How to Fix a Golf Cart that Won’t Stay Running

Why won’t my golf cart stay running?

Your golf cart may stop frequently while running in case of a faulty spark plug, defective TCI/carburetor, or improperly seated internal baffles and airbox lid. Sometimes, an empty or close-to-empty fuel filler, low battery charge, a binding linkage, or a bad fuel pump can cause a golf cart to stop running.

Faulty spark plug
Defective TCI/carburetor
Improperly seated internal baffles and airbox lid
Empty fuel filter
Low battery charge
Binding linkage
Bad fuel pump

Faulty spark plug

Check to see if the spark plug is in good condition. If it’s malfunctioning or completely black with soot, replace it.

Defective TCI/carburetor

If you have a malfunctioning TCI unit or carburetor, consider getting them changed. It’s a good idea to opt for OEM ones instead of aftermarket ones as the former is more reliable.

Improperly seated internal baffles and airbox lid

Ensure that the internal baffles and the airbox lid are in place and seated tightly without moving around.

Empty fuel filter

Make sure that there is sufficient fuel in the fuel filter. If it is empty or close to empty, get the tank refilled so that the fuel injectors have sufficient fuel. It’s ideal to opt for non-ethanol based fuel. Also, you can do a fuel pressure check.

Low battery charge

One or more batteries may be running out of juice. Getting the batteries fully charged will often resolve the issue.

Binding linkage

Inspect the throttle linkage as well as the linkage between the carburetor and the pedal for a kink or a binding. Setting this right is likely to solve the problem.

Bad fuel pump

Check if the fuel pump is doing its job properly. If not, replace it with an OEM pump instead of an aftermarket one. This is also a good chance to check and replace the pickup tube in the carburetor and gas tank, and fuel line as well, if needed.

Why your Golf cart won’t run without choke

The golf cart may not run without choke because of a lean issue, cracked or broken crankcase seals, a clogged filter or main jet in the carburetor, a defective carburetor gasket, or unaligned timing gears and belt.

Other reasons for this issue could be a dirty inlet needle, air leakage, a shut-off exhaust valve, a loose connection in the air cleaner box, a worn-out fuel pump, or a burnt-out part.

Lean issue
Damaged crankcase seals
A clogged filter or main jet
Defective carburetor gasket
Unaligned timing gears and belt
Dirty inlet needle
Air leakage
Shut-off exhaust valve
Loose connection in air cleaner box
Worn-out fuel pump
Burnt-out parts

Fix the lean issue by ensuring that the carburetor cable is in good condition. If the carburetor opens up before the engine turns over when the accelerator is pressed, replace the accelerator cable.
Check for cracked or broken crankcase seals and replace them as this can cause the crankcase vacuum to get lost. This is a common problem in two-cycle carts like Yamaha G1.
In golf carts like Yamaha G2 and EZGO TXT/RXV, you can consider cleaning the clogs in the main jet or filter of the carburetor using a carburetor cleaner and a small wire.
The carburetor gaskets of EZGO TXT/RXVs sometimes move out of place when they become loose. Tighten both the nuts to secure the gasket and check if they are broken. If so, do a replacement.
The inlet needle in a Yamaha G1 may not move freely because of dirt accumulation. Get this cleaned along with the seat assembly.
Check for a missing plug in the airbox and get one fitted. Also, inspect for cracks in various areas like the spacer, carburetor, and adapter plate housing and substitute with new ones. All these can cause air leakage.
Look out for a worn-out fuel pump and burnt-out parts like the spacer, gasket, or inlet valve. Replace them with new ones. These issues often take place in a Yamaha G2 golf cart.
Check for a shut-off exhaust valve due to a disconnected linkage. Get the linkage set right so that the valve is always open.
Ensure that the intake hose is in perfect condition with no cracks. Cracks in an intake hose will result in air suction and make the hose collapse. Do a replacement even if it is a single, small crack.

EZGO TXT golf cart won’t stay running

An EZGO TXT golf cart may stop frequently while running due to a dirty carburetor, broken crankshaft seals, or a battery charge problem.

1990 EZGO TXT

Remove the carburetor and clean it thoroughly using a carburetor cleaner and a small wire. The wire will help you to get all the small orifices clean. It’s ideal to remove each part, clean it well, and do a carburetor assembly.
Check the crankshaft seals for damage. They must be replaced even if they have only very small cracks.
Make sure that there is sufficient fuel flow to the carburetor. This can help to sort out a lean issue. You can do this check by removing the fuel line connected to the carburetor and cranking it.

2004 EZGO TXT

Check if the batteries have run out of juice and charge them fully. This problem is likely if your cart has acid or lead batteries. Use this chance to replace very thin battery cables or a short. Rectify the short connection and replace thin cables with thick ones so that they don’t get heated.

How to Fix EZGO RXV golf cart that stops frequently

An EZGO RXV golf cart may not stay running if it has a clogged muffler or air filter, incorrect compression, a foul spark plug, or a too full or empty fuel filter.

