Star EV has been one of the most thriving brands of Golf Carts in recent years. The variety of features they offer cannot be matched by any other brand at a similar price.
With every great cart comes some problems. My friend has been using the Sirius Star EV for 5 years now. With time, I have seen him dealing with multiple problems. So much so he tried getting rid of it at one point.
Luckily, most Star EV owners report similar problems, such as difficulty starting, stuttering on startup, non-functional batteries, faulty motor areas, defective solenoids, faulty brakes, etc. After having first-hand experiences with these problems, doing extensive research, and discussing them with my friends, I have come up with the common star EV golf cart problems and possible ways to troubleshoot them.
In this guide, I am going to address the major difficulties faced by Star EV golf cart users. More so, I will share some tried and tested fixes to these problems so that you can have an uninterrupted golfing experience. Stay tuned!
Common Star EV golf cart problems at a glance
Faulty golf carts can be extremely frustrating; even the finest golf carts, such as those from Star EV, occasionally encounter hiccups.
To be precise, here is a list of the most common problems Star EV golf cart users face.
- The golf cart not starting.
- Shaking or stuttering on starting.
- Non-functional battery.
- Decreased acceleration of the cart.
- Faulty ignition or motor area.
- Increased tire friction.
- Defective solenoid.
- Poor wheel alignment.
- Broken or faulty brakes.
To provide a concise overview of the common problems and their solutions, I’ve included a quick table below, allowing you to quickly identify the issue you’re facing and find the corresponding solution.
| Problems | Quick fixes |
| Battery problems | Refill with distilled water, apply anti-corrosive lubricants, avoid overfilling, and change worn-out cables. |
| Motor problems | Press the red button on the motor. If not fixed, replace it. |
| Solenoid glitches | Replace broken wires |
| Stuttering | Check the battery, fuse box, motor, and solenoid. |
| Acceleration issues | Check the battery, fuel pump, and potentiometer. Tighten loose wires, and adjust brake pads. |
| Tire problems | Replace if worn-out, inflate properly, tighten loose nuts, and align them |
| Brake complications | Inflate and align the wheels, replace brake pads and rotors |
As it was just a glimpse, and there is much more to look into, let’s delve deeper into each problem to gain a comprehensive understanding.
7 Common Star EV Golf cart problems and How to fix them
We cherish the smooth purr of an electric golf cart as it effortlessly glides across the green, carrying us to the next hole. However, there are moments when even the most reliable machines can throw us a curveball, leaving us stranded or scratching our heads in bewilderment. Worry not to tighten your grip on the club and prepare to master the art of star golf cart troubleshooting as we tackle these problems head-on.
Problem #1 – Battery problems
Battery problems such as low fluid levels, rusty metallic ends, wear of cables, and fluid leakage in the battery are very common. When the golf cart is not moving, the first thing to do is to check the batteries.
Use a voltmeter to check the charge. If it’s low, connect the charger.
Causes
- Insufficient fluid – Unsealed batteries need constant maintenance. If your batteries are not picking up the charge, open the nozzles and look inside. If the fluid is not covering the plates completely, there you have it. That’s the cause.
- Rusty terminals – If there is enough liquid in the batteries, check the terminals. Sometimes, metallic parts get corroded by the acid of the battery. This corrosion hinders the way of electric current and prevents charging.
- Fluid leakage – While refilling, people sometimes overfill the batteries. That fluid, acid, leaks in the system, damages wires, and even causes short circuits.
- Wear of cables or plugs – Wires and cables are complexly packed in the cart. With high temperatures, wire casings get stuck or get abraded which can lead to minor explosions in the system. Loose plugs can also be hazardous.
- Reduced power and low voltage – If your cart is not as fast as it was before, it may be because its power and voltage are reduced. These are the symptoms of an aged battery.
Fixes
- Fill the batteries with distilled water to a point where the plates are completely submerged. Repeat this process once a week at least.
- Check the insides of your cart periodically. Apply anti-corrosive lubricants on metallic parts to keep the rust out.
- Carefully fill the batteries up to the upper border of the plates. Do not overfill. If the fluid is leaking already, shut the engine off. Let the system dry, then turn it on.
- Change the cables immediately. After attaching them to the terminals, check for loose ends.
- All the batteries last about 5-6 years in general. More, if you maintain them properly. But if your battery looks aged, worn, or overworked, consider changing it for the better.
Problem #2 – Motor problems
Motor and ignition issues are the second most common problem Star EV golf cart users reported. Well, if this is the problem with your cart, you do not need to worry. Motor problems are probably the easiest ones to fix.
Causes
The main cause of motor problems is the wear of wires due to abrasion. Moreover, corroded parts or water damage can also cause your motor to act up.
Fixes
If you suspect a motor issue, open up your motor and look for a small red button. Press it, close the motor, and recharge your cart. If you are lucky, your motor will start working. But in the case of old or overworked motors, damage can be more complex. If so, get it checked professionally.
Problem #3 – Solenoid problems
A solenoid is a coiled electromagnetic wire which connects your battery to your motor. When you switch on the cart, the clicking sound indicates a functional solenoid. However, if you don’t hear the click, you know where the problem lies.
Causes
Common causes for a solenoid problem include damaged or broken coil, loose or abraded wire, corrosion, or increased moisture in that area.
Fixes
The solution depends upon the severity of the problem. If it’s just a broken wire, you can change it yourself. However, in case of corrosion or fluid leakage, have it looked at by a professional.
Problem #4 – Stuttering of the cart
It gets annoying when your cart starts shaking or stuttering every time you press the pedal. Stuttering is a very common complaint among Star EV users.
