Quick answer: To identify an E-Z-GO golf cart you need two facts: the model name (Marathon, Medalist, TXT, RXV, Express, Valor, or Liberty) and the model year. The model is identified visually by body shape, suspension type, and steering layout. The year is read from the Manufacturer Code sticker — a small white or silver label usually inside the passenger-side glove box, under a seat, or on the dash. On 1996-and-newer carts the first two digits of the Manufacturer Code encode the model year (for example, "06" = 2006). The frame-stamped Vehicle ID Number is a separate identifier used for registration. As an Authorized E-Z-GO Dealer in Canyon Lake serving Riverside County, we identify carts daily; if you're unsure, email photos of the cart and both ID labels to service@canyonlakemobile.com.
Why does identifying your E-Z-GO model and year matter?
Knowing the exact model and year is the single most important step before buying parts, ordering accessories, scheduling service, registering for street-legal use, or selling. The wrong year means the wrong solenoid, controller, charger plug, motor brushes, or body panels. Our mobile technicians see this misstep weekly — an owner orders a part for a "2010 TXT" only to discover the cart is actually a 2008 with the older PDS controller and a different solenoid bracket.
Across our 670+ five-star Google reviews in Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, and Menifee, "what year is my golf cart" is one of the top three questions we answer. This guide gives you the exact identification process we use on every service call.
Where is the serial number on an E-Z-GO golf cart?
E-Z-GO carts have two separate ID labels, and both matter. Owners frequently confuse them.
-
Manufacturer Code (also called the MFG code or serial sticker) — a small adhesive sticker, usually white or silver, with a multi-digit alphanumeric code. This is the label that contains the model year. Common locations:
- Inside the passenger-side glove box (most common on TXT, RXV, Express, Valor, Liberty)
- Under the driver or passenger seat, on the seat frame or battery rack
- On the dash, near the key switch
- Inside the front cowl on older Marathon and Medalist models
- Vehicle ID Number (VIN / Serial Number) — a 12 to 17-digit number stamped or riveted into the frame, usually on the driver-side rear frame rail or under the rear seat. This is the number used by the California DMV for street-legal registration as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) or NEV. This number does not, by itself, give you the model year on most older E-Z-GOs — you still need the Manufacturer Code sticker to date the cart.
If the Manufacturer Code sticker is missing, faded, or peeled (very common on carts that have lived in Southern California sun), the year still has to be inferred from the Vehicle ID Number plus visual model identification. We do this routinely — send us photos.
How do I read an E-Z-GO Manufacturer Code to find the model year?
On E-Z-GO carts built from roughly 1996 onward, the Manufacturer Code is a date-coded sequence:
- First two digits = model year ("06" = 2006, "23" = 2023)
- Next two digits = production week (01–52)
- Remaining digits = sequential build number
A sticker reading "1934G1234" on a TXT decodes as: model year 2019, production week 34, build sequence G1234. Same approach applies to RXV, Express, Valor, and Liberty. Pre-1996 Marathons and early Medalists used different formats including stamped metal plates — for those, year is best confirmed from visual model cues plus the VIN.
Quick decoder reference
| Position in code | Meaning | Example ("0734J5678") |
|---|---|---|
| Digits 1-2 | Model year | 07 = 2007 |
| Digits 3-4 | Production week (01-52) | 34 = week 34 |
| Letter (5) | Plant / line code | J |
| Remaining digits | Sequential build number | 5678 |
Note: E-Z-GO has used several MFG code formats across its history. The pattern above covers the vast majority of TXT and RXV carts from the late 1990s through current production. If your code doesn't fit this pattern exactly, the first two digits are still almost always the year on consumer carts built since 1996.
How do I tell which E-Z-GO model I have?
Before you decode the year, identify the model. Each E-Z-GO model has visual cues that are easy to spot once you know what to look for. The seven consumer models you're likely to encounter are listed below in chronological order.
