Troubleshooting Gem Golf Carts

Golf Cart Won't Run

1. First make sure that the key is turned to the "on" position in the ignition. These are electric carts, so you won't hear any noise if it's on. Next, listen for the sound of a click when you press the accelerator. If you hear it, then the solenoid is working. If not, check the solenoid to make sure that there are no loose wires. If there are, simply tighten them and the problem should be solved. If not, then the solenoid needs to be replaced. If the solenoid is in working order, then flip up the seat and check to make sure that the battery is properly connected and charged. Next, examine the controller, which regulates the speed of the motor based on how far the accelerator is depressed. Make sure there are no loose wires. If you see any black marks or charring around the leads of the controller, it needs to be replaced. Finally, check the motor itself. Make sure there are no loose wires and that the drive belt turns with some resistance when you spin it. If it turns with no resistance, then the drive shaft is broken. If it won't turn, then the motor has seized. In either case, the motor will need repairs.

Golf Cart Moves Slowly

2. Check the battery and make sure that it's properly wired. If you've got a positive connection on a negative terminal and vice versa, then the golf cart is going to move at a snail's pace. If the battery is charged and appropriately wired, then examine the tires. Flat tires will make the cart move very slowly. The same goes for the brakes. If you've accidentally got the parking brake on, or the return spring is weak, then the brake will prevent the cart from moving at normal speeds. The return spring can be repaired if you know what you're doing. You'll know it needs to be replaced if you can lift the brake pedal up higher than where it sits normally with your toe. If everything is in working order, then your speed controller may need to be replaced. This is a small rectangular box wired directly to the motor and is best left in the hands of a professional to ensure it's correctly replaced.

Golf Cart Won't Switch Directions

3. There are two types of switches, depending on the exact model of the Gem Golf Cart, that control forward and reverse movements. One is a toggle on the dashboard; the other is a lever on the base of the seat at about calf level, directly to the right of the driver's spot. The toggle can short out if one switches directions while holding down the accelerator. You can check it by unscrewing the service panel beneath the dashboard and checking the back of the switch for burnt plastic or charred wires. This is a relatively cheap part that can be replaced in a few minutes. If the cart is a model with a lever, flip up the seats to examine the back of the lever. This type rarely malfunctions as it's a manual switch between two separate sets of wires. The only reason they would cease to function properly is if the wires came loose or were damaged in some way. Ensure the wires are properly connected to the lever terminal, and then follow them to make sure that they are unbroken.