My 2014 Club Car golf cart has started giving off this strong burning rubber smell, especially after a long ride or going uphill. It’s ruining my golfing experience, and I’m worried about potential damage. Has anyone else faced this issue?
Response
I had a similar scare with my cart. In my case, it was the drive belt. Thankfully after replacing it, the smell vanished.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Belt Replacement | 15 | $30 – $50 | 30 – 60 |
| Electrical Connection Check | 10 | $0 | 20 – 30 |
| Motor and Controller Inspection | 8 | $0 – $100 (if parts needed) | 30 – 60 |
| Starter/Generator Check | 5 | $50 – $200 | 45 – 90 |
Symptoms
- Persistent burning rubber smell from the golf cart.
- Decreased performance, particularly on inclines or after extended use.
- Signs of overheating in electrical components.
Possible Causes
- Worn or improperly tensioned drive belt.
- Overheating due to faulty electrical components.
- Motor or controller issues, including overheating.
- Problems with the starter/generator or voltage regulator.
Solutions that Worked
- Drive Belt Replacement
- What I Did: Replaced the old, worn-out drive belt.
- Outcome: Eliminated the burning smell and improved cart performance.
- Personal Experience: The old belt was frayed and slack, leading to slippage and heat.
- Estimated Cost: $30 – $50
- Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
- Steps:
- Locate and inspect the drive belt for signs of wear, such as cracks or fraying.
- Loosen the motor or drive belt tensioner to remove the old belt.
- Compare the old belt with the new one to ensure correct size and type.
- Install the new belt and adjust tension to manufacturer specifications.
- Test the cart to ensure the belt is functioning correctly.
- Expert Tip: Regularly inspect the drive belt for wear. A well-tensioned, intact belt is crucial for optimal performance.
- Electrical Connection Check
- What I Did: Thoroughly inspected and secured all electrical connections.
- Outcome: Resolved overheating issues and eliminated the burning smell.
- Personal Experience: Found several loose connections, which were likely causing heat buildup.
- Estimated Cost: $0
- Time Needed: 20 – 30 minutes
- Steps:
- Disconnect the battery before beginning any electrical work.
- Inspect all wiring and connections for signs of corrosion, wear, or looseness.
- Tighten all connections and replace any damaged wires or connectors.
- Use dielectric grease on connections to prevent future corrosion.
- Reconnect the battery and test the cart for any electrical issues.
- Expert Tip: Keeping electrical connections tight and corrosion-free is key to preventing overheating and burning smells.
- Motor and Controller Inspection
- What I Did: Examined the motor and controller for overheating signs.
- Outcome: Identified and rectified overheating issues.
- Personal Experience: The controller was excessively hot after use, indicating a potential issue.
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $100 (if parts needed)
- Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
- Steps:
- Inspect the motor and controller for any visible damage or excessive heat.
- Use a multimeter to check for electrical issues in the motor and controller.
- Clean any debris or dust that may be causing overheating.
- If necessary, replace or repair damaged components.
- Test the cart to ensure the motor and controller are functioning properly.
- Expert Tip: Regular cleaning and inspection of the motor and controller can prevent overheating and extend their lifespan.
- Starter/Generator Check
- What I Did: Investigated the starter/generator for failure signs.
- Outcome: Detected and fixed starter/generator issues.
- Personal Experience: Discovered the generator was overcharging the battery, leading to overheating.
- Estimated Cost: $50 – $200
- Time Needed: 45 – 90 minutes
- Steps:
- Inspect the starter/generator for wear or damage.
- Test the starter/generator’s output with a multimeter.
- Check for any loose or corroded connections.
- Replace the starter/generator if it fails the tests.
- Re-test to ensure proper functionality.
- Expert Tip: A malfunctioning starter/generator can cause a range of issues, including burning smells. Regular testing can prevent these problems.
Safety info
- Lifting and Modifications: Be aware that lifting your golf cart or other modifications can alter the engine’s angle, affecting oil distribution and potentially causing overheating and burning smells.
- Seasonal Checks: Different seasons can affect your golf cart’s performance. Regular checks in changing weather conditions can help identify issues early.