E-Z-GO Marathon (approx. 1976–1994)
The Marathon is E-Z-GO's classic workhorse — the cart most people picture when they think "old golf cart." Visual cues: squared-off front cowl with a flat vertical grille, gas or 36V electric drivetrains, series-wound DC motors with multi-step speed-switch controllers on early units, and bench-style seats on metal frames. If the cart has a boxy nose, no body curves, and a manual forward/reverse lever between the seats, it's almost certainly a Marathon.
E-Z-GO Medalist (approx. 1994–1995)
The Medalist was a short transitional model between the Marathon and the TXT. It introduced a rounded body and the first modern E-Z-GO styling cues. Production was brief, so authentic Medalists are relatively uncommon — if a cart looks "almost like a TXT but slightly different," it's likely a Medalist.
E-Z-GO TXT (1995–present)
The TXT is E-Z-GO's longest-running and best-selling model. It is still in production today for the golf course market and has been continuously sold for over 30 years. Visual cues:
- Rounded, flowing body with a curved front cowl
- Leaf-spring rear suspension
- Classic round headlight buckets on lighted versions
- 36V (older) or 48V (modern) electric drivetrain, plus gas variants
- From 2008 onward, electric TXTs use the ITS (Intelligent Throttle System) controller; pre-2008 electric TXTs used PDS (Precision Drive System) or DCS
The TXT is the cart most likely to be misidentified by year because it has been built so long and shares so much body work across decades. Always confirm the year from the Manufacturer Code — the difference between a 2007 PDS TXT and a 2010 ITS TXT is huge from a parts standpoint. See our deep-dive at E-Z-GO RXV vs TXT.
E-Z-GO RXV (2008–present)
The RXV is E-Z-GO's modern flagship and the cart most consumer buyers in Southern California are choosing today. Visual cues:
- Sleek, sculpted body with sharp body lines and modern headlights
- Independent rear suspension on electric models — the single biggest visual giveaway vs. a TXT (no leaf springs)
- AC drive motor and Curtis or Delta-Q based controller from launch (2008) onward
- Rack-and-pinion steering
- Available in 48V electric or gas EFI
If your cart has a more modern, rounded SUV-like profile and there are no leaf springs visible at the rear axle, you have an RXV. The street-legal version is the Freedom RXV.
E-Z-GO Express (approx. 2014–present)
The Express line is E-Z-GO's larger 4- and 6-passenger utility/personal cart family. Visual cues: longer wheelbase than TXT/RXV, squared utility-style body with a higher roof and longer canopy, often rear-facing back seats. Variants include the Express S2 (2-passenger utility), S4 (4-passenger), and L6 (6-passenger). If you have a "stretched" cart designed to carry families or work crews, it's almost certainly an Express — see our Express L6 page.
E-Z-GO Valor (approx. 2018–present)
The Valor is E-Z-GO's value-priced 2- and 4-passenger consumer cart, positioned below the RXV. Body styling is closer to a TXT (rear leaf springs, simpler dash) and most trims include factory headlights, taillights, brake lights, and a basic horn. If you bought from an E-Z-GO dealer in the last several years for less than RXV pricing and got a 4-seater with leaf-spring rear, it's likely a Valor. Detail page: E-Z-GO Valor for sale.
E-Z-GO Liberty (approx. 2020–present)
The Liberty is E-Z-GO's purpose-built 4-passenger consumer cart with forward-facing rear seats — the defining feature, versus the rear-facing fold-down seats on TXT/RXV 4-passenger conversions. Larger footprint than a standard RXV, designed from the ground up for street-community use rather than the golf course. A redesigned 2027 Liberty is launching summer 2026. Detail page: E-Z-GO Liberty for sale.
How do I tell if my E-Z-GO is gas or electric?
This is the easiest identification step. Open the seat or look under the front cowl:
- Electric carts have a row of large 6V, 8V, or 12V batteries (lead-acid) or a sealed lithium pack under the seat or in a dedicated battery rack. There is no engine, no muffler, and no fuel tank. The cart is silent at rest.
