My gas golf cart just refuses to start. I’ve tried the basics, but nothing seems to work. Anyone else faced this issue? I could really use some advice on how to fix this!
Response
I was in the same situatuion with my 2015 EZGO gas golf cart not starting. After a lot of research and trial and error, I found that cleaning the battery termianls resolved the issue for me.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check and Clean Battery Terminals | 1 | Cleaned terminals, worked fine | $0 | 5-15 |
| Check Fuel Pump and Screen | 1 | Cleaned screen, cart started | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Valve Clearances and Seals | 1 | Adjusted valves, problem solved | $0 | 15-30 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart won’t start
- Engine cranks but doesn’t fire up
- Complete silence when turning the key
Possible Causes
- Dead or weak battery
- Clogged fuel lines or pump
- Faulty spark plug
- Bad ground connections
Solutions that Worked
1. Check and Clean Battery Terminals
What I Did:
Removed and cleaned the battery terminals meticulously.
Outcome:
The golf cart started up smoothly.
Personal Experience:
After giving the battery terminals a good scrub, the cart fired up like a charm.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-15 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and remove the key from the ignition.
- Open the battery compartment and disconnect the battery terminals. Always start with the negative terminal.
- Use a wire brush or terminal cleaner to scrub away any corrosion or dirt.
- Wipe the terminals with a clean cloth to remove any remaining debris.
- Reconnect the battery terminals, starting with the positive terminal.
- Turn on the golf cart to see if it starts.
Expert Tip:
Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling battery acid. A layer of dielectric grease on the terminals can prevent future corrosion.
Handy Tip:
If you’re still having issues, try jump-starting the cart with another battery to rule out a dead battery.
2. Check Fuel Pump and Screen
What I Did:
Inspected and cleaned the fuel pump and its screen.
Outcome:
The golf cart started without any hitches.
Personal Experience:
Once I cleaned the fuel pump screen, the cart started up perfectly.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the fuel pump, usually found near the engine or fuel tank.
- Disconnect the fuel lines carefully, and be prepared for some fuel spillage.
- Remove the fuel pump screen and clean it using a soft brush and soapy water.
- Reassemble everything, making sure all connections are secure.
- Prime the fuel pump by turning the key to the “On” position but not starting the engine.
- Try starting the golf cart.
Expert Tip:
Always work in a well-ventilated area when dealing with fuel. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby as a safety precaution.
Handy Tip:
If the fuel pump screen is damaged, consider replacing it rather than cleaning it.
3. Check Valve Clearances and Seals
What I Did:
Inspected and adjusted the valve clearances.
Outcome:
The golf cart started up without any issues.
Personal Experience:
After making some minor adjustments to the valve clearances, the cart started right up.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-30 minutes
Steps:
- Open the engine compartment to locate the valves.
- Use a feeler gauge to measure the existing valve clearances.
- Loosen the locknut and adjust the screw to achieve the correct clearance.
- Tighten the locknut while holding the screw in place.
- Recheck the clearance to make sure it’s correct.
- Close the engine compartment and try starting the cart.
Expert Tip:
Incorrect valve clearances can lead to poor engine performance and even damage. Always double-check your adjustments.
Handy Tip:
If you’re not comfortable adjusting the valves yourself, consider taking the cart to a professional.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2006 EZGo TXT
- 1995 Hyundai Gas Golf Cart
- Yamaha gas golf cart (model not specified)
Safety Info
- Battery Load Test: If cleaning the terminals doesn’t work, consider getting a battery load test to check the health of your battery.
- Fuel Quality: Bad or stale fuel can also cause starting issues. Make sure you’re using fresh, high-quality fuel.
- Emergency Bypass: In some cases, manually bypassing the solenoid by jumping the two terminals can help identify if the solenoid