Got Burned...by a GOLF CART?!? (EZ-GO No-Start)

[@duaneb193]

Funny story about gas golf carts - they ordered some for the aircrew years ago (ANG Base), but they didn't want them. I got one for my shop and used it to run everywhere that I could, but in the winter they weren't worth a darn if stuff wasn't plowed clean. I dug out an old set of cable chains, cut them down, rebuilt them and installed them on the rear wheels. I went places with that poor little golf cart in the winter that had people shaking their heads at me, but I never got stuck with the cable chains on it. Kind of miss it now that I'm retired - it was a blast (cold, but still fun).

[@jessicav2031]

That "stupid little switch" is a standard appliance safety switch (lever geometry varies). I have tons of them salvaged from old stuff, microwaves always have several. If you want to replace it, definitely don't order from the golf cart manufacturer! A new one is about $3 :)

[@deerhunter8533]

It is called a micro switch. They are very common on ga aircraft electrical systems where you don’t have any computer controls

[@alex4alexn]

was about to say the same thing, would be happy to send one over, but amazon would be just as quick...they disable the idle so when golfing, you dont hear it running the whole time

[@robertmartz9812]

Thanks J V. How many amps will said micro switches carry ?

[@jessicav2031]

@@robertmartz9812 It is almost always marked on the side of the switch. They vary.

[@ronalddaub9740]

Fuel pump. 300$ at golf cart 🛒 Any riding lawn mower has the same pump that you can get for 25 bucks works just as well

[@themechanic6117]

I remember when a golf cart came into the body shop...the wiring on those things are a nightmare. Everything is thrown together sloppy 🤣 great video.

[@lint2023]

That microswitch could be replaced for about a dollar. Just found your channel and I love it.

[@charleskosyjana1295]

Ivan, you should rename your business. " Pine Hollow Auto, Motorcycle, Tractor, Golf Cart, Forklift, Genie, ETC Diagnostics " OR simply " Ivan's All Vehicle Repair Service " . It seems that you are willing to tackle and repair ANY kind of motorized contraption !!!

[@rusco321]

U forgot HVAC!

[@charleskosyjana1295]

@@rusco321 Oh yeah, I forgot he worked on the heat pump at his house last winter when it died during a cold spell !!! 😁😁😁

[@gwick358]

Pine Hollow I can fix anything. No Parts Required.

[@InsideOfMyOwnMind]

EKG machines have motors. Maybe do some medical diagnostic equipment. It's a joke. I know there are special certifications required.😆

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

@@InsideOfMyOwnMind Ivan fixed some kind of medical equipment from his wife's office !

[@The781971]

I like that repair didn’t think it could be done.You proved my golf cart tech wrong.

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

I know this one is gas but I loved working on the electric golf carts at work! always interesting. Many of the electric carts the problems were usually traced back to a wiring problem.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Hah it's either wiring, contacts, or battery 😁

[@patricktennant1585]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics I live in a summer tourist area on lake erie. 90 percent of the time electric carts have a battery in backwards because the owner didn't want to have me troubleshoot it so they fire the parts cannon

[@iceman9549]

Ivan is awesome. Great mechanic. I wish it was more like him 👍👍👍👍

[@riblets1968]

I like that you're willing to show the human side of this business.

[@kerrylewis2581]

Good to know Ivan is one of us. Appreciate the honesty and the technical / life lesson

[@dharley189]

Loved your great video ‼️ I retired after 45 years. Spent summer working on EZGO. Had two with almost same issue. The green wire connector at 12 minute in was absolutely green corrosion. Fixed with spades. Second one customer lost most of ignition parts. I used 78 Chevy ignition module and a GM DIS coil pack. Parts $50 from I Reilly’s. Golf cart dealer way overpriced. This system is so simple. Seventies technology. Original problem was connectors not electronics. Del

[@timothymielke1558]

Thank you for posting this video, I am man enough to say that I was throwing parts at my golf cart but after watching your video, I followed what you did and I have the same problem. Thank again for the video.

[@kinglangren]

Nice job! My mom had one of those and a cable was broke and I was going to fix it . A few months went by and I asked her where her golf cart was and she said “ oh I sold it at my garage sale for 50$”… I was so mad partially at my self for procrastinating. Someone got one hell of a deal.

[@craigd4206]

I got bit like you did on an old JD lawn tractor. The key to figuring it out was having access to the factory service manual. All the gauges and electronics were one long series circuit. Bypassed one switch to eliminate a huge voltage drop and all the problems were gone. Thanks for sharing your successes AND your failures.

