What does the tow run switch do on a golf cart?
Mia Kelly
Published Jan 25, 2026
TOW / RUN switches are basically kill switches designed to disable the golf cart. there are several reasons for this switch. Usually, a TOW / RUN switch is only used on electric golf carts, specifically those with a separately excited electrical system with regenerative braking.
Should I charge my golf cart in tow mode or run mode?
Your golf cart needs to be charged in Run. Tow should only be used in long term storage or if you are going to remove the battery.
Where is the tow switch on a Club Car golf cart?
On the older Club cars, the tow/run switch is located at the top of the battery compartment toward the front under the seat and also at the top in the middle of the four twelve volt batteries. The later Precedents have the tow/run switch located in the lower middle in the rear of the battery compartment.
Will a golf cart run in tow mode?
Yes, you can charge your golf cart in tow mode. Though this mode does cause your cart to switch off its computer, that doesn't mean that it affects the battery or other elements of your cart.
What happens if you tow a golf cart not in tow mode?
In order for this electronic speed controller to continue to work even when the cart is not in use, your golf cart will continue to draw a small amount of energy from the battery. The only way to disable this continued drain on the battery is by flipping the tow run switch to tow.
42 related questions foundShould golf cart be on while charging?
No. You should turn your golf cart off when charging its batteries. Trying to charge a golf cart while it is running is a pointless exercise, as the battery will be draining while you're trying to charge it. A golf cart should only be turned on once its batteries are fully charged.
Should I charge my golf cart after each use?
1) Charge your batteries fully after each period of use.
The best practice is to charge overnight after you are done using your cart for the day. Even if you only used the cart for 5 minutes, you'll want to give the golf cart batteries a good charge.
How often do you add water to golf cart batteries?
After charging your battery is when you want to add water. Adding water after charging prevents acid from spilling over. You'll want to add water to 1/2 inch from the top of the battery. 2) We recommend service once or twice a year.
Can you overcharge golf cart batteries?
Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.
How far can you go on a full charge on a golf cart?
How far will I be able to travel? Depending on the manufacturer, most gas golf carts have between a 5 and 6 gallon gas tank and get about 40 miles to the gallon. Electric golf carts with fully charged batteries in perfect condition get about 35 miles to the full charge.
How long do batteries last in golf carts?
That all being said, properly maintained battery packs in fleet carts tend to last about 4-6 years while private owners tend to get about 6-10 years out of their battery packs. Other major factors include the type of options on the cart that may increase the draw from the battery pack.
How long will an electric golf cart run on a charge?
Typically, an electric golf cart has between 45 and 90 minutes of full-power run time on a fully charged battery. Times depend on the age of the battery, with newer batteries having longer run times.
How much is a golf cart battery?
Average Price of Golf Cart Batteries
The average price of a golf cart battery replacement is going to be in the $800 to $1,500 range. Depending on the type of battery, it could even be in the $2,000 ballpark because powerful golf carts like a 72V need more expensive batteries installed.
Should I keep my golf cart plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
Can you put car batteries in a golf cart?
Can You Use Regular Car Batteries in a Golf Cart? The short answer is yes. Standard car batteries are 12-volts, and you could connect three or four of them in series to provide the required 36 or 48 volts to your golf cart motor.
Can you replace just one battery on a golf cart?
Let's discuss in detail. When it comes to changing the golf cart batteries, technically, you can change just one at a time. However, this is not advisable as it can cause permanent damage to each battery. When a battery has gone bad, you should change all of the batteries.
How fast can a 48V golf cart go?
The standard 48v golf cart will travel between 12 to 14 mph. However, if you apply modifications to the vehicle you can expect top speeds of 20 to 24mph.
How far will a 48 volt golf cart go?
How Long Will a 48 Volt Golf Cart Run? A 48 volt golf cart, depending on its amperage can go from 12 miles to 35 miles.
How long do golf cart batteries last between charges?
Generally speaking, your battery should last a minimum of eight riding hours before you need to charge it up again. That time, however, can become much lower depending on many different factors.
How do you check golf cart batteries?
Touch the voltmeter's negative probe to the battery's ground or negative terminal. Repeat this step with the positive side. Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts.
Are lithium golf cart batteries worth it?
Not only does the investment in a lithium battery pay for itself over time, but big savings can be made in the way of reduced energy bills, maintenance costs, and possible repairs that would otherwise need to be made to heavy lead-acid golf cars. They also just perform better overall!
How long should 12 volt golf cart batteries last?
When you take care of your golf cart's battery, you can expect it to last anywhere between five and ten years.
What's the difference between a 36 volt and a 48 volt golf cart?
Basically, a 48V system gives you more “pep in your step” and picks up/speeds up a bit faster than a 36V system. Energy Needed/Amps Drawn- A 48V system draws less amps and provides a little more range with all things being equal (cart/passenger payload weight, motor horsepower, etc).
How far does a 48 volt golf cart go on a full charge?
The maximum range of this new battery when powering a 48V E-Z-GO RXV golf cart is approximately 20.5 miles when moving at 12 miles per hour. In golfing terms, this equates to around 3 rounds or 54 holes.
What is a full charge on a 48 volt golf cart?
The target voltage for a 48 volt charger for AGM or some flooded batteries is 2.4 to 2.45 volts per cell, which is 57.6 to 58.8 volts.