Recently my golf cart has been acting up. It’s fast when I put it in reverse, but it crawls when I try to go forward. I need some help fixing this problem.
Response
I’ve encountered the same issue with my golf cart being slow in forward but fast in reverse. After some investigation, I found a few solutions that worked for me and others. These solutions range from checking the speed sensor to inspecting the FNR switch.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Speed Sensor | 2 | Replaced speed sensor | $50-$100 | 30-60 |
| Check for Disconnected Wires | 1 | Reconnected a loose wire | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check FNR Wiring | 1 | Rewired the FNR switch | $0 | 10-20 |
| Check Battery Pack Voltage | 1 | Monitored battery voltage | $0 | 5-10 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart is slow when going forward
- Golf cart is fast when in reverse
Possible Causes
- Faulty speed sensor
- Disconnected or loose wires
- Incorrect FNR wiring
- Battery issues
Handy Tips
- Always turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery before performing any electrical work.
- Use a multimeter for electrical testing; it’s an invaluable tool for diagnosing issues.
- If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider seeking professional help.
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Speed Sensor
What I Did:
Replaced the faulty speed sensor on my golf cart.
Outcome:
The golf cart now runs at a consistent speed in both forward and reverse.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the speed sensor, my cart’s speed issues were resolved.
Estimated Cost:
$50-$100
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the speed sensor, usually found on the motor’s end cap.
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing the old speed sensor.
- Disconnect the old speed sensor and plug in the new one.
- Secure the new speed sensor with screws.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
A faulty speed sensor can cause inconsistent speed issues. If you suspect this is the problem, consider using diagnostic tools like an IQDM to find fault codes. Make sure to calibrate the new sensor after installation.
2. Check for Disconnected Wires
What I Did:
Checked and reconnected a loose wire between the controller and the solenoid.
Outcome:
The golf cart now runs at a consistent speed in both forward and reverse.
Personal Experience:
After reconnecting the loose wire, my cart’s speed became consistent.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Open the golf cart’s battery compartment or access panel.
- Inspect all wires for any disconnections or looseness.
- Use a pair of pliers to tighten any loose connectors.
- Reconnect any loose or disconnected wires.
- Use electrical tape to secure any exposed wire ends.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Always double-check the wiring, especially if you’ve recently worked on the cart. A disconnected or loose wire can cause various issues, including speed problems. Use a wire tester to ensure all connections are secure.
3. Check FNR Wiring
What I Did:
Checked the FNR (Forward/Neutral/Reverse) switch wiring and corrected it.
Outcome:
The golf cart now runs at a consistent speed in both forward and reverse.
Personal Experience:
After rewiring the FNR switch, my cart’s speed became consistent.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the FNR switch on your golf cart, usually near the driver’s seat.
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Use a multimeter to test the FNR switch for continuity.
- Inspect the wiring for any incorrect connections.
- Correct any wiring issues using a wire stripper and connectors.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Incorrect wiring at the FNR switch can significantly affect the cart’s speed. Always double-check the wiring, especially if you’ve recently worked on the cart or are experiencing speed issues. Label the wires before disconnecting them to make reassembly easier.
4. Check Battery Pack Voltage
What I Did:
Monitored the battery pack voltage while driving the golf cart.
Outcome:
The golf cart now runs at a consistent speed in both forward and reverse.
Personal Experience:
After monitoring the battery voltage, I found that it was within the acceptable range, ruling out battery issues.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Use a multimeter to check the battery pack voltage before driving.
- Drive the golf cart and monitor the voltage using the multimeter.
- Note any significant voltage drops during operation.
- If the voltage drops significantly, consider replacing the battery.
- Test the golf cart to ensure the issue is resolved.
Expert Tip:
Monitoring the battery voltage during operation can provide valuable insights into the cart’s performance. If the voltage drops significantly, it may indicate a weak battery that needs replacement.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2003 Club DS, 48 Volt IQ system
- 2002 EZGO TXT PDS
- 1999 EZGO TXT 36 volt