Look out for a clogged muffler or air filter and get it cleaned thoroughly. To check if the muffler is blocked, loosen the bolts present between the pipe and the muffler so that there is a gap of about an inch. If the cart runs, then it is an indication of a blocked muffler.
Ensure that the oil injector is hooked up properly and that there isn’t too much oil in the mixing ratio.
Check if the spark plug is malfunctioning or if it has become completely black. If so, replace it.
Make sure that the fuel filter has just the right amount of fuel. It must be neither too dry nor too full.

EZGO Marathon golf cart won’t stay running

A EZGO Marathon golf cart may not stay running due to a faulty carburetor, muffler, or spark plug.

Check for a stuck float or leaking gasket in the carburetor. Rectifying these problems can resolve the issue. The other option is to change the defective one.
Place the muffler over a barbecue at high heat. This will release the blocks in the muffler. You can do a compressor test to check for a plugged muffler.
Check if the spark plug is completely black and fouled with soot or oil. Also, watch out for a gap in the bridging. If the spark plug shows one or more of these conditions, it is time for a replacement.

EZGO gas golf cart won’t stay running

An EZGO gas golf cart may stop frequently while running due to an incorrect valve adjustment, improper compression, blocked air filter, or dirty electrical connections.

Other factors that cause this problem could be an incorrect throttle cable hookup, worn-out carburetor shaft, a vacuum leak, or damaged crank seals.

Adjust both the intake and exhaust valves to 0.004 inches by rolling the motor with your hand and pulling the valve cover so that the valves come to the right position.
Check the air filter to ensure that it is clear. Dirt accumulation can cause richness and trigger this problem.
Inspect all the electrical connections and make sure that they are tight and clean. If not, they can get heated up.
Check the spark plug for the conditions indicated earlier and do a replacement if needed.
Make sure that the throttle cable is hooked properly and isn’t in the backward direction.
Check the carburetor shaft to see if it is worn out and if so, get a new one fitted. If it’s either too tight or too loose, do an adjustment.
Inspect the governor cable adjustment in case it’s hooked up to the carburetor. The cable should be neither too loose nor too tight.

Club Car DS won’t stay running

A Club Car DS may stop during a run because of an empty or close to empty fuel filter, a kink or bind in the linkage, or a disconnected or faulty rev limiter.

Ensure that the fuel filter isn’t empty. It must be half to three-fourths full. However, make sure that the filter is not overly full.
Check the throttle linkage as well as the linkage between the carburetor and pedal for binding or kinking. If you notice this in a linkage, get it set right at the earliest.
Verify if the rev limiter has got disconnected and if so, reconnect it. If it’s already connected, make sure that it works properly.
Inspect all the coils to check that none of them have broken down due to overheating. Replace all the broken coils.

1993 Club Car DS stops frequently

A 1993 Club Car DS may not stay running if the carburetor needle is not seated properly or dirt and dust have accumulated in the carburetor vent line.

Dismantle the carburetor and clean all the parts thoroughly including the area around the needle. Reassemble and try running the cart again.
Clean the debris accumulated in the carburetor vent line and consider getting an in-tank chainsaw fuel filter fitted at its end.

1997 Club Car DS won’t stay running

A 1997 Club Car DS will not stay running if it has a fuel pump issue, a dirty carburetor, or a leak in the air filter housing.

Disconnect the fuel pump and take it apart. Clean the parts well, re-assemble the pump, and put it back in place. If it’s damaged, replace it instead of repairing it.
Check for cracks in the air filter housing and get a new one fitted if needed as the cracks can result in leaks.

2004 Club Car DS won’t stay running

A 2004 Club Car DS’s running will be affected in case of a worn-out seat and needle setup in the float bowl, water mixed in the gas, excess fuel flow, or a damaged vent in the gas cap.

Inspect the needle and valve in the float bowl to check if they are worn out. If so, they may not seat properly and it’s time to change them. If not, clean them to remove the accumulated debris.
Check if the water is mixing with the gas. If this is the case, you might want to drain the gas completely and get new gas filled.
Check the excess inward fuel flow that could be flooding the motor and if so, adjust the flow rate so that it’s lesser than before but not too slow either.
Inspect the vent in the gas cap for signs of damage and do a replacement if needed.

2006 Club Car DS won’t stay running

A 2006 Club Car DS will stop frequently while running if it has a fuel pump issue or the filter in the fuel line is clogged. Other factors that cause this problem are a dirty carburetor, a faulty ignitor coil, or incorrect valve adjustment.

Disconnect the fuel line between the carburetor and the fuel pump followed by an engine cranking so that there is a steady fuel flow. Also, check the suction line between the crankcase and the pump.
Clean the filter present at the end of the fuel line that goes to the fuel tank. If there is no filter, clean the fuel line.
Look out for spark in the ignitor coil. If there is, it indicates that the coil must be replaced.

Yamaha G1 golf cart won’t stay running

A Yamaha G1 golf cart may not run continuously if it has a clogged carburetor, jet or fuel filter, dirty fuel, a faulty spark plug, damaged crankcase seal, a choked engine, or a leak in the fuel line.

