I’m in need of some advice here! My trusty EZGO golf cart has suddenly stopped starting. There’s no sound from the solenoid when I press the accelerator, and I’m at a loss. It’s crucial for my daily rounds on the course. Has anyone faced and fixed this issue?
My EZGO TXT solenoid wasn’t clicking too, but thankfully I fixed it by replacing the battery pack.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Pack Voltage Check | 3 | $0 | 10-15 |
| Individual Battery Testing | 2 | $0 | 15-20 |
| Full Battery Pack Replacement | 2 | $600-$800 | 60-120 |
| Solenoid Testing | 4 | $0 | 10-15 |
| Controller Testing | 3 | $0 | 20-30 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart won’t start.
- No clicking sound from the solenoid when the accelerator is pressed.
- Intermittent issues with cart movement.
Possible Causes
- Low or uneven battery voltage.
- Faulty individual batteries.
- Worn out battery pack.
- Solenoid failure.
- Controller issues.
Detailed Solutions and Steps
- Battery Pack Voltage Check
- What I Did: Checked the overall voltage of the battery pack.
- Outcome: Identified if the battery pack had sufficient voltage to start the cart.
- Personal Experience: Found that a voltage below 36V often led to starting issues.
- Estimated Cost: $0
- Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the battery pack under the seat or the front hood.
- Using a multimeter, set it to the DC voltage setting.
- Place the multimeter leads on the positive and negative terminals of the battery pack.
- Read the voltage; it should be between 36V to 38V for a standard EZGO cart.
- Expert Tip: Ensure the multimeter is calibrated and the battery terminals are clean for an accurate reading.
- Individual Battery Testing
- What I Did: Tested each battery in the pack individually.
- Outcome: Identified any faulty batteries causing the issue.
- Personal Experience: Replacing a single faulty battery temporarily resolved the issue.
- Estimated Cost: $0 (for testing)
- Time Needed: 15-20 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Disconnect each battery.
- Test each battery individually with the multimeter set to DC voltage.
- Note the voltage of each battery; any reading significantly lower than 6V (for a 36V system) indicates a problem.
- Expert Tip: Mark each battery as you test to keep track. Consider a load test for more accurate results.
- Full Battery Pack Replacement
- What I Did: Replaced the entire battery pack.
- Outcome: Resolved issues caused by multiple failing batteries.
- Personal Experience: More cost-effective in the long run than replacing individual batteries.
- Estimated Cost: $600-$800
- Time Needed: 60-120 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Remove the seat or front hood to access the battery compartment.
- Disconnect and remove all old batteries.
- Clean the battery tray and check for any corrosion.
- Install new batteries, ensuring correct orientation and tight connections.
- Test the cart to ensure proper operation.
- Expert Tip: Apply anti-corrosion gel on the terminals to extend battery life.
- Solenoid Testing
- What I Did: Tested the solenoid for proper operation.
- Outcome: Determined if the solenoid was functioning correctly.
- Personal Experience: A non-clicking solenoid often indicates a failure.
- Estimated Cost: $0
- Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the solenoid; it’s usually near the battery pack.
- Use a multimeter to test for voltage at the solenoid’s input and output terminals.
- Listen for a clicking sound when the accelerator is pressed.
- If there’s no click or voltage change, the solenoid may need replacement.
- Expert Tip: Check the solenoid’s connections and wires for any signs of wear or corrosion.
- Controller Testing
- What I Did: Tested the controller’s input and output voltage.
- Outcome: Identified if the controller was faulty.
- Personal Experience: A controller not outputting the correct voltage can prevent the cart from starting.
- Estimated Cost: $0
- Time Needed: 20-30 minutes
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the controller; it’s usually under the seat or dashboard.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing the controller cover.
- Use a multimeter to test the voltage at the controller’s input and output terminals.
- Compare the readings to the expected values for your model.
- Expert Tip: If you’re not comfortable working with electrical components, consider seeking professional help.
Extra tips
- Battery Maintenance: Regular maintenance, like checking water levels and cleaning terminals, can prevent many starting issues.
- Solenoid Coil Resistance Check: Besides voltage testing, checking the solenoid coil’s resistance can also indicate its health.
- Controller Error Codes: Some advanced controllers have diagnostic LEDs or error codes that can pinpoint issues.
Golf cart models where this worked
- Various EZGO golf cart models, including TXT and Marathon.