[@craiggoodwin9704]

I've seen plenty of maniac's driving these things out on the golf course. Ivan, maybe you should switch from automobiles (especially Ford's) to golf carts. You could even drink beer while working on the critters...no problem! All's well that ends well. Thanks for Sharing!

[@Dirtyharry70585]

Bad grounds and crappie connections are more like jeep/Chrysler

[@t-bonesdirtydeedsllc8108]

Almost a good video. The oscilloscope is neat and the right tool but I'm color blind and your video moved to quick without zoom ins or details on what's power where. I can't follow along from the red to the blue to the green here there over there.... boom. I'm still trying to trace the supply back to the solenoid.

[@zupmeoff]

I lost count of the number of connections that wire made 🤣

[@roxanneabbott8424]

The Russian way and the way your mind thinks about how and where the wiring is, just blows my mind! Awesome job Ivan!!!

[@bombardier3qtrlbpsi]

Nice fix Ivan. Didn't keep throwing parts at the Golf Cart. Out smarting the parts Cannon.

[@kevinbarry71]

This is what happens when throwing your golf club into the water doesn't seem like it is enough

[@kastooMcFry]

"Even less parts required" - I like it. Nice simple job. Thanks, Ivan.

[@edp9743]

We had the same micro switches on wheel chair lifts in school busses, and the exact same scenario ,not caused by moisture but current spikes, the switch manufacturer would not live up to a defect in the switch, failure after failure, we replaced many over the years. Zoeller sump pumps same problem.

[@FunnyMuffler]

Ever since I got burned on an old Toytoa AE86 after dropping the fuel tank to replace the pump. I always check the wiring can push current as well, it's always easy to display the voltage.

[@600lwp]

come on Ivan, it's a weak spark, you should hold the plug wire and show us how weak it is

[@brianmason8400]

😂😂😂😂

[@drivewaygarage1561]

Thanks for the video. I'm working on a 1874 Harley-Davidson golf cart and this helps me understand the wiring a little better.

[@The_Sword3]

Waiting for someone to bring Ivan a boat that needs work. I've seen just about everything else on this channel.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

I did fix that marine generator last year in Georgia lol

[@The_Sword3]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics But you can't take a generator for a test ride ! Love your channel.

[@bobgoodman1451]

Fixed the same problem on an older ezgo by moving the ignition feed from the small solenoid post to the large post on the starter/generator side. No parts, no scope. Voltage tester tipped off the problem, read low while cranking.

[@cullenmiller8170]

Looks like your channel is turning into an amphibious vehicle channel. 🤣🤣

[@twistedwrench490]

Ivan I absolutely love all of ur content! Always well thought out

[@940joey2]

Incredible video !! Thank you so much for making this, it really helped me out with my extremely similar no spark issue 👍

[@aldrinalmario1513]

First time to see Ivan call a "Less Parts Required" diagnosis and fix! hahaha.. Cheers!

[@celtichongy]

Another acronym for you Ivan on this case. ..'NSR', no scope required for old school issue like this. Clues were jumping up in opening 50 seconds, floods or cart in the wet - >foot pedal interlock or electric related problem-> located in footwell, easy talk in hindsight I know. Follow all your vids from Ireland. Your work is top notch, I'd say in good company with Diagnose Dan and Schrodingeras 3 best on YT. Great clarity of thought and process.

[@Paul1958R]

Ivan, Another great NPR/Useless parts removed fix - thank you! Paul (in MA)

[@kraschsclassics]

I guessed wrong on a Club Car, the rev limiter shorted the coil. I used to buy micro-switchs 10 at a time. Worked at a coal fired power plant and the boxes were always gunked up. Had to fix them right for safety reasons.

[@MrYAMAHA32177]

The first thought that goes through the parts person's mind when a customer asks for an ignition coil, he'll be back.

[@kevinjekyll1521]

As always good content, I kept on guessing what was wrong, then the water moment, hind sight is just a crazy thing. Anything electrical and water just don't mix... I avoid, even in car car, standing water... I look forward to more car brain teasers, maybe one day i will fix my 928...

