2008 Club Car - won't start

amajakgar

Does leaving the key in the "on" position drain the battery? I did so this past Saturday night and the next morning it wouldn't start. The solenoid was clicking, but the engine wouldn't turn over. Was wondering if I inadvertently ran down the battery?

By-the-way, this car is at our country place. So I won't be able to check anything for another month, but would greatly appreciate any suggestions.

BGW

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jbt001b2

I would say yes. Do you have a voltage tester? check the battery and see if its dead. Thats were I would start.

amajakgar

Yes I do have one and thanks!

lockman1

IF... it's the original 08 battery, you might want to start thinking about replacing it!

I just replaced my original 07 battery last fall, it worked, but I could tell it was getting weak,
after it sat for a week or two, I'd have to pump the "go" pedal a few times to get the engine to pass the compression stroke,
After it warmed up, and the S/G would charge it, it started fine! two more weeks and it would be weak again!
I replaced it, and now it starts like a champ every single time!

.02

amajakgar

Thanks lockman. We bought this car about a year ago from a local church pastor that buys older cars, rebuilds them and then resells them. It's quite possible that it is the original battery. Thanks again for the good suggestions. I will definitely check it out when I get back up there.

lockman1

Welcome to BGW!

amajakgar

Thank you. I have to admit, until I had this problem and came looking for a solution, I had no idea these golf carts were so popular and had so many enthuisiasts. Surfing through these pages has opened a whole new world to me, as well as, given me a whole new appreciation for my Club Car.

Thanks again to all of you that are gracious enough to take the time to share your knowledge. It is very welcomed and greatly appreciated.

P.S. If your ears begin burning in the coming months, it'll probably be because my wife will be cursing this board for giving me a lot of new ideas...wink-wink.

amajakgar

It works! Thank you jbt001b2 and lockman1 for the sound advice!

Went to the country this past weekend. As soon as we arrived, I hooked up the battery charger. Cranked it up the next morning to go fishing and it ran like a champ!

Thanks again for sharing your knowledge!

shoelessjoe

If the cart is in factory stock condition leaving the cart key in the "on" position should not wear the battery down. With a stock cart there is nothing drawing juice until the pedal is depressed. Golf courses probably never turn their carts "off"

Now if you have accessories added in and wired to run when the key is in the on position you may have something that's drawing juice and running down the battery.

As others said, if the battery is old it may be time for a new one. Even if it took a charge it may be dead again soon if it isn't in good condition. An auto parts place like Auto Zone can test it for you.