Why does my Club Car DS takes forever to start?

My Club Car DS is painfully slow to start, and it’s throwing my entire golf routine off balance. Has anyone else struggled with this? I’m desperate for any tips or tricks to fix this issue.

Response

Sure thing, I totally feel your pain with the slow-starting Club Car DS. I had a similar headache with mine. Turns out, the starter generator brushes were worn out. I replaced them, and voila – it was like giving my cart a new lease on life. The engine started cranking up way faster. It’s a bit of a fiddle to change them, but honestly, it’s worth the effort. Those brushes can really drag down your cart’s performance when they’re on their last legs. Hope this helps you out!

Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Replace Starter Generator Brushes	3	$30 – $60	45 – 60
Tighten Starter Belt	2	$0 – $20 (if DIY)	30 – 45
Adjust Carburetor	2	$0 – $50 (if DIY)	30 – 60
New Spark Plug and Air Filter	1	$10 – $30	20 – 40
Check for Belt Slippage	1	$0 (if DIY)	15 – 30

Symptoms

Golf cart engine turns over slowly before starting.
Delay in engine response after pressing the gas pedal.
Inconsistent starting performance.

Possible Causes

Worn out or improperly adjusted starter generator brushes.
Loose starter belt affecting engine turnover.
Carburetor settings not optimized for efficient starting.
Old spark plug and air filter hindering engine performance.
Belt slippage causing delayed engine response.

Solutions that Worked

Replace Starter Generator Brushes
- What I Did: Replaced the worn-out brushes in the starter generator.
- Outcome: The cart started much faster and more reliably.
- Personal Experience: I noticed an immediate improvement in starting time after the replacement.
- Steps:
  1. Locate the starter generator and identify the brushes.
  2. Disconnect the power source for safety.
  3. Remove the old brushes and install new ones.
  4. Reconnect and test the cart for improved starting.
- Expert Tip: Regularly inspect the brushes for wear and tear. Worn brushes can significantly impact starting efficiency.
- Handy Tip: Use a digital camera to take pictures of the assembly before disassembly. This can be a lifesaver when putting things back together.
Tighten Starter Belt
- What I Did: Adjusted and tightened the starter belt.
- Outcome: Reduced delay in engine response.
- Personal Experience: The engine started cranking faster after this adjustment.
- Steps:
  1. Locate the starter belt.
  2. Check for slackness and wear.
  3. Tighten the belt to the recommended tension.
  4. Test the cart for improved response.
- Expert Tip: Ensure the belt is not overly tight, as this can cause additional wear.
- Unique Info: Sometimes, a belt might look fine but could have become glazed over time, reducing its efficiency. Consider replacing it if tightening doesn’t help.
Adjust Carburetor
- What I Did: Fine-tuned the carburetor settings.
- Outcome: Smoother and quicker engine start.
- Personal Experience: The cart started on the first try after adjustment.
- Steps:
  1. Locate the carburetor and its adjustment screws.
  2. Adjust the air/fuel mixture to achieve optimal performance.
  3. Test the cart for immediate starting response.
- Expert Tip: Regular carburetor maintenance can prevent starting issues.
- Uncommon Info: If you’re not comfortable adjusting the carburetor, a can of carburetor cleaner might help. Sometimes, the issue is just a bit of grime.
New Spark Plug and Air Filter
- What I Did: Replaced the old spark plug and air filter.
- Outcome: Enhanced engine performance and starting speed.
- Personal Experience: The cart felt more responsive and started quicker.
- Steps:
  1. Identify and remove the old spark plug and air filter.
  2. Install new spark plug and air filter.
  3. Test the cart for improved performance.
- Expert Tip: Regular replacement of these components is key to maintaining engine health.
- Missing Info: When replacing the spark plug, check the gap with a feeler gauge for optimal performance.
Check for Belt Slippage
- What I Did: Inspected the belts for any signs of slippage.
- Outcome: Identified and corrected belt slippage issues.
- Personal Experience: The engine response became more consistent.
- Steps:
  1. Examine the belts while the engine is running.
  2. Look for signs of slippage or wear.
  3. Adjust or replace the belt as needed.
  4. Test for improved engine response.
- Expert Tip: Regularly inspect belts as part of routine maintenance.
- Handy Tip: A little bit of chalk or marker on the belt can help you identify if it’s slipping by showing if the marks get misaligned after running the engine.

Golf cart models where this worked

Club Car DS (various models from 1993 to 1997)