Why is My EZGO Golf Cart in Limp Mode?
An EZGO golf cart can change to limp mode due to weak batteries, incompatible controllers or a faulty encoder bearing.
- Batteries: You have to ensure that your cart batteries are all at their full capacity. Even one battery performing below its rating can cause the Limp mode issue.
- Controller: The controller is often a cause for the issue when users have rebuilt controllers or wrong models, particularly if their cart is lifted. The best controllers are from Alltrax.
- Encoder bearing: The encoder not sending the right signal is one frequently found issue. The way to replace the encoder bearing has been given here.
Troubleshooting EZGO Limp Mode Problems
EZGO golf cart users have sometimes faced this problem when their carts suddenly switch to the Limp mode. When in this mode, the golf cart starts moving very slowly and will not accelerate.
Though the manufacturer’s warnings on the various problems and the possible causes mention this, the nature of the problem and the corresponding solution could be different in each case.
The model number of the EZGO cart also matters while resolving the Limp mode issue.
An EZGO TXT PDS 36v golf cart user who encountered this problem thought that the new batteries in his cart may not be the cause for it.
Low pack voltage is the real cause of limp mode problems in EZGO golf carts. The 34V charge reported by the user was below the required 38.2V. The cart owner was advised to use a better battery charger to see if things improved.
On a similar Limp mode complaint by another user, the issue found was the controller getting short. The recommended solution for this was to change to an Alltrax XCT48400-PDS controller.
Another problem of a2009 EZGO RXV golf cart slowing down suddenly got resolved through replacing the bearing encoder (612595 Bearing Encoder Service Kit) from EZGO.
You have to check the batteries individually since one of the batteries can fail and cause the Limp mode problem.
The solenoid is one part that can cause the problem of slowing down of your golf cart, especially in the 36v EZGO TXT model. A good controller (Alltrax is the recommended model) should be purchased and the current one replaced to eliminate the problem.
One interesting problem often mentioned by the golf cart users is that their cart moves perfectly fine in just one direction, either Forward or Reverse. In the other, it goes into the Limp mode.
On many occasions, the wiring and connections go awry for some reason. You must always have the wiring diagram handy to ensure that you can check and rectify the problem.
On other occasions, you are left clueless as to why the golf cart goes into the Limp mode. You need to check the four elements -the batteries, the controller, the solenoid and the wiring. Most of the time, the issues could revolve around these.
Why is my EZGO RXV in Limp Mode?
One of the frequently noticed reasons for the EZGO RXV golf cart to go into Limp mode is the bearing encoder malfunction. The bearing encoder sends the signals to the controller when its two channels A and B are in the right status.
An oscilloscope is an instrument used for testing the bearing encoder, but it is an expensive proposition. You could instead, invest in a decent new encoder for around $200.
You should check the batteries thoroughly to make sure they are cranking up the required current to run the cart.
Many users of the EZGO RXV golf cart fail to realize the issue with the battery. A 48v cart must be able to show full power while the cart is running. Below that, at 45 V and 46 V, the Limp mode situation can occur.
Why is my EZGO TXT in Limp Mode?
A unique limp mode issue faced by a user of EZGO TXT PDS was traced to a flashlight fixed by the previous user of the cart. The new user had no clue and found every other parameter perfect. He first suspected that one of the wires in the circuit was faulty.
He put his cart on diagnostic mode and got the beep codes which misled him to a solenoid issue. He went about replacing the solenoid as well.
It was only later that the user found the real culprit. A jumper wire ran through the solenoid and was sucking up all the power. The jumper wire connected a yellow safety flashlight to the control box.
The user simply removed this offending wire and found the golf cart moving smoothly.
There have been repeated suggestions from the experts that the ideal controller for the EZGO electric golf carts is the one from Alltrax.
Some users still try to cut corners and go for rebuilt controllers. When the issue of the cart going into Limp mode has been traced back to the controller and it has to be replaced, there is really no point in buying a cheap controller.
