When I press pedal on my golf cart I lose all voltage

Every time I try to enjoy a ride in my golf cart, it just loses power as soon as I press the pedal down. It’s like it completely shuts off. This issue is ruining my golfing experience and making it hard to get around my property. Has anyone else had this same problem and can help me?

Response

It sounds like you just need to replace the solenoid. My golf cart was losing all its volage too when the gas pedal was pushed. I swapped the solenoid for a new one, and it fixed it.

Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Replace Solenoid	3	$30 – $60	30 – 60
Check and Clean Battery Posts	2	$0 – $10 (if DIY)	20 – 40
Test Voltage Through Solenoid	2	$0 (if you have a voltmeter)	20 – 40
Check Starter/Generator	1	$50 – $150	60 – 120
Battery Surface Charge Check	1	$0 (if you have a voltmeter)	10 – 20
Repair Starter/Generator Armature	1	$30 – $100 (if DIY)	60 – 120

Symptoms

• Golf cart stops or loses power when the accelerator pedal is pressed beyond a certain point.
• Clicking sounds from the cart with no movement or very slow acceleration.

Possible Causes

• Electrical issues such as faulty solenoids or poor battery connections.
• Mechanical problems in the starter/generator or its components.

Solutions that Worked

1. Replace Solenoid

• What I Did: Identified and replaced the malfunctioning solenoid.
• Outcome: Restored full power to the golf cart.
• Personal Experience: The new solenoid made a huge difference. No more power cuts!
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Locate the solenoid, typically near the batteries or under the seat.
  2. Disconnect the power source to ensure safety.
  3. Remove the old solenoid by disconnecting the wires and removing any mounting hardware.
  4. Install the new solenoid, ensuring all connections match the original setup.
  5. Reconnect the power and test the cart for responsiveness.
• Expert Tip: Always double-check the wiring connections and ensure the new solenoid is compatible with your golf cart model. Incorrect installation can lead to further issues.

2. Check and Clean Battery Posts

• What I Did: Inspected and cleaned corroded battery posts and terminals.
• Outcome: Improved electrical connectivity and resolved power issues.
• Personal Experience: The cleaning significantly improved performance.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Identify the battery posts and terminals.
  2. Disconnect the battery cables for safety.
  3. Use a wire brush or battery post cleaner to scrub away corrosion and buildup.
  4. Reconnect the cables, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
• Expert Tip: Regular cleaning of battery posts can prevent many power-related issues. Also, applying anti-corrosion gel can help prevent future buildup.

3. Test Voltage Through Solenoid

• What I Did: Conducted a voltage test across the solenoid terminals.
• Outcome: Detected a voltage drop, indicating a solenoid issue.
• Personal Experience: The voltage test was a quick way to identify the problem.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Attach the voltmeter leads to the solenoid terminals.
  2. Observe the voltage reading as you press the pedal.
  3. A drop in voltage when the pedal is pressed indicates a faulty solenoid.
• Expert Tip: Familiarize yourself with the normal voltage range for your golf cart model. Any significant deviation can indicate an issue.

4. Check Starter/Generator

• What I Did: Examined the starter/generator for mechanical faults.
• Outcome: Identified and fixed a mechanical issue, restoring power.
• Personal Experience: Repairing the starter/generator was key to solving the power cut.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Locate the starter/generator, usually near the engine.
  2. Inspect for visible damage or wear.
  3. Conduct a functionality test, looking for unusual noises or failure to engage.
  4. Repair or replace any faulty components.
• Expert Tip: Listen for abnormal sounds when starting the cart. These can be early indicators of starter/generator issues.

5. Battery Surface Charge Check

• What I Did: Checked the battery for only holding a surface charge.
• Outcome: Identified a battery issue, leading to a solution.
• Personal Experience: Addressing the battery charge issue was crucial.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Use a voltmeter to check the battery voltage before and after starting the cart.
  2. A significant voltage drop indicates a surface charge issue.
• Expert Tip: Regular battery maintenance, including charging and water level checks, can prevent many power issues.

6. Repair Starter/Generator Armature

• What I Did: Repaired the worn armature in the starter/generator.
• Outcome: The cart regained power and functioned normally.
• Personal Experience: Repairing the armature was technical but effective.
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Remove the armature from the starter/generator.
  2. Use a lathe or file to smooth out grooves or irregularities.
  3. Reinstall the armature and test the starter/generator.
• Expert Tip: Regular inspection of the armature can prevent intermittent power issues. Early detection of wear can save on repair costs.