What does a speed controller do on a golf cart?
What Does A Golf Cart Speed Controller Do? The speed controller measures out current and battery voltage to the electric vehicles’ motor to raise and lower speed on the golf cart. It monitors the state of the motor and generates signals to match the alternating currents.
What size club car controller do I Need?
200-300 Amp controllers are perfect if you intend to use a Club Car for regular trips around the neighborhood. This Club Car controller is best suited for two passenger carts. This speed controller can be paired with a small 2 HP or 5 HP motor.
How long can you leave a golf cart fully charged?
A Lithium Ion battery on the other hand is only going to lose 3% of its charge in a month. So essentially you could leave your fully charged cart sitting in your garage for a year, and the battery will still be 75% charged.
How can I make my golf carts last longer?
Programming your speed controller to handle how the vehicle will be driven can make a huge difference. Not only will your golf carts mechanical components last longer, but you’ll be able to avoid overheating during operation, depending on your conditions.
Do golf cart batteries have a memory?
The battery creates a memory otherwise, if it's charged at the midway point. You'll actually lose out on power if you don't drain it.
What does the controller do on an electric golf cart?
The controller meters out current and voltage on your battery based on user input, whether that be a gas pedal, a throttle, or even pedals on a bicycle. With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves.
Should you leave your electric 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.
How do you bypass a golf cart controller?
1:594:09electric golf cart, simple Motor and controller bypass key hotwire direct ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo let's just go ahead and bypass the solenoid by putting one alligator clip on that bolt.MoreSo let's just go ahead and bypass the solenoid by putting one alligator clip on that bolt.
How do I know if my EZGO controller is bad?
Press the accelerator and watch to see if the voltage increases. It should increase from a reading of 0 to the full voltage of the battery. If the motor is not turning, the problem may be in the directional switch or motor. If there is no voltage, the controller is bad and must be replaced.
How do you test a golf cart controller?
The simplest test to ascertain your golf cart controller's performance is to to watch whether it runs when the batteries are fully charged with a slight push of the pedal. If you hear a distinct clicking noise, then your golf cart is running correctly.
How long will a 48v golf cart run?
electric golf carts, a common question is, “How far will my electric golf cart go on a full charge?” The average range of the electric golf cart is 8-10 miles on a lead-acid battery. Lithium batteries cover up to 100 miles on a single full charge.
Should I charge my golf cart every night?
Should you charge new golf cart batteries? Yes. New golf cart batteries should be charged every time they are used as this will extend their lifespan, help them retain their capacity for longer, and prevent discharge. It is vitally important to charge new golf cart batteries, even after their first use.
How often should you fill golf cart batteries with water?
about once every 30 daysThe typical schedule is about once every 30 days, but this may vary by several days depending on your specific situation. When filling the batteries, add just enough water to bring it 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch shy of the indicator ring to prevent overfilling.
How do I reset my club car controller?
Easily Reset the Club Car Golf Cart OBCKey switch to off.Set forward/reverse to neutral.Put tow/run switch to tow.Disconnect the negative battery terminal from the battery pack.Put the tow/run switch to run.Put forward/reverse switch to reverse.Put key switch to on.More items...
How do I reset my EZ GO controller?
Reset the battery cable Unplug the negative battery cable (the black wire) before beginning any work on the speed controller. Once disconnected, you should remove the speed controller cover and then reconnect the negative cable.
How do you remove the speed limiter on a electric golf cart?
Basically, an electric speed governor can be controlled by a tiny metal rod that's located by the clutch of your golf cart. First things first: The electric speed governor is connected to a cable. You can adjust your speed by rotating the nut in a counterclockwise rotation.
How do you program a golf cart controller?
0:002:59STS - Curtis Controller (Adjust Speed Setting) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to show you in this video how to reprogram. The drive speed of a cursors controller fittedMoreI'm going to show you in this video how to reprogram. The drive speed of a cursors controller fitted to an STS stacker. First thing we need to do is switch off the unit. And remove the key.