Causes
It can have several underlying causes. An old, worn battery, faulty cables, loose connections, gusted fuses, or damaged solenoids can cause your vehicle to jerk.
Fixes
To get rid of that jerk, the first step is to check your battery. If it looks old, change it. The next thing to check is your fuse box. Open it up and look for any blown-up fuses or loose cables. Replace or tighten them. At last, check the solenoid and get it fixed. If stuttering doesn’t still stop, seek professional help.
Problem #5 – Acceleration issues
After using the cart for some time, you may notice that the acceleration of your cart has been affected. Sometimes, it does not reach its optimum speed. Or, sometimes, gets way faster. Both these situations can be dangerous.
Causes
A weak battery, damaged fuel pump, loose connections, faulty potentiometer, or too-tight brake pads can cause decreased acceleration.
Increased acceleration indicates a problem with the potentiometer or brake pads being extra loose.
Fixes
First of all, check your battery and make the necessary changes. Then, check your fuel pump and potentiometer. Better get it checked professionally. If you find any loose connections, tighten them, and lastly, check the brake pads and adjust them so that the wheels can move freely without extra strain on them.
Problem #6 – Tire problems
Tires are the base of any vehicle. Every minor fault in them can be felt throughout the ride. If you drive your cart on hills and slopes, they are likely to get tattered.
Causes
Worn-out tires fail to provide enough traction to the cart and decrease pressure. Poor inflation does not allow them to hold a firm grip.
Besides, excessive friction in tires slows down the cart and puts extra strain on the engine. Mal aligns tires lead to uneven wear and poor overall performance.
Fixes
If your tires show signs of wear, change them. Use a gauge to check the internal pressure of the tires and inflate properly. To fix excessive friction and malalignment of the tires, loosen the lug nuts and align the wheels properly.
Problem #7 – Brake complications
The brakes are one of the most important parts of a golf cart. If they do not function properly, it can be hazardous. Check the wheels if your cart is not stopping after pressing the pedals.
Causes
Complications with brakes and wheels are often co-related. Worn-out or mal-align wheels often cause brake problems. Also, worn-out brake pads and rotors can also cause trouble.
Fixes
If you see any visible damage on the wheels, replace them. Proper inflation and alignment of wheels can solve brake problems. Loose the nuts and rotate the wheels while aligning. If that doesn’t solve the problem, check and replace brake pads and rotors if needed.
Preventing your cart from any forthcoming damage
Star EV golf carts, like all others, encounter a number of problems. However, most of the time, it’s us who inflict these problems upon our carts. Many golfers I know are of the idea that golf carts are a one-time worry. Whereas, that is not the case.
With proper care and maintenance, you can double the lifespan of your golf cart. Any concern can be reversed if it is diagnosed in its early stages. I would advise you to keep a check on your cart. Look into its system occasionally to avoid major issues and save yourself from long-term havoc.
Let’s look into some basic steps to troubleshoot or even prevent your cart from any forthcoming damage.
- Keep a check on your batteries. Charge them after every use and overnight. If you plan on not using your cart for a while, try trickle charging.
- Extreme temperatures have negative effects on the cart’s outsides as well as the insides. Park your cart in a cool, dry environment, away from extreme weather conditions.
- Clean your cart from the inside out. Apply essential lubricants on metallic parts to avoid corrosion.
- Use your golf cart in a balance. Fleet carts are as bad as the ones sitting in garages, idle for months.
- Keep an eye out for any abnormal behavior from your cart. If it is overheating, slowing down, or making strange noises, know something is wrong. Get it checked as soon as possible.
️⛳️ Related Reads:
- How long do golf cart batteries last
- 8 Icon Golf Cart Problems
- How long does it take to Charge a Golf Cart?
FAQs
Q) What causes an electric golf cart not to charge?
A) If your golf cart is not charging, it may be due to insufficient fluid, rusty terminals, a faulty charger, or a worn-out battery. Open up the nozzles of your batteries and manage the fluid level. Apply anti-corrosive lubricants on metallic terminals. Try charging it with another charger. If none of it works, maybe your battery has completed its lifespan. Replace it for better.
Q) How do I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?
A) If your golf cart does not click and start when you turn the key on, it might be due to a bad solenoid. Most of the time, it’s just a broken or loose wire. Replace it. If it still doesn’t work, get it looked at by a professional.
Q) What can cause an electric golf cart to not start?
A) There can be multiple reasons if your golf cart is not starting. It can either be a battery problem, a motor problem, or a solenoid glitch. Check the charge of your battery with a voltmeter. Refill it, clean it, and try recharging. If the problem is in your motor, press the red button to reset it. If everything else is fine, check the solenoid. If the wires seem damaged and broken, replace them. If none of it works, get it checked by a professional.
Summing it up
After reading this guide, I hope you can deal with Star EV golf cart problems by yourself. They may seem a lot, but with the help of these quick and easy fixes, you can easily solve almost all of the problems.
Keep in mind that these problems can be avoided with proper care and maintenance of your cart. However, if you come across something you can’t fix, don’t shy away from seeking professional help.
A guy with a charming face following his passion (both Golf and Blog) from Kansas. Bryan is the writer and creator of IAmLearningHowToGolf.com, loves golf, but he didn’t start playing until he was in his 20s. He’s not a pro by any means, but he’s put in the time and effort to get pretty darn good. Bryan’s main goal with this blog is to help other golfers improve their game and have more fun on the course. He does this by writing informative, relatable, and down-to-earth content. When he’s not golfing or writing, Bryan enjoys going on hikes, spending time with his family, and watching movies sometimes. For any queries reach out to him at Bryan@iamlearninghowtogolf.com.