- Gas carts have a small single-cylinder engine (E-Z-GO uses a Kawasaki-built 13-horsepower engine on most modern gas TXT/RXV/Express carts), a fuel tank, a muffler, and an oil dipstick. The cart idles or starts when you press the accelerator.
One additional cue: gas E-Z-GOs from 1991 onward use an electronic fuel-injection or carbureted engine that only runs when you press the pedal. There is no separate ignition step — the engine starts on demand, which surprises first-time owners.
What's the difference between E-Z-GO PDS, DCS, and ITS controllers?
On electric TXT and earlier RXV models, the controller generation determines what parts and what lithium upgrades will fit. The three main electric drivetrain systems you'll encounter on E-Z-GO carts are:
| System | Years (approx.) | Voltage | Key identifiers |
|---|---|---|---|
| DCS (Drive Control System) | 1995–2000 | 36V | Earliest solid-state TXT controller; uses a separate Tow/Run switch |
| PDS (Precision Drive System) | 2000–2009 | 36V or 48V | Curtis-based controller, uses a "speed code" set with the Tow/Run switch |
| ITS (Intelligent Throttle System) | 2010–present | 48V | Modern controller, smoother throttle response, used on TXT 48V and original RXV; lithium-friendly |
If you don't know which controller you have, the year of the cart from the Manufacturer Code answers it — we map year to system constantly when quoting E-Z-GO RXV lithium upgrades and TXT controller swaps.
Where can I find the model and year on the actual cart? (Step-by-step)
Use this exact process on any E-Z-GO. It takes about three minutes.
- Step 1: Confirm the brand. Look at the front cowl and rear bumper for "E-Z-GO" badging. If your cart says Club Car, Yamaha, or Kandi instead, you do not have an E-Z-GO — the identification process is different.
- Step 2: Identify the model visually. Walk around the cart. Note: rear suspension type (leaf spring vs. independent), wheelbase length (standard 2-pass vs. stretched), and rear-seat orientation (forward-facing vs. rear-facing). Match against the visual cues in the section above.
- Step 3: Find the Manufacturer Code sticker. Open the passenger-side glove box first — this is the most common location on TXT, RXV, Valor, Express, and Liberty. If not there, check under both seats, on the dash near the key switch, and inside the front cowl.
- Step 4: Decode the model year. The first two digits of the Manufacturer Code are the model year on 1996+ carts. Write down the full code — you'll need it for parts orders.
- Step 5: Locate the Vehicle ID Number. Inspect the driver-side rear frame rail, under the rear seat or rear deck. The VIN is stamped or riveted on a metal plate. Photograph it — this is what you'll need for DMV registration if making the cart street-legal.
- Step 6: Verify gas or electric. Lift the seat. If you see batteries, it's electric. If you see an engine, it's gas.
- Step 7: If anything is unclear, send us photos. Email the cart's left side, right side, dash, under-seat, Manufacturer Code, and VIN to service@canyonlakemobile.com. We'll confirm the model and year, usually same business day.
How do I find the right parts for my E-Z-GO once I know the model and year?
With model, year, and electric-vs-gas confirmed, parts ordering is straightforward. We stock and ship E-Z-GO OEM and aftermarket parts nationwide — solenoids, controllers, motors, chargers, batteries, brakes, suspension, and body. Browse our complete parts catalog or the E-Z-GO chargers collection. For local service in Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, and Riverside County, book a mobile service call here.
What if my Manufacturer Code sticker is missing or unreadable?
Faded and peeled stickers are extremely common on Southern California carts — UV exposure, garage heat, and washdowns all degrade adhesive labels. If yours is gone, here's how we identify the year anyway:
- Cross-reference the VIN with E-Z-GO's records. Authorized dealers can run VINs against the factory database. We do this for customers regularly.
- Match suspension and body cues to known production ranges. An RXV with the original-style headlight ring is pre-2014 facelift; a TXT with the ITS controller is 2010 or newer.
