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GOLF
THE 3 LEADING REASONS
E
lectric golf carts are
convenient, efficient,
and especially dura-
ble, but understand
that long-lasting does
not mean invincible.
These carts can start to show
signs of wear and may fail just
like any other vehicle over
time. Learn about some of the
more common issues associat-
ed with electric golf carts.
1. Solenoid Wear
The solenoid is the primary
electrical switch in your golf
cart and is designed to ensure
the current from the battery
flows into the motor. When you
press down on the gas pedal
and hear a tapping-like sound,
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this is the sound of the sole-
noid activating. When there is
a disruption in the flow of the
electrical current, your cart will
not operate.
A common reason for current
disruption is solenoid wear.
Each time the solenoid acti-
vates as you press down on
the gas pedal, the solenoid
compounds down onto a thin
metal contact plate. Over time,
the force of this pressure
creates tiny electric arcs on
the plates’ surface. These arcs
eventually create a resistance
that prevents the current from
properly flowing.
You can avoid this problem by
routinely inspecting the con-
dition of the contact plate and
replacing it whenever there are
signs of excessive wear. The
more frequently you operate
your cart, the more often you
will need to replace the plate.
2. Speed Controller Wear
An electric golf carts’ controller
is known as the heart of the
operation and closely resem-
bles and operates much like
the motherboard in a computer.
So a problem with the control-
ler will have rippling effects
throughout the cart.
A common function of the
speed controller is to control
the speed of the golf cart.
When this unit has failed,