I’m having some trouble here with my CC DS. My Club Car’s oil light just started flashing like crazy, and it won’t stop. I’ve checked the basics, but everything seems normal. I’m stumped and could really use some advice.
Response
In my case, it was a loose connection at the MAP sensor. Once I fixed that, the light stopped flashing. It might be worth checking your sensor connections or the spark plug type.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Switching to Lighter/Synthetic Oil | 1 | 20-50 | 30-60 |
| Correct Spark Plug Installation | 1 | 5-15 | 15-30 |
| Fixing MAP Sensor Connection | 1 | 0-10 | 20-40 |
Symptoms
- Club Car’s oil light flashing intermittently or continuously.
- Engine performance issues accompanying the oil light activation.
Possible Causes
- Incorrect oil viscosity or quality affecting engine performance.
- Electrical issues, such as bad connections or incorrect spark plug types.
- Mechanical issues like a malfunctioning MAP sensor.
Solutions that Worked
- Switching to Lighter/Synthetic Oil
- What I Did: Changed the engine oil to a lighter grade or synthetic type.
- Outcome: The oil light stopped flashing, and the engine ran smoother.
- Personal Experience: I noticed the oil light issue when pushing my cart to higher speeds. Switching to a synthetic 10-30 oil made a huge difference.
- Steps:
- Check your current oil type and grade. Ensure it’s suitable for your Club Car model.
- Warm up the engine to make draining easier and more complete.
- Drain the existing oil from the engine. Locate the drain plug underneath the engine and use an oil pan to catch the old oil.
- Replace with a lighter grade or synthetic oil. Pour slowly to avoid overfilling.
- Check the oil level with a dipstick to ensure proper filling.
- Dispose of the old oil responsibly at a recycling center.
- Test drive the cart to check for any improvements in the oil light issue.
- Expert Tip: Consider the climate and operating conditions when choosing oil. Lighter oil is often better for colder climates, while synthetic oils provide better protection in varying conditions.
- Handy Tip: Always use a funnel when pouring new oil to prevent spills and ensure accurate filling.
- Correct Spark Plug Installation
- What I Did: Replaced the non-resistor spark plug with a resistor type.
- Outcome: The oil light issue was resolved, and the engine’s sputtering stopped.
- Personal Experience: After several attempts at diagnosing, I found the wrong spark plug was causing the issue.
- Steps:
- Identify the correct spark plug type for your model. Check the user manual or consult with a dealer.
- Remove the incorrect spark plug using a spark plug socket and ratchet.
- Inspect the old spark plug for signs of wear or incorrect type.
- Install the correct resistor-type spark plug. Screw it in by hand first to avoid cross-threading, then tighten with the socket.
- Reconnect any wires or caps removed during the process.
- Test the engine for any further issues.
- Expert Tip: The correct spark plug ensures proper combustion and prevents electrical interference with the vehicle’s systems.
- Handy Tip: Apply a small amount of anti-seize on the spark plug threads to prevent them from seizing in the future.
- Fixing MAP Sensor Connection
- What I Did: Repaired the bad connection at the MAP sensor.
- Outcome: The oil light stopped flashing, and the engine performance improved.
- Personal Experience: I discovered a loose connection at the MAP sensor, which was causing the oil light to flash.
- Steps:
- Locate the MAP sensor on your Club Car. It’s usually near the intake manifold.
- Inspect the sensor for any loose or damaged connections.
- Clean the sensor and connector with electrical contact cleaner.
- Repair or replace the connector as needed. Ensure a snug fit.
- Secure the sensor and wiring to prevent vibration-related issues.
- Test the cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
- Expert Tip: Regularly check and maintain sensor connections, especially after engine work or in older models.
- Handy Tip: Use dielectric grease on the sensor connector to prevent corrosion and ensure a good connection.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Various Club Car models, including DS and Precedent, spanning different years.