My Club Car golf cart won’t run after installing a new battery

Desperately need help here! I’ve just installed new batteries in my Club Car golf cart, but it’s still refusing to run. It’s like it’s completely dead. This cart is essential for my daily activities around the golf course, and now I’m stuck with a non-functional cart. Has anyone else faced this frustrating issue?

Response

I remember having the same proble as you. It turned out to be a solenoid problem. After replacing the solenid, my Club Car DS was back to normal.

Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Solenoid Replacement	3	$30 – $60	30 – 60
Wiring and Connection Inspection	2	$0 – $20 (if DIY)	30 – 60
F/R Lever or Switch Adjustment	1	$0 – $50	30 – 60
Controller Inspection	1	$100 – $300	60 – 120

Symptoms

• Golf cart not moving despite new batteries.
• No clicking sound from solenoids.
• Slow movement or inability to go uphill.

Possible Causes

• Electrical issues such as faulty solenoids or wiring problems.
• Mechanical failures like a malfunctioning F/R lever or switch.
• Controller malfunctions or damage.

Solutions that Worked

1. Solenoid Replacement

• What I Did: Replaced the non-functioning solenoid.
• Outcome: The cart started running smoothly.
• Personal Experience: Initially, there was no clicking sound. After the replacement, the clicking sound returned, and the cart moved.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the solenoid, usually near the batteries.
  2. Disconnect the power source for safety.
  3. Remove the old solenoid and install the new one, ensuring proper connections.
  4. Test the cart to check if the issue is resolved.
• Expert Tip: Regularly check the solenoid for wear and tear. A non-functioning solenoid is a common issue in electric golf carts.
• Handy Tips: Use a multimeter to test the solenoid’s functionality before replacing it. Ensure the replacement solenoid is compatible with your golf cart model.

2. Wiring and Connection Inspection

• What I Did: Inspected and corrected wiring and connections.
• Outcome: Improved electrical flow and cart functionality.
• Personal Experience: Found some corroded and loose connections, fixing them made a significant difference.
• Steps:
  1. Inspect all wiring and connections for corrosion or looseness.
  2. Clean and tighten connections as needed.
  3. Check for any damaged wires and replace if necessary.
  4. Test the cart for any improvement in performance.
• Expert Tip: Regular maintenance of wiring can prevent many electrical issues. Always ensure connections are clean and secure.
• Handy Tips: Use a wire brush or sandpaper to clean corroded terminals. Apply dielectric grease to prevent future corrosion.

3. F/R Lever or Switch Adjustment

• What I Did: Adjusted the F/R lever for proper alignment.
• Outcome: The cart was able to move forward and reverse correctly.
• Personal Experience: The lever was misaligned, causing movement issues.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the F/R lever or switch.
  2. Adjust for proper alignment and secure positioning.
  3. Test the cart in both forward and reverse modes.
  4. Ensure the lever or switch clicks into place correctly.
• Expert Tip: A misaligned F/R switch can cause the cart to not respond correctly. Regular checks can prevent this issue.
• Handy Tips: If the F/R switch feels loose or overly flexible, consider replacing it with a heavy-duty switch for better durability.

4. Controller Inspection

• What I Did: Checked the controller for any signs of damage.
• Outcome: Identified a faulty controller and replaced it.
• Personal Experience: The controller had visible signs of wear.
• Steps:
  1. Locate and inspect the controller.
  2. Check for any signs of burning or damage.
  3. Replace the controller if necessary.
  4. Test the cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
• Expert Tip: The controller is a vital component. Any damage can lead to significant operational issues.
• Handy Tips: When replacing the controller, take photos of the wiring before disconnecting to ensure correct reinstallation. Use a multimeter to check for any abnormal readings.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

• Various models of Club Car golf carts, particularly those from the mid-90s to early 2000s.