My Club Car Golf Cart, which I heavily rely on, has started acting up. It begins to move, but then it just halts after a short distance. This is throwing a wrench in my daily routine. Has anyone faced this issue before? How did you tackle it?
Response
I had a similar problem with my 2006 Club Car Precedent. It turned out to be the batteries. After replacing them, my cart was back to normal. You might want to check your batteries and see if they need replacing.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Batteries | 1 | $400 – $800 | 60 – 120 |
| Bypass OBC Lockout | 1 | $0 – $50 | 30 – 60 |
| Adjust F/R Switch | 1 | $0 – $20 | 30 – 60 |
| Check Solenoid | 1 | $20 – $60 | 30 – 60 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart moves a short distance then stops abruptly.
- Solenoid clicks but the cart doesn’t continue moving.
- The issue occurs in both forward and reverse modes.
Possible Causes
- Battery issues, such as old or worn-out batteries.
- Faulty or misaligned forward/reverse (F/R) switch.
- Solenoid failure or malfunction.
- Onboard Computer (OBC) lockout issues.
Solutions that Worked
1. Replace Batteries
What I Did: Replaced the old batteries with new ones. Outcome: The cart started running normally without stopping abruptly. Personal Experience: The cart was only moving a bit and then stopping. After checking the battery voltages, I realized they were too low. Replacing them fixed the issue. Steps:
- Check Battery Voltage: Use a multimeter to check the voltage of each battery in the pack. If any battery reads below 12 volts, it’s a sign they need replacement.
- Remove Old Batteries: Disconnect the power source. Carefully remove the old batteries, noting their arrangement for correct reinstallation.
- Clean Battery Terminals: Clean the terminals and battery tray to ensure good contact and prevent corrosion.
- Install New Batteries: Place the new batteries in the same arrangement as the old ones. Ensure the connections are tight and secure.
- Charge the New Batteries: Fully charge the new batteries before using the cart. Expert Tip: Regularly check battery voltages and maintain them. Old or deeply discharged batteries often cause power issues in golf carts. Also, consider using distilled water for flooded lead-acid batteries to prolong their life.
2. Bypass OBC Lockout
What I Did: Bypassed the OBC lockout by jumping the Blue with the White wires on the harness side. Outcome: The cart started charging again and moved normally. Personal Experience: The cart wasn’t charging, and after bypassing the OBC lockout, it started working fine. Steps:
- Locate the OBC 6-pin Connector: Find the OBC connector, usually located near the battery pack or under the seat.
- Disconnect and Jump Wires: Disconnect the connector and use a jumper wire to connect the Blue and White wires on the harness side.
- Test the Cart: Turn on the cart and test for normal operation. Expert Tip: The OBC can sometimes prevent the cart from charging or moving correctly. Bypassing it can be a temporary fix, but it’s advisable to replace a faulty OBC. Ensure the jumper wire is of adequate gauge to handle the current.
3. Adjust F/R Switch
What I Did: Adjusted the forward/reverse switch for proper contact. Outcome: The cart was able to move in both directions correctly. Personal Experience: After adjusting the switch, the cart’s reverse issue was resolved. Steps:
- Locate the F/R Switch: Find the switch, usually under the seat or dashboard.
- Adjust the Switch: Loosen the screws and adjust the switch position, ensuring it clicks firmly into each position.
- Test the Switch: Move the switch between forward and reverse and listen for a distinct click.
- Secure the Switch: Tighten the screws and ensure the switch is secure. Expert Tip: Ensure the switch is properly aligned and secured. A misaligned switch can cause intermittent contact issues. Regularly check for wear and tear.
4. Check Solenoid
What I Did: Tested and replaced the solenoid. Outcome: The cart started moving without stopping abruptly. Personal Experience: Replacing a faulty solenoid resolved the issue of the cart stopping after a short distance. Steps:
- Locate and Test the Solenoid: Find the solenoid and use a multimeter to test for continuity.
- Replace if Necessary: If the solenoid fails the test, replace it with a new one.
- Ensure Secure Connections: Reconnect all wires and ensure they are secure.
- Test the Cart: Test the cart for normal operation. Expert Tip: The solenoid is a critical component in the cart’s electrical system. A faulty solenoid can cause the cart to stop moving. Listen for a distinct click when the pedal is pressed; no click can indicate a solenoid issue.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2006 Club Car Precedent