What does a navitas controller do?
Navitas produces 600-amp golf cart controller kits for Club Car, EZ-GO and Yamaha Golf Carts that allow you to use your existing Motor and Solenoid to increase the performance of your golf cart in both speed and torque.
How do you make an electric golf cart go faster?
6 Ways You Can Make a Golf Cart FasterAdd More Torque to Your Golf Cart.Upgrade Your Golf Cart's Motor.Improve the High-Speed Controller of the Cart.Add Better Golf Cart Tires.Use a Higher Powered Golf Cart Battery.Watch the Weight in Your Golf Cart.
How do you change the speed on a EZ Go electric golf cart?
Tighten the governor spring located in the engine of most golf carts to adjust your cart's top speed. 90% of EZ Go Carts have simple springs which limit the speed of the engine. To raise the top speed of your golf cart, all you need to do is locate this spring and tighten it slightly.
Electric Golf Cart General Overview
Technically, electric golf carts fall into the category of electric cars because they are self-propelled. The small vehicle is designed to carry golf players and their golf clubs around the golf course, but its application nowadays goes far beyond the field of golf.
Electric Golf Cart Batteries
All-electric vehicles use so-called traction batteries to power their electric motors. Traction batteries are usually rechargeable and differ from ordinary light batteries in their deep power cycle. The total electrical charge available in batteries is measured in ampere-hours or kilowatt-hours. (2)
Type Of Electric Motor
The type of electric motor that batteries power reflects on their range too. Providing that Alternating Current (AC) electric motors are more powerful and more efficient than Direct Current (DC) motors, their batteries also differ.
Golf Cart Controller
The effect of the golf cart controller on batteries is just the opposite of the effect of the AC motor. The more powerful controller is, the faster it drains the batteries. Powerful controllers reduce the battery range of an electric golf cart significantly.
Speed
Speed is another major factor that affects the golf cart range. Manufacturers often construct their carts with a speed capacity higher than the common for a golf course 12-15 mph. However, driving at a higher speed comes at the expense of the runtime of the batteries.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is the next significant factor that affects the golf cart range. Lower tire pressure while driving causes more friction and drag, which consequently makes the motor work harder and drain the batteries faster. The appropriate tire pressure for a standard golf electric golf cart should be 22 psi.
State Of Charge
Research studying the options of an additional power source attached to an electric golf cart offered a different approach to the golf cart range.
What does a golf cart controller do?
What does a golf cart controller do? As you can tell by this article, plenty! From being able to modify your golf cart speed, to managing all of the electrical components in perfect harmony, the controller really is the “heart” of your golf cart.
What does a speed controller do in golf carts?
As the name implies, the speed controller will change the golf cart speed to the golf cart driver’s preference, but because of advances in technology, it does much more. The speed controller can offer the following functions: A controlled ramp up to speed if the full throttle is applied suddenly. From a standing start, AKA locked armature, ...
What is club car power drive?
Club Car’s Power Drive is a Series Motor System, on the market from 1990 and up. On the golf carts built in the years 1990 – 1994, the controller used a 0 to 5K potentiometer (36 Volt). In the years 1995 and up, they used 5K to 0 potentiometers (48 Volt).
What is a Yamaha G8?
Yamaha G8 (1990) to the G16 (1996) is a Series Wound Motor System, with the Shunt Wound Motor Systems being introduced with the G19 (1996) to the G29 (2007). There are also AC Motor (Alternating Current) systems available on the E-Z-Go RXV and late model Yamaha golf carts.
How to control speed?
The speed controller can offer the following functions: 1 A controlled ramp up to speed if the full throttle is applied suddenly. From a standing start, AKA locked armature, a motor can initially take up to 20 times its normal operating current. This must not last more than a second or two to avoid damage to the system. 2 Protection from ground faults caused by accidental shorts. 3 Safely reversing the motor by taking the motor to a stop, then reversing polarity. 4 An overheating protection thermal shutoff to protect the controller from damage. 5 Battery voltage monitoring to prevent the complete drain of the charge. 6 Overcurrent limiting to protect the motor and electrical components from damage.
