Driving a Club Car golf cart is a dream come true for many but, just like any other golf cart on the market the Club Car has its downfalls. The article below highlights some of the Club Car forward reverse switch problems and how you can solve them.
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What Is A Club Car?
Club Car is the name of an American company that manufactures electric and gas-powered golf carts. Most of its golf carts are termed Club Car golf carts and they are very popular in the golf cart industry as they have very sophisticated features.
What Is A Club Car Forward Reverse Switch?
A Club Car forward reverse switch is a component found on the Club Car golf cart that is responsible for controlling the forward and backward movement of the golf cart. The forward reverse switch is prone to damage and can cause many problems to your golf cart.
Causes Of Club Car Forward Reverse Switch Problems
NB: Club Car golf carts are purchased without any malfunctioning parts and the forward reverse switch problems indicated below are as a result of wear and tear of the vehicle.
Heating
One of the main causes of the Club Car forward reverse switch problems is overheating of the golf cart due to broken contacts within the system. If this happens the forward reverse switch will start malfunctioning thus, causing problems to the golf cart.
Melting
If heat continues to be generated excessively, the forward reverse switch will melt down. This will then affect the performance of your Club Car golf cart.
Effects Of Club Car Forward Reverse Switch Problems
Club Car Will Not Move
One of the most popular effects of the Club Car forward reverse switch problems is that the golf cart will not move. This is mainly because the forward reverse switch is responsible for ensuring that the golf cart moves either forward or backwards. If it is damaged, the golf cart will remain stationery. Therefore, if you notice that your Club Car is not moving you need to get the forward reverse switch fixed.
Club Car Moves Forward
Another common problem caused by a faulty forward reverse switch is that the Club Car golf cart will move forward only even when the switch is placed in neutral position. If this happens to your Club Car golf cart you have to find someone who will replace the forward reverse switch with a new one.
Club Car Fails To Increase Speed
A damaged Club Car forward reverse switch will cause your golf cart not to increase speed even when placed in the forward direction. Although one might automatically think that the accelerator is to blame in this situation, it’s wise to start by checking the forward reverse switch. If it is damaged you need to replace it immediately.
Club Car Moves In Reverse Only
Another Golf cart problem caused by a faulty forward reverse switch is that the golf cart will only move backwards but not forward. If you notice this with your Club Car you need to replace the forward reverse switch with a new one.
Club Car releases a buzzing sound
If your Club Car forward reverse switch is damaged the golf cart will release a buzzing sound when the forward reverse switch is placed in the reverse direction.
Club Car Releases a Burning Smell
Another Club Car forward reverse switch problem is that the golf cart produces a burnt or burning smell. In most cases this is a sign that the forward reverse switch is melting and you need to stop using the golf cart until it has been fixed.
Why Wont My Golf Cart Go Forward Or Reverse?
The main reason why your golf cart will not go forward or reverse is because the forward reverse switch is damaged. Another minor reason could be that the battery of your golf cart is low or damaged and needs charging or replacement. Also check the terminal wires they might be disconnected and that is why your golf cart will not go forward or reverse.
How Do You Test A Forward And Reverse Switch On A Golf Cart?
If you are worried that the forward reverse switch of your golf cart is damaged then simply use the methods below to test it.
- Use a multimeter to investigate whether all parts are getting enough power.
- Put your foot on the brakes of the golf cart and insert the key. Place the forward reverse key in the forward key and check the solenoid charges. If they are pushing the pedal it means that the forward reverse key is fine.
- Place the golf cart is the forward mode and check multimeter for full voltage which is a sign that the forward reverse switch is working.
NB: if you notice any anomalies when using the 3 steps above then there is a chance that the forward reverse key is damaged and needs to be replaced.
How Do I Know My Golf Cart Controller Is Bad?
In order to know if your golf cart controller is bad simply pay attention to the performance of your golf cart on the golf course. If your golf cart is running erratically or facing difficulties in driving at a constant speed then there is a high chance that the speed controller is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced with a new one.
What Happens When A Golf Cart Solenoid Goes Bad?
If the solenoid of a golf cart goes bad the golf cart will have a hard time starting or it will not start at all until it has been replaced. A number of golf carts are prone to solenoid problems and it is recommended that they be serviced regularly so that problems can be detected and solved earlier.
Conclusion
The Club Car forward reverse switch is prone to damage and it’s important to change it regularly especially if it starts showing signs of damage. Assistance from a reputable mechanic should be sought especially if you do not have any knowledge about changing a forward reverse switch.