Recently, my EZGO golf cart has been acting up, surging at low speeds and making my rides less than enjoyable. I’m desperate for a solution. Can anyone help?
Response
I’ve been through the same ordeal with my EZGO cart. I’d first inspect your throttle cable and igniter.
Solutions that worked for users
Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cable Adjustment | 1 | Adjusted the cable and it worked | $0 | 10-15 |
Adjust Throttle Cable and Plate | 1 | Adjusted throttle cable and plate | $0 | 10-15 |
Replace Igniter | 1 | Replaced the igniter and it worked | $20-$50 | 20-30 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart surges at low speeds
- Golf cart lacks power at low speeds
- Golf cart backfires at low speeds
Possible Causes
- Throttle cable misalignment
- Faulty igniter
- Carburetor issues
Solutions that Worked
1. Cable Adjustment
What I Did:
Adjusted the throttle cable for better throttle response.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped surging at low speeds.
Personal Experience:
I was so frustrated with the surging issue that I almost considered selling the cart. But then I stumbled upon the idea of adjusting the throttle cable. After making the adjustment, it was like night and day—the cart ran smoothly, and I couldn’t be happier.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the throttle cable near the carburetor.
- Use a wrench to loosen the cable clamp.
- Gently pull or push the cable to adjust its tension.
- Test the throttle response by pressing the pedal.
- Once satisfied, tighten the cable clamp using the wrench.
Expert Tip:
Cable adjustments can be tricky. Always test the cart at low speeds after each adjustment to ensure you’ve hit the sweet spot.
Handy Tip:
Mark the original position of the cable clamp before making adjustments. This way, you can easily revert to the original setting if needed.
2. Adjust Throttle Cable and Carb Throttle Plate
What I Did:
Adjusted the throttle cable and carb throttle plate.
Outcome:
The cart ran smoothly without any surging issues.
Personal Experience:
I had initially replaced the carburetor, thinking it would solve the problem. While it did improve the cart’s performance, the surging issue persisted. After adjusting the throttle cable and plate, the cart ran like it was brand new.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Open the engine compartment to locate the throttle cable and carburetor.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws on the throttle plate.
- Adjust the throttle cable for better response.
- Make sure the throttle plate in the carburetor is completely closed when the cart is shut off.
- Tighten the screws on the throttle plate.
Expert Tip:
Take the cart for a test drive after each adjustment. Fine-tuning is often required for optimal performance.
Handy Tip:
Use a carb cleaner to clean the throttle plate area before making adjustments. This ensures that the plate moves freely.
3. Replace Igniter
What I Did:
Replaced the faulty igniter.
Outcome:
The cart stopped surging at low speeds.
Personal Experience:
I was at my wit’s end after trying multiple solutions, including replacing the carburetor and adjusting the valves. Nothing seemed to work. Finally, I decided to replace the igniter, and voila! The cart ran smoothly, and the surging issue was gone.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and remove the key from the ignition.
- Open the engine compartment to locate the igniter.
- Disconnect the battery terminals for safety.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding the old igniter in place.
- Disconnect the wires attached to the old igniter.
- Connect the wires to the new igniter.
- Screw the new igniter into place.
- Reconnect the battery terminals.
- Turn on the golf cart to test the new igniter.
Expert Tip:
Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical components like the igniter to avoid any electrical hazards.
Handy Tip:
Label the wires before disconnecting them from the old igniter. This will make it easier to install the new one.
Golf cart models where this Worked
- 2005 EZGO Workhorse with 352 cc Robin engine
- 1999 EZGO
- 2003 EZGO TXT with 295CC Robins engine
Extra tip:
If you’ve tried multiple solutions and still experience surging, consider checking the micro switch on the throttle as a last resort. This is a less common issue but can cause inconsistent RPMs.