My Club Car runs at full speed with just a slight press of the pedal

My Club Car golf cart is acting like it’s in a drag race every time I barely touch the throttle pedal. It’s not just unnerving; it’s downright dangerous. Has anyone else faced this? I’m desperate for some advice or tips to fix this issue!

Response

When I had this problem it turned out to be faulty solenoids causing the trouble. After replacing them, my cart’s throttle response returned to normal. You might want to give that a check.

Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Replacing Solenoids	1	$100 – $200	60 – 120
Adjusting/Replacing Microswitch in Pot Box	1	$20 – $40	30 – 60
Inspecting and Adjusting Controller Connections	1	$0 (if DIY)	30 – 60

Symptoms

• Golf cart suddenly accelerates to full speed with minimal throttle input.
• Inability to control speed gradually, posing a safety risk.

Possible Causes

• Malfunctioning or stuck solenoids failing to regulate speed.
• Microswitch in the pot box not responding correctly to throttle input.
• Controller connections being loose or improperly connected, affecting speed control.

Solutions and Steps

1. Replacing Solenoids

• What I Did: Replaced all solenoids after diagnosing a faulty one.
• Outcome: Restored normal speed control and responsiveness.
• Personal Experience: The cart stopped its sudden acceleration after the solenoids were replaced.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Locate the Solenoids: Find the solenoids, typically situated near the battery compartment.
  2. Safety First: Disconnect the main power source to avoid any electrical hazards.
  3. Remove Old Solenoids: Carefully disconnect and remove the existing solenoids.
  4. Install New Solenoids: Place the new solenoids, ensuring they are correctly aligned and the connections are secure.
  5. Reconnect Power: After installation, reconnect the power source.
  6. Test the Cart: Conduct a test drive to ensure the speed issue is resolved.
• Expert Tip: Regularly inspect solenoids for signs of wear or damage. A malfunctioning solenoid can lead to erratic speed control and should be addressed promptly.

2. Adjusting/Replacing Microswitch in Pot Box

• What I Did: Adjusted the microswitch in the pot box for better throttle response.
• Outcome: The cart responded appropriately to throttle input.
• Personal Experience: The full-speed issue was resolved after adjusting the microswitch.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Access the Pot Box: Locate the pot box, usually under the seat or dashboard.
  2. Inspect the Microswitch: Check the microswitch for any signs of damage or misalignment.
  3. Adjust or Replace: Adjust the microswitch for optimal performance or replace it if damaged.
  4. Test Throttle Response: Ensure the throttle now responds correctly.
• Expert Tip: A misaligned or faulty microswitch can cause sudden acceleration. Regular checks and timely adjustments can prevent such issues.

3. Inspecting and Adjusting Controller Connections

• What I Did: Checked and secured the connections on the controller.
• Outcome: The cart’s speed control became stable.
• Personal Experience: Resolving connection issues fixed the erratic speed.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Locate the Controller: Find the controller, often under the seat or in a compartment.
  2. Inspect Connections: Check all connections for looseness or corrosion.
  3. Tighten Connections: Secure any loose connections and clean any corrosion.
  4. Test the Cart: Drive the cart to check if the speed control issue is resolved.
• Expert Tip: Loose or corroded connections can cause intermittent electrical problems. Ensure all connections are clean and secure for optimal performance.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

• 1995 Club Car DS
• 1997 Club Car DS
• 2002 Club Car DS
• 1984 Club Car 36V
• 1982 Club Car DS
• 1987 Club Car