Many people store their golf carts throughout the winter, but once it starts to warm up a little bit, you get your cart out, clean it up, and discover that it’s not starting up properly. There are many reasons why your electric golf cart may not start, but here are some of the more common causes and hopefully ones that you can fix pretty easily.
Battery Isn’t Charged
The simplest explanation is usually the correct one, and one of the most common causes of electric golf cart failure is that the battery isn’t properly charged. Batteries tend to lose a lot of juice in the cold, and if your cart has been in storage for several weeks or months, you may need to charge the battery. Keeping your battery charged and in good condition is one of the most essential electric golf cart maintenance tips, so it’s a good idea to check that out first if you encounter any problems.
Faulty Solenoid
The solenoid is a small coil of wire found in most electric golf carts that work similarly to a starter in a traditional vehicle. The solenoid is often one of the reasons why your electric golf cart may not start. If you don’t hear that clicking sound when you start your cart, the issue is most likely with a corroded or disconnected coil. If the solenoid is the problem, we recommend bringing it to a shop, which can easily replace or repair the piece.
Motor Issues
You charged the battery and ensured the solenoid was clicking, but your cart still won’t start. In that case, you probably need to check out the motor. If you’re lucky, performing a simple motor reset by getting a long instrument to press that big red button on the engine may be enough. In a worst-case scenario, motor burnout may require professional help to get your cart moving again.