Golf cart owners will sometimes face a situation in which every motor vehicle owner finds themselves facing: car trouble. Yes, even golf carts have their own version of car trouble. Like many car and truck vehicle owners, golf cart owners wonder if it’s possible to repair their golf cart themselves. What’s involved in golf cart repair?

Golf Cart Repair: Cases in Which an Owner Can Do the Repairs

When it comes to repairing your golf cart, the first thing you’re going to want to do is troubleshoot.

Start off by trying to turn the engine on. If you don’t hear anything, there’s likely an issue with the battery. It may just need to be charged, or it may be time to buy a new battery. Or, you could have dirt disrupting the connection, or even a loose connection of battery wires.

If you determine that the battery isn’t the issue, check again. Open the battery up and check the water levels. Sometimes, the water levels can get so low that the battery acts like it is dead. Once the water has been replenished, the batter works just fine.

The next step is to check the key switch. These can wear out from overuse in just about every vehicle. These are usually an easy fix, but make sure the problem really is the key switch by putting the transmission selector all the way in the forward or reverse position. Anywhere in between could give you false information.

Another easy fix is the forward and reverse switch. The owner’s manual will have detailed information about how to successfully replace one of these. Just make sure to unplug the battery connection first so you don’t get shocked.

How to Know When to Call In an Expert

Beyond the above repairs, others will be a little more complicated or time consuming. You may find that your time is worth more than the money it would take to hire someone to fix your cart. Or, the issue may simply be too complicated.

Which situations require a golf cart repair expert?

1. Golf Cart Controller

Problems with the controller can end up costing a lot of money, and they can be difficult to troubleshoot. It would be best to take the cart into a repair shop and have them fix the issue the right way.

2. Electrical Issues

Unless you have electrical experience, dealing with the wiring on a golf cart can be a pain. It’s easy to get things wrong, which is such a waste of time and money, not to mention it’s completely frustrating.

If you’re determined to try and repair the cart on your own before taking it into someone, make sure you have a detailed manual. Or, you can purchase one that explains all the potential problems.

Golf Cart Ownership will Include Occasional Repairs

Part of the fun of owning a golf cart is the ease of use and the cost savings. However, there will be times when golf cart repair is needed. In order to save some money, many owners attempt to repair the cart themselves.

In some cases, this can be extremely cost effective. In others, though, it can just result in a waste of money. Find out what issues are easy fixes. If you encounter them, take the time to fix them. However, if you know there’s going to be a lot of time, money, or expertise involved, leave the repairs to the experts.

When it comes to golf cart repair, educate yourself. The more you know about your cart, the more money and time you’ll save in the long run.