[@andrewbancroft6174]

Whats wrong with the 928? They have some crazy electrical issues but theres tons of diagrams online

[@kevinjekyll1521]

Won't start, fuel supply issue, starts if you spray fast start into the intake... motor is good, fuel pump (replaced) it did run but not now, figure that it is an ecu issue... it's only a S4 auto so not really worth that much, and finding a ecu where I live is out of my pay scale. Now if I had just brought a 911... I have 6 cars, all not collectorables, maybe that in itself might be a record... Thanks for your interest. Take care.

[@190055joe]

All that trouble because of a $2 micro switch.

[@thomasbailey8306]

Those golf carts can be a pain..LOL..I have an old Harley Davidson...LOL..Great Video..

[@jordydereus]

Lesson: never drive a golf cart in the water....

[@zochpeter]

thanks Ivan, for sharing mistakes as well.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Mistakes are the best learning opportunities 😉

[@secretsquirrel9722]

So what did you do with the coil Ivan? Absorb the cost? Thanks for the lessons!

[@fredflintstone8048]

I was wondering the same thing. Obviously Ivan had to eat the coil cost due to rushing to the parts cannon, but did he leave it in the cart, or take it with him to put on the wall at home as a reminder?

[@fredflintstone8048]

@@John-wz3iu That would have been nice but most supply houses have a strict no return no refund policy with electrical items.

[@matthewdale174]

Heck no Cart was under water It’s only a matter of time before it fails good investment 😀 for owner

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Amazon no fuss return 👍

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

@@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics Beside free delivery for Prime customers, this another bonus.

[@Peter_Riis_DK]

Remember to use the 'Half splitting principle' when you have a serial connection of units or connections where one (or more) is faulty.

[@conrailfan6277]

Sweet Ivan, now I know where to bring my Briggs and Stratton electric start snow blower when it acts up!! 😜😜😜😜🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@johnrewijk8371]

This wet switch is very common. Also used in a boat remote control as a start in gear protection. You are very competetive. Like that a lot. Greetz John.

[@bcad4066]

Almost had me there for a second. I thought, "only Ivan would take apart and repair a micro switch!"

[@outofthinair1]

It seems you have become the flood vehicle whisperer. As always so very well done Ivan !

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Haha I've had two people reach out already about diagnosing their flood cars... I said "nooooooo!" 😅

[@endsina1270]

Do you have a wiring diagram for this golfcart?

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Did you find one?

[@jpol3808]

Great video Ivan. Hey could you give us a video on low priced scopes that we can run on a lap top, to see some wave forms. It sure would help the guys who are living check to check like me! Thanks bud!

[@kevinwalker4623]

Pico is what he uses I think. You will need to part with a kidney to buy one. Hantek is a more kidney friendly brand and works on linux. There is the chinesium DSO-138 from aliexpress for 20$ with its own screen.

[@hoborosser1785]

Great job I understand all that you just did and have a scope and low amp clamp so will try it. I do recommend you get an open gap adjustable spark checker. It supersized me it would produce that much spark mine does not I am going to find out WHY.

[@rodneyprice1673]

Great problem solving process

[@AP9311]

You actually fired parts cannon on this one lol. What happened to your motto in NPR fixes!!?? Your right, test!! Don't guess! At least you're got her fixed up! Tracing the wires without the diagram, that's impossible, but you got it!!! Great video!! 👍

[@AllenKll]

I'm impressed this golf cart has a electronic ignition... I was expecting dirty points or a bad capacitor... LOL

[@sewing1243]

There is no reason for electronic Ignition for a small gasoline powered engine (nor points and condenser). A simple modern magneto/coil ignition is more than adequate. What we're seeing here is just the designers adding unnecessarily complicated components because they can.

[@neilmurphy845]

Me too

[@patricktennant1585]

@@sewing1243 many golf cart motors will spin backwards when in reverse. The ignitor module is way cheaper than engineering a timing mechanism that works both ways. Unless you just want a top dead center ignition.

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

@@sewing1243 I disagree ! Best thing I ever did to my 1960s 5hp B&S rototiller was add electronic ignition. Easy pull start and the spark plug will outlast me !

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

@@patricktennant1585 Not if it has a 4 stroke engine !

[@baxrok2.]

Fewer parts required! Thanks Ivan!

[@bigjohn2520]

Could you return the coil?

[@matthewdale174]

Them torque “a” verters are sick Good on go karts. Great job

[@SteveMelissaMcAdams]

Does the starter stay engaged while the key is on?

