No matter the make or model of the golf cart that you operate, there may come a time when it shuts off during operation with little warning. This can be frustrating, but it’s not the end of the world, as you can seek to diagnose the problem.
Here, we take a look at some of the reasons why your golf cart might shut off without notice and explain in detail why it might be caused by overheating.
By the end of this article, you should have the information that you need to rectify the issue and get back to enjoying your golf cart without it overheating!
Why Does My Golf Cart Keep Shutting Off?
There are several reasons why your golf cart might be shutting off randomly, and it could be due to low battery voltage, dead batteries, or because the solenoid coil is overheating, which is common in older models.
Naturally, if your cart keeps shutting off without notice, you need to investigate and diagnose the problem before proceeding with the most appropriate solution.
As we run through in this article, if your golf cart batteries or solenoid overheat, then it can certainly lead to it shutting off without prior notice.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the things that cause your golf cart to overheat and understand some of the ways in which you can rectify the issue.
Why is My Golf Cart Getting Hot?
Golf carts can get hot for several reasons, including:
- Old batteries that need to be replaced.
- Faulty or damaged solenoid coil.
- Dirty fins that need to be replaced.
- Regularly towing excessive weight, causing the motor to overheat.
- Improper storage of the cart – leaving it out in direct sunlight, for instance.
- Damaged or faulty charger.
In most instances, golf carts that overheat are older models that may also have some mechanical issues, as listed above. The cause of the excess heat might come from one source, or it may come from several.
As such, it’s vital that you diagnose what is causing your golf cart to overheat, as this enables you to take the most appropriate course of action when you golf cart stops when it gets hot.
If you’re not comfortable with the mechanics of your golf cart, you can always schedule your cart for service, asking a mechanic to have a look at your cart on your behalf.
Is it Dangerous when a Golf Cart Overheats?
If your golf cart overheats, it’s a sign that there’s a problem. A golf cart motor shouldn’t exceed 180 F with normal use, so if you notice your cart is considerably hotter than this, it’s time to take action.*
Failing to take action when your golf cart overheats can lead to a range of issues, including motor burnout, which you naturally want to avoid.
An overheating golf cart can also have a knock-on effect on the various component parts – the battery included – so it’s vital that you look into the issue right away.
As already explained, the fact that golf cart overheating can be caused by various factors makes it a slightly complex problem to try and solve, as there are various things that you need to consider.
But your first step should be to park your cart for the time being while you – or a mechanic – get to the root cause of the problem.
In most instances, switching out old parts for new ones can rectify the problem, and it will save your cart from lasting damage.
How Do I Stop My Golf Cart from Overheating?
The best way to stop your golf cart from overheating is to maintain it correctly. Like any other vehicle, a golf cart needs regular servicing and maintenance to ensure that it performs as expected when in use.
You should charge the batteries in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations and be sure to regularly top them up with water.
It’s also important to check the mechanical condition of the motor, and you should replace the solenoid coil if it looks worn.
Another tip to stop your cart from overheating is to make sure that you drive it responsibly and moderately, as erratic driving can cause the motor to burn out.
What’s more, you should make sure that you’re not towing excess weight, as this is another cause of burnout.
Ultimately, if you drive your golf cart responsibly and service and maintain it regularly, you shouldn’t experience issues with overheating.
Can Golf Cart Batteries Overheat?
Yes, golf cart batteries can overheat. One of the primary causes of an excessively hot golf cart battery is a loose connection, but there are also several other things you need to consider when looking into the issue.**
One of the most important things to check if your battery is overheating is the water level within.
A golf cart battery has a line marked on the tank that shows how much water is required for the battery to operate as it should.
If the water is below the line, it means you’re dealing with a dry battery, which is a regular occurrence with older batteries.
Simply top the water up to the indicated line and press ahead with charging as normal.
When you’ve had a quick look at the battery in your cart and if you can’t diagnose the problem, consider the age of the battery.
Golf cart batteries aren’t designed to last forever, so if you’re operating an old cart, it might be time to invest in a new battery.
Can a Golf Cart Solenoid Overheat?
Just like the battery, a solenoid on a golf cart is also prone to overheating. The solenoid plays a crucial role when it comes to starting your cart, so if your cart fails to turn on, it could be a result of solenoid failure.
In this case***, it could be due to the fact that the solenoid has simply overheated and burned out due to constant use.
The solenoid coil is prone to overheating and getting worn out, so it’s important to check it out.
Thankfully, replacing the solenoid coil on a golf cart isn’t overly complicated and is a job that a qualified mechanic can carry out easily.
But to prevent your solenoid coil from failing without notice, it’s a good idea to regularly check its condition so you can fix it.
It’s fair to say that an overheated solenoid is one of the most common issues that golf cart owners face, so it makes sense to keep an eye out for this potential problem with your golf cart.
How Do You Cool a Golf Cart Engine?
Should you notice that your golf cart engine has overheated, the first thing to do is to park it in the shade. Leaving your cart running and continuing to use it while it’s overheating can cause the motor to burn out.
Then, you should check whether your cart engine has an operational fan that controls the temperature of the engine, as it’s an affordable solution that can prevent your cart from overheating again in the future.
It’s best to install a new fan close to the controller heat sink, which ensures that cool air can circulate around the engine when the cart is in operation.
Some people also install a fan near the fender panel, as doubling up can reduce the likelihood of a cart engine overheating.
Overall, your first step should be to allow your golf cart engine sufficient time to cool before looking to install a fan that regulates the flow of air throughout the engine.
This will then prevent your engine from overheating again.
Is it OK for My Golf Cart Charger to Get Hot?
It’s perfectly normal for a golf cart charger to get warm, particularly during the bulk charging phase. This is due to the transfer of energy from the power socket to your cart, and it’s nothing necessarily to be alarmed about.
However, if your golf cart charger becomes extremely hot – perhaps too hot to touch – it’s a sign that there’s a potential problem with the charger itself.
Like batteries, chargers are not designed to last forever and may need to be replaced.
Faulty connections or damaged wiring can cause golf cart chargers to overheat, which presents you with an issue.
When too hot, the charger is incapable of charging your cart efficiently and may even pose a fire hazard.
So, if your golf cart charger is too hot to touch and is frayed or damaged in any way, it’s a good idea to replace it.
Conclusion
As explained throughout, there are several reasons why a golf cart can overheat, potentially causing it to shut off and stop working without notice.
This can be frustrating, but if you diagnose the issue, you can get your cart back up and running in no time.
Whether it’s the solenoid coil, the motor, or the battery, an overheating component of a golf cart will affect its overall performance, so it’s really important not to ignore the issue.
If you’re not comfortable with fixing the golf cart yourself, it’s best to take it to a mechanic who can carry out the service on your behalf.