It drives forward but not backward

That drives-one-way-only symptom points strongly at the forward-reverse switch, since its separate contacts for each direction can fail independently while the shared drive parts stay fine. Test and clean the switch first; worn or corroded reverse contacts are common and often cleanable, and replacement is a recognised job if they are burnt or broken.

The switch tests fine but reverse still does not work

If the switch is good on both directions, look at the wiring from it for the failing direction, and rule out the reverse buzzer misleading you, since a silent reverse can be just the buzzer circuit while the drive works. Check whether the buggy actually moves in reverse. If switch and wiring are both sound, have an engineer trace the circuit.

Golf buggy forward-reverse switch problems

By James Brown · Updated 21 July 2026 · 5 minute read

White electric golf buggy raised on a workshop ramp for a service

The forward-reverse switch tells the drive which way to go, using separate contacts for each direction. Worn or corroded contacts are the common fault, and because each direction has its own contacts, one can fail while the other works, giving a buggy that drives one way but not the other. Testing and cleaning the switch cures many of these before replacement.

Key takeaways

The direction switch selects forward or reverse using separate contacts for each.
Worn or corroded contacts are the usual fault, from use and damp.
Because each direction has its own contacts, one direction can fail alone.
A drives-one-way-only fault points strongly at the switch rather than the shared drive parts.
Testing and cleaning often fixes it; replacement is a recognised job.

What the switch does

The forward-reverse switch, a rocker, lever or rotary switch depending on the buggy, tells the controller or the motor circuit which way you want to travel. Inside it are separate sets of contacts, one path made for forward and another for reverse. When you select a direction, the relevant contacts close and the drive is set that way. It is a simple, much-used component, and being much-used and often exposed, it is a common wear point.

Why one direction fails alone

The switch's internal layout explains its most distinctive fault. Because forward and reverse each have their own contacts, those contacts can wear or corrode independently, so it is entirely possible for the forward path to work perfectly while the reverse contacts have become pitted, dirty or broken, or the other way round. That gives the telltale symptom: a buggy that drives one way but not the other. It is a useful diagnostic gift, because it rules out everything shared, the battery, solenoid, controller and motor, which would affect both directions, and points squarely at the direction switch and its wiring.

Testing and cleaning

The switch is one of the more owner-friendly components to check. With the buggy safely isolated as appropriate, a meter can test whether each direction's contacts actually make a good connection when selected, which confirms whether the fault is in the switch or in the wiring beyond it. Contacts that are dirty or lightly corroded can sometimes be cleaned back to good order, restoring the lost direction without a new part. Contacts that are burnt, pitted or broken mean the switch is worn out and due for replacement, which is a recognised and manageable job. Either way, cleaning and testing come before buying, since a clean fixes a fair share of these.

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When it is not the switch

A couple of things save you from replacing a healthy switch. If the switch tests good on both directions, the fault is in the wiring from it into the controller or motor for the failing direction, which is a different search. And do not be misled by the reverse buzzer: many buggies beep in reverse, and a silent reverse can make an owner think the direction has failed when in fact only the buzzer circuit has, and the buggy would reverse. Check whether the buggy actually moves in the selected direction, gently and safely, rather than judging by the warning sound. If the switch and its wiring are both sound and a direction still will not engage, that is the point to bring in an engineer to trace the circuit.

Common questions

It drives forward but not backward: That drives-one-way-only symptom points strongly at the forward-reverse switch, since its separate contacts for each direction can fail independently while the shared drive parts stay fine. Test and clean the switch first; worn or corroded reverse contacts are common and often cleanable, and replacement is a recognised job if they are burnt or broken.
Can I clean the switch instead of replacing it: Often, yes. Contacts that are dirty or lightly corroded can be cleaned back to good order, restoring the lost direction without a new part. Contacts that are burnt, pitted or broken mean the switch is worn out and needs replacing. Test each direction with a meter to see which you are dealing with before buying anything.
The switch tests fine but reverse still does not work: If the switch is good on both directions, look at the wiring from it for the failing direction, and rule out the reverse buzzer misleading you, since a silent reverse can be just the buzzer circuit while the drive works. Check whether the buggy actually moves in reverse. If switch and wiring are both sound, have an engineer trace the circuit.