My EZGO golf cart’s battery voltage is soaring through the roof, and I’m genuinely concerned it’s going to fry my batteries or even worse, damage other vital components. Anyone out there who can help me troubleshoot this?
Response
Yeah. I had the same issue, and let me tell you, it was driving me nuts. After some serious sleuthing, I found that replacing the starter generator was the fix for me.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Replace Starter Generator | 1 | Replaced starter generator | $100-$200 | 60-120 |
| Replace Batteries | 2 | Replaced all batteries | $600-$800 | 120-180 |
| Check Voltage Under Load | 1 | Used a digital multimeter | $0 | 5-10 |
Symptoms
- Battery voltage reads higher than normal
- Charger indicates high voltage
- Cart performance is inconsistent
- Unusual battery drain
Possible Causes
- Faulty starter generator
- Old or damaged batteries
- Electrical grounding issues
- Voltage regulator malfunction
Solutions that Worked
1. Replace Starter Generator
What I Did:
I replaced the faulty starter generator, which was internally shorting the field coil wire to the case.
Outcome:
The voltage returned to normal levels, and the cart performed as expected.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the starter generator, my cart’s voltage returned to normal. It was a bit of a hassle but well worth it.
Estimated Cost:
$100-$200
Time Needed:
60-120 minutes
Steps:
- Safety First: Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical accidents.
- Locate the Starter Generator: It’s usually near the engine compartment.
- Remove the Old Starter Generator: Unbolt it and disconnect any electrical connections.
- Inspect the New Starter Generator: Make sure it’s the correct model and has no visible defects.
- Install the New Starter Generator: Bolt it in place and reconnect the electrical connections.
- Reconnect the Battery: Make sure to connect it securely.
- Test: Turn on the cart and check the voltage to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Always bench test your new starter generator before installing it to avoid any issues later on. Also, consider applying a thin layer of dielectric grease to electrical connections to prevent corrosion.
2. Replace Batteries
What I Did:
Replaced all the batteries in the cart.
Outcome:
The high voltage issue was resolved, and the cart performed normally.
Personal Experience:
I had to replace all the batteries, and it was a bit costly but solved the problem.
Estimated Cost:
$600-$800
Time Needed:
120-180 minutes
Steps:
- Safety First: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling batteries.
- Disconnect Old Batteries: Use a wrench to loosen the battery terminals.
- Remove Old Batteries: Lift them out carefully; they are heavy.
- Clean Battery Compartment: Use a mixture of baking soda and water to neutralize any acid and clean the area.
- Place New Batteries: Install the new batteries in the same orientation as the old ones.
- Reconnect: Tighten the battery terminals securely.
- Test: Turn on the cart and check the voltage.
Expert Tip:
When replacing batteries, it’s a good idea to take a photo of the old setup to ensure you connect the new batteries correctly. Also, always use batteries of the same make and age to ensure balanced charging and discharging.
3. Check Voltage Under Load
What I Did:
Connected a digital multimeter to each battery and checked the voltage under load.
Outcome:
Identified a battery with high internal resistance, which was causing the high voltage.
Personal Experience:
Using a digital multimeter helped me identify the problematic battery.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Prepare the Cart: Make sure the cart is on a flat surface and in a safe location.
- Connect the Digital Multimeter: Attach the multimeter leads to the first battery.
- Drive the Cart: Drive the cart a short distance while observing the voltage.
- Record the Readings: Note down the voltage for each battery.
- Analyze: Compare the readings to identify any batteries with high internal resistance.
Expert Tip:
A digital multimeter can be a handy tool for checking each battery’s voltage under load. High internal resistance in one battery can make the entire pack sag under load. If you find a problematic battery, consider replacing it before it affects the rest of the pack.
Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2003 Ezgo txt with a gas Robyns engine
- 2010 RXV gas cart
- 95 Medalist 36v series cart
- 2012 EZGO battery-powered golf cart
- RXV 2015