Cart won't run in cold weather

countryboy · 03-10-2009, 12:48 PM

My buddy has an '03 48-volt DS that normally runs fine, but when the temp falls to around 30 degrees or below it won't go. As soon as the day's weather warms up a bit, especially if the cart is parked in the sun, it will operate normally. On one particular cold morning it ran fine for about 200 yards, then suddenly stopped. It later ran OK after the temperature rose.

When it won't go, the usual click can be heard when depressing the pedal - but there is no obvious motor or drive engagement.

The batteries are relatively new, and all wiring connections appear to be tight.

Any suggestions as to what the cause might be are appreciated!

rusty · 03-10-2009, 10:53 PM

Hello countryboy and Welcome to the forum.

It probably has a bad solenoid.

When this happens, jumper across the large posts on the solenoid and see if it moves, and be prepaired to hang on and take a ride or jack the rear wheels off the ground.

countryboy · 03-11-2009, 02:31 AM

Thanks, Rusty - we'll give that a shot the next time it gets cold!

And thanks for the welcome. I can see that this forum is a wealth of information, and I hope to be able to contribute.

scottyb · 03-11-2009, 07:27 AM

There was a similar case a while back which turned out to be more of a condensation problem than a temperature problem. A light bulb hug over the controller at night stopped the problem. Good luck with this

countryboy · 03-11-2009, 09:50 AM

Thanks, scottyb - will try that, too!

phasetim · 03-11-2009, 10:37 AM

If its a series car: condensation can gather on the forward and reverse switch causing it to not operate properly, or not operate at all.

countryboy · 03-11-2009, 10:45 AM

Hmmm... "series" cart? DS is all i know...

phasetim · 03-11-2009, 10:50 AM

series has a f/r handle.. i.q. will have a rocker switch..

scottyb · 03-20-2011, 02:16 PM

I know you have been waiting 2 years but today is revise an old thread day and I think if wait just 1 more month the weather will be just right and this problem will disappear

03-10-2009, 12:48 PM	#1
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4	Cart won't run in cold weather My buddy has an '03 48-volt DS that normally runs fine, but when the temp falls to around 30 degrees or below it won't go. As soon as the day's weather warms up a bit, especially if the cart is parked in the sun, it will operate normally. On one particular cold morning it ran fine for about 200 yards, then suddenly stopped. It later ran OK after the temperature rose. When it won't go, the usual click can be heard when depressing the pedal - but there is no obvious motor or drive engagement. The batteries are relatively new, and all wiring connections appear to be tight. Any suggestions as to what the cause might be are appreciated!
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4

03-10-2009, 10:53 PM	#2
rusty Golf Cart Photographer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Wichita Falls Texas - My Ride 2010 Club Car Posts: 6,236	Re: Cart won't run in cold weather Hello countryboy and Welcome to the forum. It probably has a bad solenoid. When this happens, jumper across the large posts on the solenoid and see if it moves, and be prepaired to hang on and take a ride or jack the rear wheels off the ground.

03-11-2009, 02:31 AM	#3
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4	Re: Cart won't run in cold weather Thanks, Rusty - we'll give that a shot the next time it gets cold! And thanks for the welcome. I can see that this forum is a wealth of information, and I hope to be able to contribute.
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4

03-11-2009, 07:27 AM	#4
scottyb Happy Carting Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 73,406	Re: Cart won't run in cold weather There was a similar case a while back which turned out to be more of a condensation problem than a temperature problem. A light bulb hug over the controller at night stopped the problem. Good luck with this

03-11-2009, 09:50 AM	#5
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4	Re: Cart won't run in cold weather Thanks, scottyb - will try that, too!
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4

Today
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03-11-2009, 10:37 AM	#6
phasetim Just me. . Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 1,092	Re: Cart won't run in cold weather If its a series car: condensation can gather on the forward and reverse switch causing it to not operate properly, or not operate at all.

03-11-2009, 10:45 AM	#7
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4	Re: Cart won't run in cold weather Hmmm... "series" cart? DS is all i know...
countryboy Not Yet Wild Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4

03-11-2009, 10:50 AM	#8
phasetim Just me. . Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 1,092	Re: Cart won't run in cold weather series has a f/r handle.. i.q. will have a rocker switch..

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