[@raymondjones7489]

Verycool...this will definitely come in handy at the golf coarse!!👍👍😁😎

[@greg778123]

I replaced a starter really on one of those and found out the relay stays on the whole time 1st really lasted 10 minutes didn’t have 100 % duty cycle on the coil I ordered the original one going strong for 6+ months now

[@djb4069]

Did you have a Drink at the 19th watering hole?

[@randy1ization]

on some carts the big foot pedal is used to start the engine, they leave the key on and just push the pedal to start it when on the course so they dont have to keep turning keys

[@russellstephan6844]

FYI, those switches are all over microwaves and dishwashers... I have a coffee can full of them from various salvage disassemblies.

[@prmayner]

and garbage trucks, which I had the privilege of working on for 15 years, Ha! maggot wagon.

[@gillgetter3004]

Is everyone driving or parking in water lately? Buddy had a car in flood, told him don’t turn it over until you remove plugs and get water out. Too late he blew out engine!!

[@htownblue11]

Well done.

[@braddampier4341]

love seeing "advanced" diagnostic equipment being used on such a "simple" system. Just goes to show scopes should be used much more frequently.

[@ThisIS_Insane]

There is a shortage of people who have the knowledge to set one up, much less read the scales, calibration and controls. That's revealed when Ivan (and others) gets cars that have been butchered elsewhere.

[@tyenbreck1]

“No parts required, just took some parts off”! Haha

[@mistsemy1522]

Great video as usual👍

[@frontlinemedia4270]

I was given a rat's nest of a cart with made up wires and connectors. The coil gets a white wire and a red wire. Does it matter which side of the coil gets the white wire? Or can they be switched? And you're saying the coil gets 12 volts from the red wire?

[@mattmanyam]

What about reverse? Is it a gearbox on this one, or start the motor backwards? 2 stroke ezgo that I used to work on were "start backwards" style...

[@ronaldfulton1175]

Lever with forward/neutral/reverse. What he did was bypass the safety circuit...it shuts off the engine when the driver removes foot from pedal, thereby eliminating run away cart.

[@franksoliday5510]

I agree, unlike a car engine that always rotates in one direction, most of the golf carts run in both directions depending on the direction you spin the starter. The customer will now have to remember to turn off the ignition before shifting into reverse since the motor now idles with the foot-switch bypass fix. Ivan get ready for a call back!

[@ronaldfulton1175]

@@franksoliday5510 Next time will be a clutch replacement !

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

@@franksoliday5510 interesting point! The gasoline engine can run in two directions?? Owner had no complaints so far.... Will have to ask him 👍

[@Theparker-smiths]

This is a four stroke cart with a Forward, reverse transaxle. Engine only runs in one direction. As long as the clutch is not grabbing the belt, you can change gear.

[@butchblakesley6239]

8:25 there's a little 4-pin molex plug right by your hand. It is not moisture protected. I found this plug to be a big problem. It is what feeds voltage to the coil. If this plug isn't working perfectly you will have intermittent problems. I ended up cutting mine out and replacing it and have had no problem since other than my bad driving

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Thats the cdi. How did you cut that out? It get the pulse from the engine then fires the coil. Or do I have this all wrong?

[@butchblakesley6239]

@@frontlinemedia4270 I basically cut out the old connector wire for wire and replaced it with a new one that is better sealed

[@butchblakesley6239]

@@frontlinemedia4270 it's not the CDI itself it's the connector in the wiring harness that connects everything in that bay up to the engine

[@frontlinemedia4270]

@@butchblakesley6239 the only connector I see is the one to the cdi. What is a molex plug?

[@butchblakesley6239]

@@frontlinemedia4270 molex is a brand but basically it's a white plastic connector with a number of wires entering and exiting. The connector I'm referencing should be about 12 inches from the CDI. It should have about four wires going in and out

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

So this engine runs all of the time right? Not only when the gas pedal is being pressed? Most of the gas powered golf carts I've seen, the engine starts when you push the throttle and dies when you let off.

[@SuperBigdanno]

Since the starter engaged when the key was turned on, does it stay in crank mode with the engine running or does the starter turn into the generator mode after it starts? I suspect it stays in crank mode as I dont think the it should crank with just the key.

[@Melanie16040]

Yeah, I didn't think there was a way to crank it via key on the ones that start when you push the gas.

[@kennethfriedberg2358]

that is the way EZ go makes those carts.key on push the gas pedal

[@danburch9989]

After the wiring mod, with the ignition on, is the engine actually running fast enough so that the starter/generator is generating enough power to recharge the battery? My golfing partner sometimes applies just enough foot pedal to make the starter turn the engine over but not fast enough to engage the clutch to make it move. I'm thinking he's just running the starter motor and draining the battery.

