How to Fix Gas Golf Cart Accelerator Problems? Step-By-Step

Gas golf carts are long-lasting and widely used. Thus, to keep up its longevity, maintenance is essential. Some of the many problems a golf cart can face could be related to its accelerator.

Now, for gas golf cart accelerator problems, one of the solutions you can apply is checking the wiring system. Faulty cables usually disrupt the working parts inside the cart. Reconnect loose wires or replace damaged ones.

However, this was just a snapshot of the detailed process discussed in this article. Knowing the symptoms will help you detect and solve these problems faster. If you want to save your cart, then stick to the end.

How to Fix Gas Golf Cart Accelerator Problems

What Are The Symptoms Of Gas Golf Cart Accelerator Problems?

After a certain period, it is natural that wear and tear could cause accelerator issues. One of the common symptoms affecting acceleration is faulty battery cables. Other potential symptoms include:

  1. Wrong reading on the speed controller
  2. Abrupt speed changes while driving
  3. Car stopping during driving
  4. Slow acceleration
  5. Golf cart not starting

What Causes Gas Golf Cart Accelerator Problems?

Parts inside the cart eventually start wearing out after years of usage. If proper repair is not done on time, issues like accelerator problems start popping up.

Keep reading below to learn in-depth about the reasons that cause problems with the accelerator:  

Faulty Solenoid

The solenoid works whenever you press the accelerator. A solenoid carries the electric current created by ignition over to the starter. After regular use, excess heat could affect a solenoid, which can damage the wires.

Your cart won’t accelerate without a solenoid. Another reason your solenoid could stop working is if you have a broken starter. The solenoid doesn’t function properly if the starter is in bad condition.

Battery failure

When a battery is in poor condition, acceleration could take longer than usual. That happens due to an insufficient power supply. It is possible to ignore this issue and drive with a weaker battery.

Eventually, the battery becomes dead. Giving your cart the inability to move. So, replace the battery on time to avoid a dead battery situation.

Speed controller not working properly

As the name states, a speed controller is responsible for controlling the cart’s speed. Because of it, a golf cart can accelerate or decelerate. 

When the controller gets the wrong current reading, your vehicle’s speed can spontaneously increase or decrease while driving. Sometimes the cart doesn’t start.

In this case, try resetting the controller by pressing the reset button. Or replace it with a new one to run your cart nicely.

Damaged wiring 

If the wiring system is messed up, many functions in the cart get disabled. Overheating and wear and tear are some of the common reasons wires wear out. Loose and worn-out wires ruin the connections of several parts.

Dirty carburetor

A carb is responsible for supplying the engine with an appropriate mixture of fuel and gas. When a carburetor is clogged with dirt restricts fuel and gas flow to the engine. Consequently, the engine malfunctioned.

Acceleration will be much slower with a faulty carb. Thus, continuing to drive the cart with a dirty carburetor will overheat the engine.

How To Fix Gas Golf Cart Accelerator Problems?

Fixing the accelerator problems of a gas golf cart is not very difficult. Before fixing, always remember to open the hood and notice your cart’s symptoms. Then detect the issue that’s causing the malfunction.

After that, follow the instructions below on how to fix these problems:  

Step 1: Check the cable conditions

Poor cable conditions are one of the most common reasons the accelerator fails. Loose cable connections and defective wires are all part of the problem. 

To solve this, reattach the loose wires tightly to the parts they belong to. And replace the faulty cables with new ones.

Step 2: Examine your solenoid 

If all the wires are alright, it’s time to check the solenoid. Test the performance of the solenoid using a multimeter. Be sure to wear rubber gloves for safety and turn off the ignition.

First, detach the wires. Keep the terminals separated from each other. Then measure the resistance[ohms] of the solenoid using your multimeter. You can do that by touching the device’s probes to the two terminals.

Now, start the cart and press the accelerator. The multimeter will take the reading. Getting a reading over 0.4 ohms is abnormal. It means the solenoid is malfunctioning and it needs replacement.

Step 3: Clean the carburetor

Your solenoid seems fine. Check out the carburetor. Detach it from the engine and other parts before cleaning.

After that, disassemble the carb by removing the smaller parts. For example, a piston, float assembly, etc.

Next, spray some carburetor cleaning solution on all the surfaces, including the tight nooks and crannies. Get a suitable-sized plastic brush and scrub all the parts and places thoroughly. 

When you’ve gotten rid of all the dirt, wipe the carb with a clean cloth to remove residual solvent. Then assemble all the parts back together and you have a clean carburetor.

Step 4: Fix The Speed Controller

A broken speed controller is an annoying problem. If damaged, the carts’ speed can suddenly go up or down significantly. One quick fix is to turn on the reset/maintenance button.

Then make sure all the cables of the controller are connected properly. Or change the faulty wires.

In other cases, the speed controller not showing any voltage reading indicates its lifetime is over. 

Try resetting the controller. If that doesn’t work, replace it with a new one.

Step 5: Change your battery from time to time

Examine the battery to see if the speed controller is doing fine. Batteries last for years, depending on their usage.

Throughout their long lifetime, the supply of power weakens. Which tends to slow down acceleration time.

Keep the state of your battery in mind and change it for a better one as quickly as you can. A dead battery will stop your car indefinitely. This is an easy but expensive fix.

How Serious Is The Gas Golf Cart Accelerator Problem?

When the cart’s accelerator doesn’t work, it’s a sign of potential problems happening on the inside. There’s a chance for possible part failure, such as a battery, carburetor, solenoid, engine, etc. 

Ignoring these problems will only hurt your car more. Suppose your cart has a weak battery, and you decide not to change it. If you continue to drive with it, your cart’s acceleration speed will gradually decrease. 

Eventually, your cart can shut down during an unexpected situation. As a result, the battery dies, Exposing you to possible accidents. In another case, your carb might not work properly, which increases the risk of engine damage. 

The carburetor not supplying the engine with enough fuel and gas causes the engine to overheat. Driving with a dirty carb will continue to hurt the engine more. 

Excess heat from it can wear out the wires. And the carb can get jammed with dirt. Making the cart unreliable.

To avoid future malfunctions, fix the situation according to the symptoms. Proper maintenance makes the vehicle reliable and safe to drive.

How Much Does It Cost To Fix Gas Golf Cart Accelerator Problems?

The cost of repairing or replacing items varies depending on the damage. Maintenance can be cheaper if you do it yourself.

Whereas a professional takes payment by the hour, each replacement part has different price points.

Replacement costs may include the following:

  1. Batteries can cost over a 1000$
  2. Speed controller system prices go near 280$
  3. Carburetor prices fall within 30$ or more
  4. Solenoids replacement can be done within 30$ or more depending on the voltage

Conclusion

Regarding golf carts, gas carts are consistent, reliable, and can travel further. Adding to that they have good speed and high power. Which helps in reaching higher surfaces faster. 

Gas golf cart accelerator problems are natural after long use. Regular maintenance of your golf cart is a good habit. It will increase your cart’s longevity, reliability, and durability in the long run. 

However, sometimes we don’t have time on our hands to fix these issues by ourselves. If that’s your case, go to your local auto repair shop for professional assistance.

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