small torch to ensure that the parts don’t get destroyed. The casing, if destroyed, can turn out to be an expensive replacement.
- SheerStrength
Often a hammer can do the trick and get the motor rolling again on an EZGO golf cart. Just as in heating though, the strength applied using the hammer has to be controlled and well measured. An extra-strong strike of the hammer can leave the motor or the housing destroyed.
If you’re clear about the location of the point where the motor is stuck and are sure that it doesn’t have any delicate part attached, use the hammer. In any other case, opt for one of the other two methods given above.
In case any of the troubleshooting steps don’t help fix the issue, call a professional to get the cart repaired. Ensure that all the safety measures are taken while handling the golf cart motor.
The motor is an intricate part and requires timely attention to ensure that it operates without any fuss.
Performing regular checks and cleaning of your EZGO’s insides will help avoid any sort of mechanical blockage in the motor casing. Proper maintenance is the best precaution one can take to keep the motor from getting stuck.
EZGO Motor Stuck on Input Shaft
While trying to remove the motor for servicing, you may find it stuck on the input shaft. Despite using brute force, heat, or whatever possible reasons, you may not be able to remove the motor from the input shaft. This may happen if the end cap of the motor comes off along with the motor housing that is partially removed.
To get it fixed, simple lubrication of the coupling between the splines can help. Here are the steps you’ll need to follow for getting this done.
- Heat the input shaft slightly with a torch. Do not overheat as it may cause damage to the shaft.
- The input shaft has one-half of the splines, while the opposite half is on the motor output. The splines are held together with a coupling. Locate the coupling and try loosening it up a little. Do not apply a lot of force.
- Spray a decent amount of lubricant on the coupling and let the lubricant get rid of the rust that is causing the blockage.
- Pull the armature away from the input shaft. Use a hammer gently, if necessary.
EZGO Motor Armature is Stuck on Spline
The motor armature in your EZGO golf cart can get stuck on the spline as well while you try to remove it. In case you apply brute force on that stuck motor, it may result in the motor housing getting destroyed.
The reason behind this problem can be rusting or aging. As a result, the spline coupler becomes rigid and doesn’t break free easily.
Apply a bit of heat to get it fixed. However, the utmost care has to be taken to ensure that the spline coupler is not overheated. When heat is applied, the rubber bumper inside the spline coupler deteriorates, leaving enough space for the motor armature to break free. If overheated, the armature may get damaged.