My Yamaha G22 golf cart has been jerking and sputtering like it’s throwing a tantrum every time I ease on the accelerator at low speeds. Tried giving it a pep talk, but no dice. Anyone tackled this problem before?
Response
Been down that road with my old Yamaha G16. Turns out, it was a simple fix: the battery connections were about as tight as a politician’s promise. Gave them a good wrenching, and it was like night turned to day.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tighten Battery Connections | 5 | $0 | 15 |
| Replace Motor Brushes | 2 | $50 – $100 | 75 |
| Inspect Drive Belt | 1 | $20 – $40 | 45 |
| Replace Throttle Sensor | 1 | $100 – $200 | 75 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart jerks or sputters when moving at low speeds
- Lack of smooth acceleration
- Intermittent power delivery
Possible Causes
- Loose or corroded battery connections
- Worn motor brushes
- Faulty throttle sensor
- Drive belt issues
Solutions that Worked
1. Tighten Battery Connections
What I Did:
Checked and tightened all the battery terminal connections.
Outcome:
The cart stopped jerking and ran smoothly.
Personal Experience:
After making sure the connections were secure, the difference was night and day.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 15 minutes
Steps:
- Open the battery compartment using the appropriate tools.
- Inspect each terminal for looseness or signs of corrosion.
- Use a wire brush to clean any corrosion found on the terminals or cable ends.
- Tighten all connections with a wrench, ensuring they are snug but not over-tightened.
- Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the terminals to prevent future corrosion.
Handy Tips:
- Always disconnect the negative terminal first to avoid short circuits.
- Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any corrosive material.
Expert Tip:
Regular maintenance of battery terminals can prevent a multitude of electrical problems. It’s a good practice to check the connections every few months, especially if you’re experiencing power issues.
2. Replace Motor Brushes
What I Did:
Replaced the worn-out motor brushes with new ones.
Outcome:
The jerking issue was resolved, and the cart operated smoothly.
Personal Experience:
The motor regained its efficiency after the brushes were replaced.
Estimated Cost: $50 – $100
Time Needed: 75 minutes
Steps:
- Access the motor by removing the necessary covers, which may require a screwdriver or a wrench.
- Take a photo or make a note of the wiring for reference before disconnecting.
- Disconnect the motor wires carefully.
- Remove the old brushes – they may be held in with clips or screws.
- Compare the old brushes with the new ones to ensure a proper match.
- Install the new brushes, making sure they sit correctly and are making contact with the commutator.
- Reconnect the motor wires as per your reference and reassemble the covers.
Handy Tips:
- Ensure the cart is on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged before starting.
- Keep the work area clean to avoid losing any small parts.
Expert Tip:
Worn brushes can lead to inconsistent electrical contact, which may cause jerking. Regular inspection can extend the life of the motor. If you’re not comfortable with this task, consider seeking help from a professional.
3. Inspect Drive Belt
What I Did:
Checked the drive belt for wear and proper tension.
Outcome:
After adjusting the belt, the cart’s performance improved.
Personal Experience:
The drive belt was slightly worn and needed adjustment.
Estimated Cost: $20 – $40
Time Needed: 45 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the drive belt, which may be under a panel or cover.
- Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, or signs of wear.
- Check the tension by pressing on the belt – it should have a little give but not too much.
- Adjust the tension as per the manufacturer’s specifications, which may involve loosening a bolt and moving the motor slightly.
- If the belt is damaged, remove it by loosening the necessary components and replace it with a new one.
- Test the cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Handy Tips:
- A belt too tight can cause excessive wear, while a belt too loose can slip and cause jerking.
Expert Tip:
A slipping drive belt can cause jerking, especially on deceleration. Ensure it’s in good condition and properly tensioned. If you’re unsure about the correct tension, consult the service manual for your specific model.
4. Replace Throttle Sensor
What I Did:
Installed a new throttle sensor after diagnosing the old one as faulty.
Outcome:
The cart accelerated smoothly without any jerking.
Personal Experience:
The throttle sensor replacement was a game-changer.
Estimated Cost: $100 – $200
Time Needed: 75 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the throttle sensor, which is typically near the accelerator pedal.
- Disconnect the sensor by carefully removing the connector.
- Remove the sensor, noting how it’s mounted.
- Install the new sensor, ensuring it’s properly aligned and secured.
- Reconnect the sensor and test the cart for improved performance.
Handy Tips:
- Handle the new sensor carefully to avoid damaging it during installation.
Expert Tip:
A faulty throttle sensor can cause erratic behavior in acceleration. Testing and replacing it can resolve jerking issues. Calibration may be required after installation, so refer to the service manual or seek professional assistance if needed.
Golf cart models where this worked
- Yamaha G22
- Yamaha G29 (2007, 2009, 2014)
- Yamaha G16
Extra tips
- For electric carts, a sudden jerk can sometimes be caused by a miscommunication between the controller and the motor. Resetting the controller by disconnecting the battery for a few minutes can sometimes resolve this.
- In some cases, jerking can be caused by a misaligned front end. If the cart has recently hit a curb or been in a minor collision, check the alignment.