I’ve got a 1999 EZGO TXT electric golf cart that’s been acting up lately. It jerks like crazy when I try to accelerate. Has anyone else faced this issue?
Response
I had the same jerking issue with my 1996 E-Z-GO 36 volt TXT. After a lot of trial and error, I found that checking for cracks in the ITS housing really did the trick for me. I replaced the cracked ITS, and voila, the jerking stopped.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check for Cracks in the ITS Housing | 2 | Replaced cracked ITS | $50 | 30-60 |
| Adjust the ITS (Inductive Throttle Sensor) | 1 | Adjusted ITS | $0 | 15-30 |
| Check Sensor and Micro Switch Under Floor Mat | 1 | Checked sensor and micro switch | $0 | 10-20 |
| Clean Jets and Bowl in Carburetor | 1 | Cleaned carburetor jets and bowl | $0 | 30-45 |
| Adjust Governor and Throttle Linkage | Not specified | Adjusted governor and throttle linkage | $0 | 20-40 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart jerks when accelerating
- Golf cart hesitates before moving
- Golf cart makes a grinding noise
Possible Causes
- Faulty Inductive Throttle Sensor (ITS)
- Dirty or damaged micro switch
- Controller issues
Solutions that Worked
1. Check for Cracks in the ITS Housing
What I Did:
Replaced the Inductive Throttle Sensor (ITS) after noticing a crack in its housing.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped jerking when accelerating.
Personal Experience:
I noticed that the ITS housing was cracked, so I replaced it. The jerking stopped immediately.
Estimated Cost:
$50
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the ITS, usually found under the floor mat on the driver’s side.
- Use a flashlight to inspect the ITS housing for cracks or damage.
- If damaged, remove the old ITS by disconnecting the wiring harness.
- Install the new ITS and reconnect the wiring harness.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the golf cart to see if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Always check the physical condition of the ITS and other sensors, especially after a refurbishment. Sometimes, the issue could be as simple as a cracked housing, which is an easy fix but can cause significant problems if overlooked.
Handy Tip:
Use a digital camera or your smartphone to take pictures of the wiring before disconnecting anything. This will make it easier to reconnect everything correctly.
2. Adjust the ITS (Inductive Throttle Sensor)
What I Did:
Adjusted the arm roller on the ITS micro switch.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped jerking.
Personal Experience:
I adjusted the ITS and the jerking issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-30 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the ITS under the floor mat on the driver’s side.
- Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the micro switch in place.
- Adjust the arm roller on the micro switch so that it’s on the very edge of the plunger.
- Tighten the screws to secure the micro switch.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the golf cart to see if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Proper adjustment of the ITS can resolve jerking issues. Make sure the arm roller on the micro switch is on the very edge of the plunger for proper functioning.
Handy Tip:
If you’re not sure about the adjustment, consult the golf cart’s service manual for specific guidelines on ITS adjustment.
3. Check Sensor and Micro Switch Under Floor Mat
What I Did:
Checked the sensor and micro switch under the floor mat.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped jerking.
Personal Experience:
I checked the sensor and micro switch, and everything seemed fine.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Lift the floor mat on the driver’s side to access the sensor and micro switch.
- Inspect for any damage or water intrusion.
- Use a cloth to clean the sensor and micro switch.
- If damaged, consider replacing these components.
- Place the floor mat back in its original position.
- Test the golf cart to see if the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Water intrusion can cause the sensor and micro switch to malfunction. Always check these components, especially after heavy rain or washing the cart.
Handy Tip:
Use a moisture-absorbing gel pack near the sensor and micro switch to prevent moisture buildup.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 1999 EZGO TXT Electric
- 1996 E-Z-GO 36 volt TXT
- 2000 E-Z-GO Gas Golf Cart