At Cricket Carts Direct, we're here to not only outfit our clients with ideal electric golf cart options, but also to help them keep their carts running effectively for years. We offer a whole host of Cricket cart parts for those looking to service their carts, plus assistance with repairs, warranties and many related areas.
We assist clients with a number of issues that may crop up in their carts over a period of time, one of which is a cart that, for one reason or another, is running much slower than its typical capacity? Why does this happen, and what can you do to prevent or remedy it? This two-part blog series will go over a number of basics.
Speed Sensor Concerns
Within your cart, the speed sensor is an important component that helps the cart know how fast it's traveling. It can also help to relay information on engine RPM (rotations per minute) and other fine details of your cart's operation, which ultimately helps it run more efficiently.
If there is a problem with your speed sensor, you might experience issues with the cart feeling sluggish or slower than normal. In addition, there can be problems with shifting gears, engine RPM issues and even an inability to shift. However, you might also notice some things that are not quite problematic but still point towards a speed sensor issue. For instance, your odometer may display incorrect speeds.
If you suspect your cart's speed sensor is acting up in some way, consult your manual to see what, precisely, it says is the proper way to test and replace the part.
Low Battery Issues
In other cases, the issue will be much simpler: Your cart's battery life is too low, or the battery itself has begun to wear down and hold less of a charge. As a result, it will feel as though your cart is running more slowly, or you may not be able to make it through an entire round without having to recharge somewhere.
If you think the problem stems from this, check your battery and charging system first – particularly if you notice signs of low voltage or overheating. You can test battery life with a digital voltmeter, which is easy to find at any home improvement store.
Forward and Reverse Switch Problems
If you've tried those first two areas and neither is the cause of your slow cart, you should also look at your forward/reverse switch. When malfunctions take place within the switch, it may become "confused" about which direction you're going -- and this, in turn, can lead to slow operations. Such switch issues are often caused by wiring failures, and may require a simple replacement of either the wires or the switch itself.
For more on how to diagnose and remedy issues with a slow golf cart, or to learn about any of our golf cart products or accessories, speak to the staff at Cricket Carts Direct today.