How do you test a golf cart controller?
To test a club car precedent controller, connect a voltmeter between the negative terminal of your cart’s battery and the M terminal on the controller. Then push the pedal down and look for a clicking noise from the solenoid. Your batteries should read as full. You must determine whether your golf cart batteries are working properly or not.
Why is my golf cart controller not working?
For example, if a golf cart is left for no use for a longer period, then capacitors used in the golf cart controller tends to dry up which leads to a malfunction of the controller internally. Due to their expense, you want to be sure your controller is the major reason and problem with your Club Car.
Is the speed controller the heart of your golf cart?
We wanted to provide you with this Golf Cart Speed Controllers: A Beginners Guide, in order to explain why the speed controller is the heart of your cart. Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do.
How do I know if my electric golf cart motor is bad?
To determine whether your electric golf cart motor is bad or not, you need to test it first. Sometimes the problem is easy to detect, but sometimes you need to check the entire electrical system.
How do you test a golf cart controller?
How to Test a Club Car Golf Cart Speed 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 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.
Can you repair a golf cart controller?
If you have opened the case of your controller, if it is severely melted, severely corroded, or if has been underwater, it is often not repairable. However, sometimes even controllers which look good from the outside may not be rebuildable.
How do I check the speed controller on my electric golf cart?
0:002:12How to bench check curtis controller and golf cart motor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo the curtis controller. And just clap your positive. There then you're going to take anotherMoreTo the curtis controller. And just clap your positive. There then you're going to take another jumper lead to give you your voltage to power up the controller.
How do I know if my golf cart controller is bad?
X Common Symptoms of Controller FailureTop Speeds Not Appropriate for Your Cart. Golf carts are designed to reach pretty specific speeds and to not go over them or beneath them. ... Sudden and Unexpected Slowing. ... Shuttering or Shaky Driving. ... Stalling Out and Refusing to Start. ... Surges in Speed When Driving.
How can I test my speed controller?
0:395:30Testing controller for blown mosfetts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe start by connecting one of the probe to the ground wire of the controller. And you take theMoreWe start by connecting one of the probe to the ground wire of the controller. And you take the positive probe.
How do you fix a motor controller?
0:1111:21Finding and Replacing Blown Motor Controller Mosfets - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you can use the same steps for practically. Any controller that has MOSFETs. The tools that we'MoreBut you can use the same steps for practically. Any controller that has MOSFETs. The tools that we're going to need are a multimeter. We're gonna need some hack tools to get inside the controller.
How do you bypass a golf cart controller?
2:444:33How to Bypass On Board Computer | Club Car Precedent Golf Cart | OBCYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can cut it. Real close to the OBC. And then put a ring terminal. As. I think that's a 5/16 holeMoreWe can cut it. Real close to the OBC. And then put a ring terminal. As. I think that's a 5/16 hole in it so it goes right over this tournament either way we've got to get this wire.
How do you replace a golf cart controller?
1:426:52Torque Controller for Club Car Precedent 2008.5 and NewerYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou may need to remove the middle two batteries to make it a little easier to get the controller boxMoreYou may need to remove the middle two batteries to make it a little easier to get the controller box out of the cart.
How do you troubleshoot a club car controller?
Here are a few quick troubleshooting tips.Make sure it isn't your batteries! ... If your batteries are fully charged and your vehicle won't run, when you press on the accelerator pedal, then you should hear a clicking sound which will indicate the solenoid is engaging and allowing power to flow to your controller.More items...
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.
Where is the reset button on a ezgo golf cart motor?
Locate the motor Remove the panel so the electric motor is visible. Electric motors usually include reset buttons that can perform similar to circuit breakers. Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button.
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 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.
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.
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 to check if golf cart battery is working?
Connect a voltmeter to the negative terminal on the battery. Connect the voltmeter to the M terminal on the controller. Push down on the golf cart pedal. A clicking sound should be heard. The batteries show a full charge. You must determine whether your golf cart batteries are working properly or not.
How to tell if a golf cart is running?
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. If there is no clicking sound, then the solenoid is not allowing power to flow to your controller.
Why is my cart not starting?
If your cart doesn’t start even when your batteries are full, and no clicking sound comes from the solenoid, it means your solenoid is defective or accelerator. If you hear a distinct clicking sound, this means that there is nothing wrong with solenoid as it allows power to flow to the controller.
What is the third pin on a club car charger?
There are several sources for a specific club car charger, and you need to find out what suits your cart best. For the external charger, it is the third pin that is connected with the negative of the charger or 3-pin plug.
How to reset club car OBC?
The best way to reset your club car OBC is first to switch off the key switch. Then you put your cart to neutral and then put tow run switch to the low position. After this, you should disconnect the negative of the battery terminal from the battery set.
What is a speed controller?
The speed controller helps the rider adjust the current going to the golf cart motor, therefore adjusting the speed. This adjustment is performed by modulating voltage by the controller such that the user has full control over their club car golf cart.
What voltage should a 48V club car battery be?
For your 48 volt club car all batteries should read 9.3v so as to give the pack its optimal performance. However, if any one or more batteries give a reading below 7.0v and the same differs much more than the standard tolerable limit of 0.5v against other batteries in the pack, then such batteries are stated to be bad.
What is the most important part of a golf cart?
Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do. In this guide, we breakdown the speed controller so you have a complete understanding of their functions, and hopefully come out with the knowledge to make an educated decision on the type ...
How much horsepower does a golf cart need?
These vehicles will have motors with 5 to 10 horsepower, and controllers that can deliver 300 to 600 AMPS.
What does a battery controller do?
With the controller you are able to control your acceleration and deceleration, as well as the speed at which your vehicle moves.
Why is a speed controller important?
The Importance of the Speed Controller. The main objective for the speed controller is, as the name implies, to control the vehicle speed. Let’s say you try to operate that old DC motor without a controller. Any time you apply throttle, the full battery current and voltage is sent to the motor.
What is the function of a speed controller?
In addition to controlling the vehicles speed, there are a few other functions that speed controllers can offer, regardless of the motor you are using. Battery Current Limiter: This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage.
Can you program a speed controller yourself?
Beyond the already mentioned functions of the speed controller, there are many other features available when programming the controller yourself. If you have a computer or a handheld programmer, then changing the settings on your speed controller is super easy.
Do AC motors require a sensor?
Device Support on SPF ( Speed of Position Feedback): AC motors can require a sensor in order for the controller to operate smoothly and efficiently.
How to troubleshoot a golf cart?
GOLF CART CONTROLLER TROUBLESHOOTING 1 Make sure it isn’t your batteries! If your batteries are old and dead, then your golf cart will not operate. Charge them fully first and attempt to drive the unit. 2 If your batteries are fully charged and your vehicle won’t run, when you press on the accelerator pedal, then you should hear a clicking sound which will indicate the solenoid is engaging and allowing power to flow to your controller. If there is no distinct clicking sound, then check your solenoid. Also, it could have to do with something in the accelerator device as well. But, we can eliminate the controller as being defective. 3 If your batteries are fully charged and you get a clicking sound ensuring the solenoid is allowing power to flow to the controller, then you can begin inspecting the controller 4 Check all the wiring and signs of disconnection or damage. Also, most controllers will have an operation light that will begin to flash a morse code that will unveil the secrets of the problem. If that is the case and all of the above have been eliminated, then you are getting closer to determining it is the controller.
What does it mean when there is no controller?
When there is no controller, it means batteries drainage is at its peak, as motors can operate independently at their high speed, which would gradually increase stress on the mechanical and electrical components and let motors and batteries degrade quicker.
Why won't my club car run?
Due to their expense, you want to be sure your controller is the major reason and problem with your Club Car. First off, if your controller is bad, your vehicle won’t run. However, there are other reasons that could lead to your vehicle not running. Here are a few quick troubleshooting tips.
What is the function of a motor controller?
Following are some of the main functions of the controller, irrespective of the type of the motor: Limiting the current to the motor so that both motor and the controller could be protected in case of motor stalling and overloading.
Does a golf cart controller degrade?
As a controller in the Club Car or golf cart is made up of electrical and electronics components, it degrades gradually over time with the frequency of usage. But usage is not the only factor, controllers and the Club Car parts may also degrade in case of non-usage. For example, if a golf cart is left for no use for a longer period, ...
Can you trust aftermarket controllers?
price difference. Generally, Club Cars are made with highly precise and quality ensured engineering practices, so you can easily trust the aftermarket controllers if you don’t want to spend much.
Do golf carts have solenoids?
In the old days of golf carts, a series of solenoids were used which was not an efficient means for battery management. As today’s technology does not use full-on DC Motors, instead there exist Brushless DC Motors and AC Motors by way of which operators have the option to drive the Club Car at varying speeds.
What does it mean when a controller is not turning?
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 to check battery voltage?
Take the reading of the battery voltage by connecting the positive and negative probes to the battery. Write down the voltage reading. Test the solenoid - Place the positive probe on the solenoid post that is closest to the battery. The reading should be equal to battery's voltage. If not, there is a wiring issue in the solenoid.
Golf Cart General Introduction
The popular definition for a golf cart is that it is a small vehicle designed to carry two or more golfers and their equipment around the golf course or desert pathways to avoid walking effort.
Electric Golf Carts
The two main types of golf carts driven at the golf courses are gasoline and electric golf carts. Both of them function on the principle of a regular, less powerful gasoline or electric car, with some insignificant differences. Electric golf cars are popular with their environmentally friendly mode of operation.
Common Things That Can Go Wrong With An Electric Golf Cart
Buying and driving an electric golf cart, you should be aware that, just like other cars, it has a lifespan, and its parts also wear out. Some golfers perceive their carts as small, funny vehicles that can drive them around the golf course forever.
How To Avoid Or Mitigate The Issues
The key to avoiding or mitigating possible electrical golf carts malfunctioning is, as already mentioned a few times above, proper and regular maintenance. Golf cart owners should perceive their small electric vehicles as regular cars with a more restricted use range.
The Elite Of The Electrical Golf Carts
Pointing out so many common issues with the electrical golf carts may leave you with the wrong impression that they are pretty problematic vehicles. Let’s clarify that technical issues are typical for the used carts but are quite unusual for new carts with a warranty.
Electric Golf Carts FAQ
To determine whether your electric golf cart motor is bad or not, you need to test it first. Sometimes the problem is easy to detect, but sometimes you need to check the entire electrical system.
Sources
Wikipedia, “Golf Cart.” Wikimedia Foundation, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf_cart Assessed June 8, 2021
