Does anyone know the reason why my golf cart motor is pulling way too many amps and it’s causing all sorts of problems. I’ve tried a few things, but nothing seems to work. I have a 2011 EZGO RXV if that helps.
Response
I would start with upgrading the battery cables if they look damaged, as the cables are normally the reason for this issue.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inspect Battery Cables | 1 | Replaced corroded cables | $20-$50 | 30-60 |
| Upgrade Cables | 1 | Upgraded to 4-gauge cables | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Check Controller Settings | 0 | Adjusted field map settings | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Battery Health | 0 | Replaced failing battery | $100-$200 | 30-60 |
| Check Ohmic Values | 0 | Checked motor resistance | $0 | 10-20 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart struggles uphill
- Wires getting too hot
- Fuses blowing frequently
Possible Causes
- Poor battery health
- Inadequate cabling
- Controller settings mismatch
Solutions that Worked
1. Inspect Battery Cables
What I Did:
Checked the condition of the battery cables for any signs of wear or corrosion.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped struggling uphill and the wires stopped getting hot.
Personal Experience:
I noticed that some of the cables were corroded, so I replaced them and the issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Put on safety gloves and goggles.
- Inspect all battery cables for signs of wear or corrosion.
- Use a wire brush to clean minor corrosion.
- Replace any damaged or corroded cables.
- Reconnect the battery and test the golf cart.
Expert Tip:
Regularly inspecting your battery cables can prevent a lot of issues related to high amp draw. Corroded or damaged cables can significantly increase resistance, leading to higher amp draw. Also, always wear safety gear when working with electrical components.
2. Upgrade Cables
What I Did:
Upgraded the factory 6-gauge cables to 4-gauge cables.
Outcome:
The golf cart stopped blowing fuses and the wires stopped getting hot.
Personal Experience:
I upgraded to 4-gauge cables and the issue was resolved.
Estimated Cost:
$50-$100
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Put on safety gloves and goggles.
- Remove the old 6-gauge cables.
- Measure the length needed for the new 4-gauge cables.
- Install the new 4-gauge cables, ensuring a snug fit.
- Reconnect the battery and test the golf cart.
Expert Tip:
Upgrading to higher gauge cables can often solve issues related to high amp draw. These cables can handle more current, reducing the risk of blowing fuses or overheating. Make sure to measure the length needed for the new cables to avoid buying excess material.
Additional Suggestions
3. Check Controller Settings
What I Did:
Adjusted the field map settings on the controller to match the new motor.
Outcome:
The motor started running more efficiently.
Personal Experience:
I adjusted the field map settings on the controller and noticed an improvement, although it didn’t completely resolve the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Access the controller settings.
- Locate the field map settings.
- Adjust them to match the motor specifications.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the changes have taken effect.
Expert Tip:
Always ensure that your controller settings match your motor specifications. A mismatch can lead to inefficient operation and high amp draw. If you’re not sure about the settings, consult the motor’s manual or seek professional help.
4. Check Battery Health
What I Did:
Performed a load test on the batteries.
Outcome:
Identified a failing battery that was affecting overall performance.
Personal Experience:
I performed a load test and found one battery that was failing. Replacing it improved the performance.
Estimated Cost:
$100-$200
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Perform a load test on each battery.
- Identify any batteries that are failing.
- Replace the failing batteries.
Expert Tip:
Regularly performing load tests on your batteries can help you identify issues before they become major problems. A failing battery can significantly affect the overall performance of your golf cart.
5. Check Ohmic Values
What I Did:
Checked the Ohmic values for A1->A2 and S1->S2 on the motor.
Outcome:
Identified that the motor was within the acceptable resistance range.
Personal Experience:
I checked the Ohmic values and found them to be within the acceptable range, indicating that the motor was not the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Disconnect the motor.
- Use a multimeter to check the Ohmic values for A1->A2 and S1->S2.
- Compare the values to the acceptable range for your motor.
Expert Tip:
Checking the Ohmic values of your motor can help you identify if the motor is the issue or if you should look elsewhere for the problem. Always refer to your motor’s manual for the acceptable resistance range.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2005 EZGO