The controller is a critical component and a repaired and rebuilt one cannot be relied upon to offer the same level of performance as an original, good-quality controller. Another advice is to check the J1 pins 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Some users of EZGO TXT golf carts resort to lifting the vehicle through modifications and larger-sized tires. This can slow the cart a little bit but may not cause it to go into the Limp mode. Your first checkpoint on noticing the Limp mode is to put the vehicle on diagnostic mode to find what the feedback is. The precaution that is usually suggested is to turn the Run/Tow switch to the Tow position.
Why is my EZGO PDS in Limp Mode?
There have been sporadic reports of the EZGO PDS model golf carts also reporting the Limp mode issue. Many users fail to recognize that though their batteries may be new but if the cart does not raise the required voltage, there is a problem.
More significantly, only one of the batteries may misbehave but pull the other batteries down. You have to check if all the individual units can send the rated power-up or not. You may be surprised to learn of strange solutions from some users for the Limp mode issue.
One user changed the battery cables to the ones used on automobiles and the problem vanished. In a 2002 EZGO TXT 36V with PDS drive, the user practically changed every known component in the golf cart since it had been flooded.
The cart would slow down suddenly catching the user unaware. After a series of trials and errors, it was found that the Forward/Reverse switch was faulty and by replacing it, the cart started moving at speed. The Limp mode issue was no longer felt.
Despite repeated advice, many golf cart users ignore the importance of the controller. It has been found that if the cart has been lifted, the stock controller won’t offer the same level of performance. You must go for a new 400amps controller from Alltrax to avoid the issue.
There are others with a counter-opinion to this, claiming that lifted carts can still run without the Limp mode problem with the same old controller. It could boil down to individual experiences too, at times.
How to Fix an EZGO that Runs Slow in Limp Mode
One issue identified with the EZGO golf carts is the temperature sensor in the motor. The wiring to the motor could be faulty and result in problems. Follow the wiring diagram and the colors on both sides of the motor to know which color wire to connect where.
There are also one-off cases of the cart slowing down suddenly. Experts find it very hard to diagnose such cases and come up with quick-fix solutions. The regular advice that is given is: check the controller, the solenoid, the batteries, etc.
The following is the sequence of steps to check the real issue in a Precedent golf cart with Limp mode issue:
Check the output from the MCOR back to the controller.
- Connect the batteries.
- Turn the Tow/Run switch to Run.
- Now, the black probe (-) must be placed on the main negative post of the battery pack.
- The red probe should then be placed on the yellow wire. The yellow wire will be found on the 3-pin connector at the controller end or near the MCOR.
- Check the reading: It should be around 0.32 VDC with the pedal up.
- Now, press the Go pedal and see the reading move higher. When you have the pedal fully pressed, the reading should be approximately between 4.65 VDC and 5 VDC.
- The reading should not fall below 4.6 VDC.
If you get an erratic and irregular reading, then the MCOR output signal could be the reason for the issue you are facing with the Precedent golf cart.
How to Replace the Encoder Bearing on an EZGO RXV
You can handle the job of replacement of the encoder bearing in an EZGO RXV golf cart. It is not all that easy but if you are a little patient and go about it carefully you should be able to do it correctly. Here are the steps:
Step 1: It is recommended that you use a jack to lift the golf cart. This facilitates better access to the motor. You should lower the leaf springs a bit as well.
Step 2: Remove all the wires from the controller which go to the motor and gently pull towards the motor.
Step 3: Pull motor brake off and remove the 3 plugs that go to the motor and the motor brake.
Step 4: Pull the 6 bolts that hold the motor in and take it out. You may have to do this gently.
Step 5: Remove the ‘C’ clip that holds the armature. You will need the clip while reassembling.
Step 6: Takethe armature out.
Step 7: In this step, you have to remove the 5 screws that keep the encoder and wiring in place.
Step 8: You should now take the 4-pin connector by separating the motor case sufficiently to pull the connector out.
Step 9: The encoder bearing can now be tapped out using mild force.
You can then go back the same steps in reverse, replacing the encoder bearing. The motor weighs around 45lbs. You should be confident of lifting it. If in doubt, have a small crane or some such arrangement ready to hold the motor for that brief period before you remove the encoder bearing and reassemble.
Besides the encoder bearing, the brakes could also be a reason for the EZGO golf carts to go into the Limp mode. The brakes should be checked periodically.