How to Identify Most Common Golf Cart Repair Issues

16 Apr How to Identify Most Common Golf Cart Repair Issues

Even though golf cart and LSV, (low speed vehicle), owners may adhere to the best service and
regular maintenance schedules on their vehicles, there may come a time when an unexpected
problem keeps you from a day on the course or cruising your neighborhood.

Just like an automobile, carts can occasionally develop an operational problem that you didn’t
see coming.

Here are some of the most common issues that cart owners may experience.

Battery Trouble
Most newer carts and LSVs today are equipped with lithium ion battery packs, which require no
maintenance. But if yours has a traditional lead acid battery that requires water in the cells,
there may be charging problems if it runs low.
You may also notice some corrosion around the battery terminals which can hinder
performance. A voltmeter can be a handy tool to have on hand to ensure your batteries are
maintaining a proper charge level for uninterrupted, peak operation.

Starter Solenoid
If you try to start your cart, you should hear a clicking noise when you turn the key. If you don’t,
the problem may likely be a faulty solenoid. This can also mean the coil is not connected
correctly because of a loose or faulty connecting wire, or corrosion on the solenoid.

Motor Issues
The motor that supplies your cart’s power can occasionally stop working. This can be caused by
the motor burning out, but there are some other ways to check, first. Some cart motors have a
small reset button, usually under the motor cover, which is pretty simple to remove. If this
doesn’t fix the problem, testing the motor by connecting to different, fully charged batteries can
tell you where the problem is. Repairing or replacing the cart motor is best left to the
professional service techs at Coastal Carts’ full service and parts departments.

Directional Switch
If your cart seems operational but will not move either forward or backward, it may be the
directional switch. These switches get a lot of wear and tear over the cart’s lifetime and may
become inoperable over time.

Speed Control Issues
If your cart just seems sluggish or your speed decreases as you drive, it may be a problem with
your speed control unit. It may be as simple as a faulty connector, but if you detect a crack or
any similar problem, you’ll likely need to have the speed control replaced. This is also
something left to our professional repair department.

Doug Reynolds is the Service Manager at Coastal Carts and has seen it all in their shop
regarding cart repairs. “Our team can handle any cart repair problem through our innovative
diagnostic equipment and years of experience,” Reynolds said. “Of course, scheduled regular
maintenance and service at the proper intervals is a big part of keeping your cart or LSV running
as it was intended and extending the life of the vehicle.”

Since 1992, Coastal Cart’s team of dedicated golf cart and EV experts have been helping our
customers by selling and servicing the best brands in the business. We carry carts from
Yamaha®, Tomberlin®, ICON®, and EPIC Carts®, each offering extensive lines of different
models and configurations designed to meet any requirements from a casual round of golf to
transporting multiple passengers in style and comfort or commercial and industrial use.