Replace the gasoline in the fuel tank with fresh fuel.
Check the spark plug for the conditions mentioned above and do a replacement if necessary.
Inspect the crankcase seals and fuel lines for cracks and change them if needed.
Remove the plugged jet and clean it by blowing compressed air over the carburetor.

Yamaha G2 golf cart won’t stay running

A Yamaha G2 golf cart may stop running if the air box is warped, if it isn’t sealing properly, if the carburetor is dirty, or if the crankcase seals are damaged.

Check for improper sealing or warping of the airbox. If not sealed, sit it down and use a zip tie to hold it in place if the hooks don’t help. If warped, do a replacement.
Clean the carburetor and all its orifices thoroughly to make sure that there is no clogging of dust, dirt, or debris.
Check if the crankcase seals are damaged and change them so that there is no vacuum loss.

Yamaha G9 golf cart won’t stay running

A Yamaha G9golf cart will not stay running if the air filter is dirty, the airbox doesn’t have a tight sealing, the plastic carb spacer is cracked or leaking, or if the gas is adulterated.

Check for dirt or dust accumulation in the air filter and if so, clean it. If it’s very dirty, consider opting for a replacement.
Inspect the airbox and check if it has come off loose. Fit it back in position and ensure that it’s sealed tightly in place.
Check for cracks or leaks in the plastic carb spacer. If you find these, get a new spacer fitted.
Make sure that the gas is not adulterated with ethanol or water and doesn’t have condensation. If you think this might be the case, drain the old fuel completely and fill fresh, good quality fuel.

Yamaha G16 golf cart won’t stay running

A Yamaha G16golf cart won’t stay running in case of a faulty spark plug or a fuel problem. Dirty battery posts or cables, worn-out starter brushes, or low compression are other reasons for this problem.

Check for a malfunctioning fuel line, fuel pump, or pickup tube in the carburetor, or if there is a problem with the gas tank. Inspect each part one by one and repair or replace the defective one.
Check the battery posts and cables. Cleaning this should fix the issue.
Check the brushes on the stator. If they show signs of being worn-out, get them changed.
Check the fuel compression when the cart is in forward, reverse, and neutral modes. If the values are low, setting them right will often work.

1988 EZGO won’t stay running

A 1988 EZGO won’t stay running if the hooking of throttle cable or governor adjustment is not proper, the carburetor shaft is worn-out, or if the crank seals or a muffler is damaged.

Check if the throttle cable is accidentally hooked up backward and if so, hook it in the proper direction.
Check the carburetor shaft to see if it’s worn-out, too loose, or tight. If the shaft is worn-out, you should replace it.
Check for damaged crank seals and improper seating of the crankcase as these can lead to vacuum leak causing fuel delivery problems. Get a new part fitted in place of the damaged part.

Inspect the muffler for plugging and clean it using the method mentioned earlier in the section ’EZGO Marathon golf cart won’t stay running’.

1990 EZGO won’t stay running

A 1990 EZGO may stop while running if the carburetor inlet needle is clogged or because of low fuel flow through the main jet. Dirt or water in the fuel tank, bad crank seals causing air leak, or an improperly sealed air tank system can trigger the issue as well.

Remove the carburetor, disassemble it, and clean each part thoroughly using a carburetor cleaner before reassembling and putting it back.
Get damaged crank seals replaced and seat the air tank system firmly in place.
Check for malfunctioning or damaged parts like pump diaphragm, seals, reeds, rings, and pistons and replace the defective parts.
Clean the exhaust carbon plugged in the port with a blower.

1994 EZGO won’t stay running

A 1994 EZGO may stop frequently while running due to a dirty carburetor, a bad fuel pump, incorrect valve adjustment, loose timing pulleys, or shot intake valves.

Clean the carburetor and all its parts thoroughly using a thin wire and carburetor cleaner.
Replace the fuel pump if it’s damaged or clean it well if it’s dirty.
Check the valve adjustment regularly as this setting gets affected often. Adjust both the valves to 0.004 inches. This is a good chance to make sure that they aren’t damaged and change them if needed.
Check the flywheel to ensure that the timing pulleys are not loose. If so, tighten them so that they have the right tension.

1996 EZGO won’t stay running

A 1996 EZGO won’t stay running if the muffler is plugged, reeds are flipped, the filter is clogged, or in case of too much or too little fuel in the fuel filter.

Look out for a plugged muffler and clear it by following the steps given above in the section ’EZGO Marathon golf cart won’t stay running’.
Check if the reeds have flipped over accidentally and if so, put them back in the right position.
Clean the clogged air filter to eliminate the accumulated dust, dirt, or debris so that there is unrestricted airflow. This is a good chance to ensure that the fuel filter is also intact for the free flow of fuel.

1997 EZGO TXT won’t stay running

A 1997 EZGOTXT may stop while running in case of dust or debris buildup in the carburetor or a stripped brake hub.

Check if the carburetor and its parts are clean. If not, remove the carburetor and clean it thoroughly.
Check if the brake hub is stripped or out of alignment and if so, fit it back in place.