Recently my 2018 EZGO Golf Cart has stopped running. I’ve tried a few things, but nothing seems to work. I need some help fixing this problem.
Response
I’ve encountered the same issue with my 2018 EZGO Golf Cart not running. After some investigation, I found a few solutions that worked for me and others. These solutions range from checking the starter generator belt tension to inspecting for obstructions in pulleys.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Starter Generator Belt Tension | 2 | Adjusted belt tension and it worked | $0 | 10-20 |
| Inspect for Obstructions in Pulleys | 2 | Removed stick from pulleys | $0 | 5-10 |
| Replace Relay, Starter Solenoid, Spark Plug, and Battery | 2 | Replaced parts but still faced issues | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Check for Blown Fuses | 2 | Replaced blown fuse | $5 | 5-10 |
| Inspect the Spark Plug | 2 | Spark plug was fine | $5 | 5-10 |
| Check Batteries and Connections | 1 | Checked batteries, issue resolved | $0 | 5-10 |
| Faulty Solenoid, Key Switch | 1 | Replaced solenoid, cart started | $20-$50 | 15-30 |
| Check Fuel Pump and Carburetor | 1 | Replaced fuel filter, cart started | $10-$20 | 10-20 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart doesn’t start
- Golf cart moves very slowly
- Golf cart emits a gas smell
- Golf cart is unresponsive when the pedal is pressed
- Complete silence from the engine or motor, not even a hum
- Cart remains stationary even when the battery is fully charged
Possible Causes
- Electrical issues
- Fuel system problems
- Mechanical obstructions
- Dead or weak batteries
- Malfunctioning solenoid or key switch
- Issues with the fuel pump or carburetor
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Starter Generator Belt Tension
What I Did:
Adjusted the tension of the starter generator belt.
Outcome:
The golf cart started running smoothly.
Personal Experience:
After adjusting the belt tension, the cart worked as expected.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the starter generator, usually found near the engine compartment.
- Use a socket wrench to loosen the mounting bolts.
- Adjust the belt tension by moving the starter generator slightly.
- Use a tension gauge to ensure proper tension.
- Tighten the mounting bolts securely.
Expert Tip:
Regularly check the tension of the starter generator belt as part of your maintenance routine to avoid this issue. A loose belt can lead to inefficient power generation.
2. Inspect for Obstructions in Pulleys
What I Did:
Checked for obstructions in the pulleys.
Outcome:
Found a stick obstructing the pulleys and removed it.
Personal Experience:
After removing the stick, the cart started running smoothly.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and ensure it’s in a stable position.
- Open the engine compartment to access the pulleys.
- Carefully inspect the pulleys for any foreign objects like sticks, leaves, or rocks.
- Use a pair of pliers to remove any obstructions.
- Test the cart to ensure it’s running smoothly.
Expert Tip:
Always inspect the mechanical parts of your golf cart if you’re experiencing issues. Sometimes the problem could be as simple as a small obstruction. A flashlight can be handy for better visibility.
3. Replace Relay, Starter Solenoid, Spark Plug, and Battery
What I Did:
Replaced various parts.
Outcome:
Still faced issues.
Personal Experience:
Replaced multiple parts but didn’t resolve the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$50-$100
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Identify the parts that need replacement.
- Purchase the necessary parts from a reliable source.
- Disconnect the battery before starting.
- Replace the relay, starter solenoid, spark plug, and battery one by one.
- Reconnect the battery and test the cart.
Expert Tip:
Replacing multiple parts at once can be costly and may not resolve the issue. It’s better to diagnose the problem accurately before replacing parts.
4. Check for Blown Fuses
What I Did:
Checked and replaced a blown fuse.
Outcome:
The cart started running.
Personal Experience:
Replaced a blown fuse and the cart started.
Estimated Cost:
$5
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the fuse box, usually found under the dashboard or near the battery.
- Inspect the fuses for any signs of being blown.
- Replace any blown fuses with new ones of the same rating.
- Test the cart to see if it starts.
Expert Tip:
Keep a few extra fuses in your golf cart for quick replacements.
5. Inspect the Spark Plug
What I Did:
Inspected the spark plug.
Outcome:
The spark plug was fine.
Personal Experience:
Checked the spark plug and it appeared to be in good condition.
Estimated Cost:
$5
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the spark plug, usually found near the engine.
- Use a spark plug socket to remove the spark plug.
- Inspect the spark plug for any signs of wear or damage.
- If the spark plug is fine, reinstall it. If not, replace it with a new one.
- Test the cart to see if it starts.
Expert Tip:
Regularly inspect the spark plug as part of your maintenance routine. A faulty spark plug can lead to starting issues.
6. Check Batteries and Connections
What I Did:
I meticulously checked all batteries for a full charge and made sure that the wires and connections were clean, tight, and free from corrosion.
Outcome:
The golf cart roared back to life.
Personal Experience:
After a thorough battery and connection check, my cart was as good as new.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Open the battery compartment, usually located under the seat.
- Use a voltmeter to check the voltage of each battery. It should read around 12 volts for a fully charged battery.
- Inspect all connections for corrosion or looseness. Clean any corroded terminals with a wire brush.
Expert Tip:
Always start with the basics. A simple battery check can save you a lot of time and effort in troubleshooting. Also, consider using a battery terminal protector spray to prevent corrosion.
7. Faulty Solenoid, Key Switch, Micro Switch, or Motor
What I Did:
I identified and replaced the faulty solenoid and key switch.
Outcome:
The golf cart started running smoothly.
Personal Experience:
After swapping out the solenoid and key switch, my cart was back on the course.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
15-30 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the solenoid, usually near the batteries.
- Use a multimeter to test the solenoid for continuity. If it’s faulty, replace it.
- Find the key switch, often located on the dashboard, and test it as well. Replace if necessary.
Expert Tip:
If you’re replacing one electrical component, it’s often a good idea to check the others. Electrical issues can be interconnected, and fixing one might not solve the overall problem.
8. Check Fuel Pump and Carburetor
What I Did:
I replaced the clogged fuel filter and the malfunctioning fuel pump.
Outcome:
The golf cart started running like a champ.
Personal Experience:
After some tinkering with the fuel system, my cart was ready for action.
Estimated Cost:
$10-$20
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the fuel pump, usually near the engine.
- Detach the fuel lines and replace the fuel filter.
- If the fuel pump is not working, replace it with a new one.
Expert Tip:
Always use a high-quality fuel filter and pump. Skimping
Safety Tips
- Always disconnect the battery before performing any electrical work on your golf cart.
- Keep a basic toolkit in your golf cart for quick fixes.
- If you’re not comfortable with DIY solutions, don’t hesitate to consult a professional.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2018 EZ GO TXT Valor Gas
- 2018 Gas EZGO Valor
I hope this helps anyone facing similar issues with their 2018 EZGO Golf Cart. Feel free to share your experiences and solutions!