Why Electric Golf Cart Won’t Move? (Reasons + Fixes!)

Electric golf carts are built to be dependable and effective, but like any machine, they occasionally run into problems that make them less effective.

The reason why my golf cart won’t go but is fully charged including weak or damaged cable connections and a defective controller along with an issue with the ignition switch, solenoid, or microswitch plays a big part in this.

Sometimes an electric golf cart will click which means the cart is okay, yet it fails to move. You should also take it into consideration. Now, let’s get down to the root cause and the fixes of an electric golf cart not moving.

1. Dust buildup on the battery ports

The only method to determine whether dust has accumulated on the battery’s ports is to open the battery and carefully inspect the ports for any buildup. Using a fresh towel is the ideal solution to the problem.

Here are several of the causes of a golf cart failing to move, most of which are simple to resolve by doing as follows:

• Make sure the solenoid and batteries are working properly by checking them. The solenoid circuits may eventually develop problems or possibly break. If so, think about changing them out to see if that fixes the issue.
• The controller deteriorates over time when the cart is used frequently. Find the controller and take it out of the way first. Check its condition by testing it.
• Faulty resistance coils, which are typically outside of the standard range, are a further explanation for why a golf cart might not move.

To see if the resistance coil is operating properly, first check its numbers. Consider using fresh values to replace those that are beyond the normal range.

• The cart might not move if the motor brush is worn out. To verify whether the brushes are working properly, first find the motor and unlock it. If not, try mending them or getting new ones that are functioning properly.

2. Faulty Starter Generator

The likelihood that a golf cart wouldn’t start, nevertheless, is high if the ignition generator is broken. And as a result, you can end yourself staying still and struggling to move your cart.

Therefore, if this component is failing and preventing you from using your cart, it is crucial that you replace it. The starter will often click, but your cart won’t turn on, so you can usually tell if it’s broken.

As a result, you won’t be able to move and may experience issues with the operation of your cart that can only be resolved by changing the starter generator in the engine’s combustion chamber.

Now, is it possible to fix it on your own?

The majority of golf cart owners should typically get in touch with a pro to manage a repair of this nature, as per people’s recommendations.

While maintaining a golf cart may have required some of your talents, and you may have replaced certain parts in the motor, working on the starter generator requires true mechanical expertise.

3. Bad Solenoid and Cable Damage

The solenoid is the most frequent cause of a golf cart not moving. Their solenoids may not, in general, be less strong or dependable than those made by other manufacturers.

Just a few problems seem to be plaguing them at the moment. For instance, several electric golf carts have a bad propensity for the solenoid coils to deteriorate over time and expose a kart. 

There are several issues with the cables that could arise in other circumstances, such as a shortage of connection or breakage to the wire itself.

If you take an electric cart out in bad weather, this is what typically happens as the solenoid could be susceptible to this issue.

The unfortunate news is that your solenoid coils cannot be repaired, which you won’t like to hear.

It is impossible to patch or replace a solenoid coil after it fails; however, in this case, wires might be simpler to fix. Nevertheless, it might be very frustrating to have to totally replace the solenoid when it breaks.

4. Corrosion on Direction Switches

The forward and backward switches, commonly known as the direction switches, may deteriorate and stop working with time.

The direction switches, as their name implies, control the cart’s capacity to travel backward and forwards and function identically to a transmission.

The fact that the cart starts up and runs normally but only moves in one way, like going backward but not forward, is a telltale sign of an orientation switch failure.

This indicates that a single switch is malfunctioning in this situation. Both switches must work properly for the cart to go in either direction.

It is not difficult to identify an issue with the direction switches, but it is more difficult to fix the switch, particularly if the switches are integrated into the speed controller. For example, replacing the switch is more effective than attempting to repair it.

Commit to routine maintenance for your electric golf carts to prevent these typical issues, as a specialist will be able to notice wear indicators prior to the switches failing.

Having a problem with your golf cart shouldn’t prevent you from playing on the greens. Similar to other mechanical problems, the sooner you fix the issue, the earlier you can have your cart back in working order.  Sierra Golf Carts & Auto can meet your demands for cart repair. ​

5. Bad Microswitch

Microswitches typically function well and do not require much maintenance. The microswitch may stop functioning as intended due to a rough ride, incorrect wiring, or a faulty component that stops the cart from moving. 

A malfunctioning microswitch needs to be fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage. The three steps listed below can assist in fixing it

• Search for the Micro Switch location

Using the user handbook as a guide, determine where the micro switch is located in your golf cart. Rewire the micro switch to the desired position if it is out of place.

• Check for consistency

Connect a voltmeter across the micro switch to perform the previously specified continuity test if it is in the desired position.

• Change or remove the microswitch

Assuming the micro switch fails its continuity assessment, you can either have it replaced by a professional or, if you’re not ready to pay the money right now, have it bypassed.

Check out this video guides on 48v golf cart FIX wont move no solenoid click charge port diagnosis

Electric Golf Cart Won’t Move troubleshooting – FAQs

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