My 2016 Yamaha golf cart has been acting up and jerking like it’s in a dance-off every time I try to accelerate. Seriously, what gives? Anyone else had this issue and found a fix?
Response
I found a solution that actually worked for me. I charged the batteries for a full 5 hours, and believe it or not, the jerking stopped. So maybe give that a try.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charging the Batteries | 1 | Charged batteries for 5 hours | $0 | 300 |
| Replacing the Throttle Governor | 1 | Replaced the throttle governor | $20-$50 | 30-60 |
| Adjusting the Carburetor | 1 | Adjusted the carburetor settings | $0 | 15-30 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart jerks during acceleration
- Hesitation before the cart starts moving
- Unusual grinding noise when accelerating
Possible Causes
- Worn-out throttle governor
- Carburetor maladjustment
- Low battery charge
- Clutch issues
Solutions that Worked
1. Charging the Batteries
What I Did:
Charged the batteries for a full 5 hours.
Outcome:
The jerking issue was completely resolved.
Personal Experience:
I was skeptical, but after giving my batteries a full 5-hour charge, the cart was smooth as butter.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
300 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the golf cart’s charging port, usually found under the seat.
- Plug the charger into the port.
- Connect the charger to an electrical outlet.
- Make sure the charger indicator lights are on, confirming the charging process.
- Allow the batteries to charge for a full 5 hours without interruption.
Expert Tip:
Always ensure your batteries are fully charged before using the cart. Low battery levels can cause jerking and other performance issues. Also, consider investing in a battery tester to keep tabs on your battery health.
2. Replacing the Throttle Governor
What I Did:
Replaced the worn-out throttle governor.
Outcome:
The cart stopped jerking and ran smoothly.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the throttle governor, the cart felt like new.
Estimated Cost:
$20-$50
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Open the golf cart’s engine compartment.
- Locate the throttle governor, usually attached near the carburetor.
- Use a wrench to loosen and remove the old throttle governor.
- Install the new throttle governor, making sure it’s securely fastened.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it might be best to consult a professional. Also, always wear safety gear like gloves and goggles when working on engine components.
3. Adjusting the Carburetor
What I Did:
Adjusted the carburetor settings for optimal performance.
Outcome:
The cart stopped jerking and ran smoothly.
Personal Experience:
I had to fiddle with the settings a bit, but once I got it right, the cart ran perfectly.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-30 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the carburetor in the engine compartment.
- Identify the air-fuel mixture screw, usually marked and easily accessible.
- Use a screwdriver to gently turn the screw, adjusting the air-fuel mixture.
- Start the golf cart to test the new settings.
- Make further adjustments as needed until the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Improper carburetor settings can lead to a range of issues, including jerking, stalling, and even engine damage. If you’re not confident in making these adjustments yourself, seek professional help.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2016 Club Cart
- Yamaha G9
- Yamaha G16 2002
Handy Tips
- Always disconnect the battery before working on any electrical components.
- If you’re not mechanically inclined, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.
- Keep a set of basic tools in your golf cart for quick fixes.
- Sometimes, jerking can be caused by a misaligned drive belt. Check the alignment and tension.
- If you’ve recently replaced any parts, double-check to make sure they’re compatible with your golf cart model.