Even though they are much simpler and more streamlined machines than regular cars, golf carts still run into several issues that can prevent them from operating fully. Many of these problems can manifest in your cart not starting at all, even if you fully charge the battery, fill the tank with gas, or turn the key. Know the reasons why your golf cart has trouble starting up to address the issues as soon as possible.
Check the Spark Plugs
Spark plugs ignite the fuel, creating a tiny explosion in your engine that causes movement. Without these plugs, your vehicle won’t go anywhere unless you push it. Spark plugs can experience several common issues that prevent them from causing that ignition. Look at the plugs themselves to see if they are oily or ruined in any way.
Test the Connection
Make sure to ground the spark plug thread to the bare metal of the engine, then turn on your engine a few times to see how the plug reacts. If you do not see any sparks, you may have a faulty coil among your spark plugs.
Air Filter Issues
An engine needs clean air to run, and an air filter ensures that the engine gets fresh uncontaminated air. But these filters can become clogged, reducing their efficiency and, at worst, preventing your engine from working properly. Clogged filters will cause your engine to stall and prevent it from starting. This is why regular maintenance is so essential to the system.
Replace the Filter
You can remove the filter from the engine, but never drive your cart without any type of filter. Small particles can make their way into the engine and cause a lot more damage than a clogged filter. Changing air filters is relatively straightforward, so make the switch before you cause any long-term damage.
Inspect the Key and Ignition Switch
The components of the ignition switch tend to wear out over time, resulting in deteriorated wires not sending the necessary signals to the engine. Inspect the ignition for any signs of corrosion or fraying; even seemingly superficial damage can cause it to malfunction. Make sure all connections are secure and that there are no loose plugs in any insertion points.
Functionality Begins With Care
It’s essential to know why your golf cart has trouble starting, but it is far more valuable to be aware of how to take care of your cart during the summer months. This is the time when you’ll use it the most, and allowing it to fall into disrepair will lead to these types of issues. Make sure you know what you’re doing when you take it out, or else you run the risk of expensive mechanical failures.