Hey fellow golf cart owners, I’m in a bit of a pickle here. My EZGO cart refuses to shift out of low gear. Has anyone else had this issue and found a way to coax their cart back to life?
Response
My EZGO RXV was stuck in first gear too but I managed to fix it. Try giving the clutch a good clean and you should find that the gear will not get stuck anymore.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch Inspection and Cleaning | 3 | Clutch was not opening up, cleaned and reassembled | 0 – 20 | 30 – 60 |
| Belt and Clutch Adjustment | 2 | Belt tension adjusted, improved shifting | 0 – 20 | 15 – 30 |
| Lubrication with Dry Slide/Moly-lube | 2 | Applied lubricant to clutches, shifting improved | 5 – 10 | 10 – 20 |
Detailed Solutions and Steps
- Clutch Inspection and Cleaning
- What I Did: Dismantled and cleaned the clutches.
- Outcome: The cart began to shift gears like a dream.
- Personal Experience: It was a bit daunting at first, but cleaning the clutch made a huge difference.
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $20 (for cleaning supplies)
- Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Park your cart on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Remove the seat to access the engine compartment.
- Locate the primary clutch; it’s the one attached to the engine.
- Carefully disassemble the clutch, keeping track of all parts.
- Use a degreaser and a soft brush to clean each component.
- Inspect for wear and tear. Replace any worn-out parts.
- Reassemble the clutch, ensuring everything is tight and aligned.
- Test the clutch manually before starting the cart.
- Handy Tips:
- Take pictures as you disassemble to ensure proper reassembly.
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from grease and debris.
- Expert Tip: Regular clutch maintenance can prevent many issues down the line. If you’re unsure about doing this yourself, a professional service is worth the peace of mind.
- Belt and Clutch Adjustment
- What I Did: Adjusted the belt tension for optimal performance.
- Outcome: The cart shifted smoothly, no more revving without moving.
- Personal Experience: A simple tweak here made a world of difference.
- Estimated Cost: $0 – $20 (if you need to buy tools)
- Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Access the engine compartment by removing the seat.
- Locate the drive belt and assess its tension.
- If the belt is too tight, loosen the engine mounting bolts slightly.
- Shift the engine just enough to give the belt proper slack.
- Retighten the mounting bolts and ensure everything is secure.
- Check the secondary clutch for proper operation.
- Start the cart and listen for a smoother engagement of gears.
- Handy Tips:
- Use a belt tension gauge to get the tension just right.
- Mark the original engine position before adjustments for reference.
- Expert Tip: The right belt tension is crucial for proper gear shifting. Too tight, and it won’t shift; too loose, and it’ll slip.
- Lubrication with Dry Slide/Moly-lube
- What I Did: Applied a specialized lubricant to the clutch components.
- Outcome: The cart’s gear shifting improved significantly.
- Personal Experience: A little lube went a long way in smoothing out the ride.
- Estimated Cost: $5 – $10 for the lubricant
- Time Needed: 10 – 20 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Clean the clutch area to remove any dirt before lubricating.
- Apply a conservative amount of Dry Slide or Moly-lube to the clutch’s moving parts.
- Work the clutch by hand to spread the lubricant evenly.
- Wipe away any excess to prevent dirt accumulation.
- Test the cart to check for improved shifting.
- Handy Tips:
- Do not over-lubricate; these parts are designed to operate with minimal lubrication.
- Use a lubricant specifically designed for high-temperature environments.
- Expert Tip: While these parts typically run dry, a touch of the right lubricant in the right places can help resolve sticking issues.
Extra tips
- Temperature Check: After a long ride, touch the clutches (carefully!) to gauge temperature. If one is much hotter than the other, it may indicate a problem.
- Sound Diagnosis: Listen to the sound of the engine and clutch. Any unusual noises could be a clue to where the issue lies.
- Community Wisdom: Don’t underestimate the power of community knowledge. Golf cart forums are treasure troves of information—someone out there has likely faced (and solved) your exact issue.
Golf cart models where this worked
- 2003 EZGO TXT
- 1999 EZGO Gas Golf Cart
- EZGO TXT with a Kohler 27hp big block engine
- 1988 EZGO 2 cycle