Guys..the buggy won’t move! What will i do?!
Nothing worse on a golf course with a foursome impatiently waiting to hit behind you.
If your club car clicks but won’t move, there are a few things that could be causing this problem.
Club car clicks but won’t move: dead battery
The type of batteries used in golf carts can vary depending on the make and model of the cart. However, many golf carts use lead-acid batteries, which are made up of a combination of, you guessed it, lead and acid.
Most golf carts have either 6-volt or 8-volt batteries.
Some 12-volt golf carts are also available, but they are less common. The type of battery you need will depend on the make and model of your golf cart.
Generally speaking, most golf carts will last between two and six years before needing to be replaced.
If the club car clicks but won’t move, the most likely culprit is a dead battery.
In this case, you’ll need to jumpstart the battery or replace it.
How to jumpstart a golf cart battery?
If your golf cart battery is clicking but won’t move, it may be time to jumpstart the battery. You can do this by following these simple steps:
1. Make sure the golf cart is in park and the parking brake is engaged.
2. Find a good spot to place the jumper cables. The positive terminal (red) should be placed on the golf cart battery first, followed by the negative terminal (black).
3. Once the jumper cables are in place, start the car and let it run for a few minutes. This will help charge the golf cart battery.
4. Try moving the golf cart forward or backward to see if it is working. If the golf cart still clicks but won’t move, you may need to replace the battery.
5. Check the cables and terminals to make sure they’re clean and tight. If the terminals are dirty or corroded, they won’t be able to conduct electricity properly and the golf cart won’t start.
Problems With The electrical system
Most of the problems with the electrical system have to do with bad solenoids.
A solenoid is a coil of wire that produces a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through it. The solenoid is what allows this electrical current from the battery to flow to the starter, which then starts the engine.
The solenoid on a golf cart is used to engage the drivetrain and make the cart move.
If the solenoid is bad, then the car won’t start.
You can test the solenoid by passing a current through it and seeing if the magnetic field is strong enough to engage the drivetrain.
To test the solenoid, remove the positive cable from the battery and then touch it to the positive terminal on the solenoid.
If the solenoid clicks, then it works. If not, then it needs to be replaced.
Here’s an in-depth look at how the solenoid works in your golf cart.
bad starter / Ignition Problems
If the starter is bad, the car will also make a clicking sound but won’t move. If the starter is working but the car still won’t start, then the ignition switch is likely the problem.
The ignition switch on a golf cart is responsible for providing power to the golf cart’s engine. When the ignition switch is turned on, it sends a signal to the golf cart’s computer, which then activates the electric motor.
If the ignition switch is turned off, the golf cart will not move.
To ensure that the golf cart’s engine is properly powered, it is important to check the ignition switch regularly.
The ignition switch on a golf cart is located on the dashboard, near the steering wheel. It is usually a small, rectangular switch that has either one or two positions.
In some carts, the ignition switch may be hidden behind a removable panel.
To test the ignition switch:
- Remove the key and then insert it into the ignition. If the key turns but the car still doesn’t start, then the ignition switch needs to be replaced.
- If the solenoid is clicking but the car still won’t start, then the starter is likely the problem.
To test the starter:
- Remove the positive cable from the battery and then touch it to the small terminal on the starter.
- If the starter turns over, then it works. If not, then it needs to be replaced.
Club car clicks but won’t move: engine troubles
If you’ve checked all of the above and your car still won’t start, then there may be something wrong with the engine. This is a job for a professional mechanic.
Common engine problems that can prevent a car from starting include:
- A faulty fuel pump
- A clogged fuel filter
- A problem with the ignition system
- A blown head gasket
- A seized engine
📢 Need To Know: If you think there may be something wrong with the engine, take the car to a mechanic for a diagnosis. A qualified mechanic will know exactly what to do and how to fix the issue and be equipped with the necessary tools to get the job done right.
Why won’t my golf cart start?
There are a few things you can check for before calling it quits and seeking consultation from an expert mechanic.
Battery Problems
The first thing you’ll want to check is the golf cart batteries. If they’re over three years old, it’s probably time for a new set.
Water levels
Even if they’re relatively new, checking the water levels in each battery is always a good idea. Low water levels can cause all sorts of starting problems.
Battery Cables Corrosion
Another possibility is that the battery cables are loose or corroded. This is an easy fix – just clean the terminals and make sure the cables are tight.
starter solenoid
If the batteries seem to be fine, the next thing to check is the starter solenoid. This part controls the flow of electricity from the battery to the starter. If it’s damaged, it can prevent the engine from starting.
The best way to test the starter solenoid is with a voltmeter. If it’s not working, you’ll need to replace it.
Ignition Switch
Over time, these switches can wear out and cause starting problems. The best way to test the ignition switch is with a multimeter. If it’s not working, you’ll need to replace it.
If you’ve checked all of these things and your golf cart still won’t start, it’s time to call a professional. Chances are, there’s something wrong with the engine that only someone with experience can fix.
While this is a good checklist of the order of operations when your club car clicks but won’t move, detailed below are some more in-depth answers to the steps you should take.
FAQs
Why does my golf cart have power but will not move?
A golf cart may have power but not move most probably due to the disruption of electric current. Common culprits may include brake lock, battery issues, motor issues, controller issues, or transmission issues. To diagnose and repair the problem, it’s best to consult a professional technician.
Where is the reset button on a Club Car electric golf cart motor?
The reset button on a Club Car electric golf cart is usually located on or near the charger case or the battery compartment. However, the exact location may vary depending on the specific model and year. If you have trouble locating it, consult the owner’s manual or contact Club Car customer support for assistance.