What happens if you push the pedal on a golf cart?
If you pressed the pedal, the golf cart would jackrabbit jump to full throttle.
Do electric golf carts need a speed controller?
With the newer AC motor or Brushless DC motor technologies, the electric golf cart motor will not operate at all without a speed controller. These motors now require reversals in current that are accurately timed with the motor’s rotation. The purpose of the controller is to generate the exactly timed signals the motor requires to function.
How does a golf cart speed controller work?
The golf cart's speed controller sends its current and battery voltage to its motor. This entire process depends on your golf cart's input device, which includes its throttle. That's how the golf cart's speed controller allows you to operate its acceleration rate, as well as its deceleration rate.
How to control a cart's speed?
In addition to controlling the cart’s speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer. Limit the current to the motor to protect both engine and controller in case of overloading. Determine the battery current so that battery is protected from excessive discharging. Monitor battery health and charge.
Why is a speed controller important?
Why Club Car Speed Controllers are Important. The basic function of a speed controller is, as the name implies, to control and manage the cart's speed. If your golf cart is working on a Brushless DC or AC motor, you will not be going anywhere without a speed controller.
What does it mean when there is no controller?
When there is no controller, it means battery drainage is at its peak, as motors can operate independently at their high speed, which increases stress on the mechanical and electrical components. A speed controller notes the battery voltage and current to the motor based on operator input types like the throttle, twist grip, or pedal force.
Why replace club car speed controller?
There are several reasons why you might want to replace or repair your Club Car speed controller, including customization of Club Car, adjustment or upgrade of the motor, or upgrading Club Car controller to better fit your needs.
Is a speed controller always fully understood?
Even though it is one of the essential parts of any electric vehicle, the speed controller is not always completely understood. Here's everything you should know about Club Car's speed controller and its adjustment.
Can you program a speed controller yourself?
There are many other features available while programming the controller yourself. Most modern speed controllers are easy to program by a computer or a handheld programmer. This allows users to manage various controller settings and enables you to tune the controller's performance to match with the motor.
Where is the controller on a golf cart?
This controller is typically located under the seat on your golf cart. Determining if the controller is bad is a relatively simple procedure. Lift the golf cart's bench seat to gain access to the engine. Locate the governor on the engine. This is the small “T”-shaped metallic rod around the top of the golf cart’s motor.
How fast does a golf cart go?
The speed controller, also known as the “governor,” generally keeps a golf cart from exceeding 10 miles per hour.
How to find the governor on a golf cart?
Locate the governor on the engine. This is the small “T”-shaped metallic rod around the top of the golf cart’s motor. Look for the carburetor in the engine. The carburetor is the cylindrical shaped object in the engine that has valves pointing up and out of the motor. Pull on the governor closer to the carburetor.
Why is a golf cart controller important?
From being able to change your golf cart's speed to manage all the electrical components perfectly, the controller is an important element of your cart. You could say the controller is the heart of your cart. A properly selected and maintained controller will allow the vehicle to operate smoothly and safely. Learn more about your Club Car speed ...
What is the function of a speed controller on a golf cart?
Following are some of the primary functions of the speed controller: Limiting Motor Current – Protects the motor and controller from damage in case of stalling and overloading. Limiting Battery Current – Managing current drawn from the battery ...
Why won't my golf cart run?
If your controller is damaged, your cart won't run. However, a few other reasons could lead your vehicle to stop running. Since the speed controller is the heart of your electric golf cart, you need to make sure that the problem is not something else first. Following is a list of things to check before you troubleshoot the speed controller.
What to do if your golf cart doesn't start?