- Check controller, charger, and motor part numbers. Each major component has its own date code that brackets the cart's year.
- Look at the battery layout. Six 6V batteries = 36V (2008-or-older TXT); six 8V batteries = 48V (2009-or-newer TXT or any RXV).
This is the most common reason buyers in Canyon Lake and Temecula contact us before closing a used-cart deal — "the seller doesn't know what year it is." We do this lookup free for service-area customers.
Frequently asked questions
Does the E-Z-GO Vehicle ID Number contain the model year?
Generally, no — not directly, and not on most pre-2017 carts. The Vehicle ID Number is primarily used for registration and theft tracking. The model year is read from the separate Manufacturer Code sticker, where the first two digits are the year on 1996+ carts.
Where exactly is the Manufacturer Code on a 2015 E-Z-GO RXV?
On 2014+ RXVs the Manufacturer Code sticker is most commonly inside the passenger-side glove box, on the rear wall of the box. If your glove box has been swapped or replaced, also check under the driver's seat on the battery rack frame.
How can I tell an E-Z-GO TXT from an E-Z-GO RXV at a glance?
Look at the rear suspension. A TXT has visible leaf springs running parallel to the frame at the rear axle. An electric RXV has independent rear suspension with no leaf springs — you'll see coil-over shock absorbers instead. The RXV body is also more sculpted and modern; the TXT body is more rounded and classic.
What year did E-Z-GO switch from 36V to 48V?
The E-Z-GO RXV launched in 2008 as a 48V cart from day one. The TXT transitioned from 36V (PDS) to 48V (ITS) around the 2010 model year, with some overlap in the late 2009 build window. If you have a TXT and you're not sure of the voltage, count the batteries: six 6V batteries = 36V; six 8V batteries = 48V; four 12V batteries = 48V (less common on E-Z-GO but possible on aftermarket conversions).
Are E-Z-GO model years the same as calendar years?
Not always. Like the auto industry, E-Z-GO releases model-year carts ahead of the calendar year, so a "2024 model year" cart may have been built in late 2023. The Manufacturer Code's first two digits represent the model year, not necessarily the calendar build year. The production-week digits (3rd and 4th) tell you when in the model-year cycle the cart was actually assembled.
How do I know if my E-Z-GO is street-legal in California?
Model identification is just the first step. To be legal as a Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) on Southern California streets up to 35 mph, the cart needs DOT-compliant lighting, mirrors, seatbelts, a 17-digit VIN, and proper DMV registration. We cover the full process in our guide to California street-legal golf carts.
Can I look up an E-Z-GO by VIN alone?
Authorized E-Z-GO dealers can run VIN lookups against the factory database to confirm model, year, build location, and original specifications. As an Authorized E-Z-GO Dealer in Canyon Lake, we run these lookups regularly for buyers, sellers, and insurance customers. Email the VIN photo to service@canyonlakemobile.com.
Identification is the foundation of every parts and service decision
Every wrong part order, mismatched controller, and "it doesn't fit" return starts with a misidentified cart. Three minutes spent reading the Manufacturer Code, photographing the VIN, and visually confirming the model is the highest-leverage thing an owner can do for long-term cost and reliability.
If you're buying a used E-Z-GO — especially in private-party deals around Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, or Menifee — do this identification before you hand over money. We routinely meet buyers who discover they bought a 2007 PDS TXT when they thought they were getting a 2012 ITS, and the upgrade-path cost difference is several thousand dollars. If you'd rather buy a current-year, dealer-supported, fully warrantied E-Z-GO, see our E-Z-GO golf carts for sale in Southern California page or browse new E-Z-GO inventory.
About the author: This article was written by the Canyon Lake Mobile Golf Cart Repair team — an Authorized E-Z-GO Dealer and mobile service provider with 670+ five-star Google reviews across Canyon Lake, Temecula, Murrieta, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, and Riverside County. Call (951) 723-9692 or email service@canyonlakemobile.com.
Comments