[@superpflex]

I love your "very interesting" in place of "What the heck was that."

[@vickenkaragozian2041]

Lol.. Don't be parts changer. Great stuff. 👌

[@DavidScheiber]

By the way that's just a standard micro switch you can buy a book pack of them on Amazon for like 10 bucks, they're used like everywhere, they are also super easy to take apart and clean up or swap levers.

[@roybradshaw2399]

Still confused about that wire you connected to the green, im not seeing it????

[@Hammerjockeyrepair]

lol right when you started the video I said the entire issue is with the footswitch seeing as its constantly cranking. They typically dont charge at an idle so Id revisit and replace the switch

[@snowboardguy1233]

I had one of those same style switches break inside a joystick for my companies water truck. Took a bit to find! Kind of a cheap/dumb switch design.

[@Sandmansa]

It did seem odd how the test light looked a little dim during the initial coil test. But I don't feel so bad now, because that weak power issue most likely would have bit me too. I can't help but wonder, how long did it actually take you to find the source of the real problem?

[@jamesd6247]

With a more powerful test light this would have been seen?

[@pantherplatform]

I got a free Yamaha G22a golf cart from the resort I worked at after a guest drove it thru some mud which got sucked in the air box which was not latched and smoked the rings. Still runs but man does it smoke!

[@Hornblas189]

I sure wish I had that scope. Im fighting with one with weak spark now. Im buying a new coil because this looks like an Amazon special.

[@texasmcgyver]

EXCELLENT WORK !

[@diamaunt2782]

Ivan, is there ANYTHING you don't fix? we nee more folks like you.

[@baggins1]

I have the same cart in shop now. Rebuilt engine (295) and finally massaged out all the things.

[@dans49dodge]

I lucked into a 1980s Argo, 8 wheel Amphibious vehical that my crippled but is going to use for running limb lines for cat fish on the river. Turns out it's almost exactly the same as a golf cart. Think about how many times this vehical has been in the water in its lifetime. Almost every wire and ignition parts had to be replaced. Even for a retired engineer and electrician it was a headache. PS., There is no getting under mine. It's a boat with 8 wheels.

[@knightnrmer]

Wouldn't the foot switch be the starter ? What shuts the starter off ?

[@kevinpalmer7452]

Another great video 👍

[@Grizzlyowner89]

I work on club car golf cart for a living and they can be temperamental sometimes

[@garymucher4082]

Could have connected across any of the wire lengths and looked for a voltage drop. Since it was under water, I am surprised other wires and contacts are not equally an issue. Water wicked up under the insulation will certainly show it's ugly head down the road, I mean golf course, for sure. Schematic diagrams for those carts are all over the net... Thumbs Up!

[@frontlinemedia4270]

Where? Put the link up for this one because I haven't found it yet

[@tomtke7351]

You suggest coil current is 5 to 10 amps. You test the circuit with a 300ma bulb. Could the bulb test have been more perceptive if the bulb was 5 to 10 amps too?

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Yes absolutely!

[@bryansnewandused]

Thats pretty common with a ezgo thats been outside in the winter. The throttle housing gets water in the seal freezes and opens the case. Freeze opens the case thaw it seaps in. The cure is permtex the shit out of the seal. If not you will get a return call. Rt 30 tire..

[@kennethbode2017]

reminds me of the time one of my workers drove a cart into the pond

[@mattmanyam]

I never worked for you, sir.

[@justinhayward5027]

Mikey pipes once said “ if you ain’t testing, your guessing”. Another KZbinr

[@billziegmond4943]

You keep working on flood damaged cars and such. You are going to need open water diving certification. LOL

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

There not made to go wading good job Ivan.

[@dougscalf5175]

What keeps starter from keeping engaged?

[@tonybrandon1968]

I have a 2019 ezgo S4 that is doing almost the same thing only it is getting power to the coil but no spark coming out of the coil. The coil 670119 is out of stock everywhere with no known due date. My cart has not been in water. It hasn't even been rained on. Any ideas other than coil replacement?

[@kellyspeppers]

Yup on flood cars start at the lowest point and work your way up. :)

[@mrbigvanlife7130]

Oh no lol another flooder 😂

[@zekemontgomery6678]

Good ole microswitchs