If the cart doesn't start, check the solenoid. If the solenoid is working fine and allowing power to flow, then you can begin inspecting the controller. Learn more about symptoms of a bad golf cart solenoid. If all the components are working well, the next step is to check the speed controller.
How to start a golf cart when it's dead?
Start with batteries and make sure they are working properly. If your batteries are dead, your golf cart will not start. Charge your batteries completely, and then try to drive the cart.
What is a club car controller?
The Club Car controller is also known as a speed controller, and the best thing about the controller is that it works as a brain and speed control system for the golf cart.
What is a programmable controller?
Programmable Controller. The programmable controller can easily be configured for the needs of your cart. This controller's most significant and important advantage is that programmable controllers produce 60% less heat than other controllers.
How does amperage affect golf carts?
It will determine how far you can travel on a single charge in an electric golf cart. The more amperage in a battery pack, the further you can drive before having to charge.
How to tell 12 volt golf cart battery?
A 12 volt battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 6 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. A single 12 volt golf cart battery will have the least amperage capacity and is commonly used in 72 volt battery systems which are not terribly common among golf carts. EZGO golf cart batteries are known to be use 4-12 volt battery systems in some of their golf cart models.
What is the controller in a car?
A controller determines how much amperage is delivered from the batteries to the controller. Voltage is great to know, however the true knowledge lies with the total amperage in a battery pack. To get a better idea of what amperage is like in a car, let us discuss the relationship between Horsepower and MPG.
How to tell if a golf cart battery is 6 volts?
A 6 volt golf cart battery can be identified by seeing batteries with 3 cell caps on top of the battery indicating 2 volts per cell. Generally speaking, a single 6 volt battery will have the highest amperage capacity and will allow for the greatest range in an 8-6 volt battery system.
What to do when buying an electric golf cart?
If you are in the market to purchase an electric golf cart, then the simplest thing to do first and foremost is considering the age of your golf cart batteries. This is important due to many consumers being misled as to the age of the batteries in the cart they are purchasing. At times, a consumer will be told by a private party or dealer ...
How many cycles does a lithium battery last?
Also, some lithium batteries carry a lifetime warranty and can deliver up to 5000 cycles versus the typical 100-500 cycles for a lead acid battery. Even with a 500-cycle lead acid battery cart, that means replacing the power source 10 times more than the lithium-ion model.
What kind of batteries are used in golf carts?
While the aim of this article is to discuss primarily deep cycle batteries used in golf carts, some people are interested about learning the other types of batteries being used in Golf Cars. We have an article for you that discusses differing battery types in detail specifically for you.
How long does a rechargeable battery last?
The chemical reactions in rechargeable batteries can happen hundreds of times, and in both directions, which can typically give you anywhere between 2 – 10 years of battery life. (This depends on how well you take care of your battery, and the amount of use it gets).
How long does it take for a lithium ion battery to charge?
Lithium Ion batteries are going to charge almost 80% of the battery in 1 hour, and can completely charge in 3 hours. 2. Lithium Ion Batteries Last Longer. Lithium Ion batteries are going to last you a lot longer than traditional Lead Acid. The chemistry used in Lithium Ion allows for more charge cycles.
What happens when a battery is charged?
When the battery is charging, the positive electrode, or lithium-cobalt oxide, gives up a portion of its lithium ions, which pass through the electrolyte to the graphite, or negative electrode and stay there. During this process the batteries are taking in and storing energy. When the battery is discharging, the ions are passed back to ...
The Importance of The Speed Controller
Speed Controller Functions
Programming Your Speed Controller
Determining Your Power Rating Needed
Choosing The Right Controller
- Like I previously stated, you need to make sure you know what your vehicle is going to be used for! If your golf cart is going to be used for transporting 2 people or light loads on flat ground, and smooth roads, a small 200-300 AMP controller with a 2-5 horsepower motor should adequately perform. You’ll find that most vehicles in this category run...
Final Thoughts