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how to check your golf cart speed controller

by Joel Casper Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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To get a more detailed checkup of the series speed controller, follow these steps:

  • First, connect the voltmeter to the controller and the battery. Connect the voltmeter to the M terminal of the speed controller and the negative terminal of the cart battery.
  • Now push on the cart pedal and check the full battery voltage.
  • As soon as the full voltage is shown, push the entire pedal down.
  • You will see that the voltage starts dropping down gradually to 0 or near 0.
  • If the voltage is not dropping, then you should check the controller’s throttle input.
  • If the voltage drops but the motor is not running, the chances are that something will start getting really hot.

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 to check the generator on your golf cart?

  • Remove the fan belt from the vehicle or machine the generator starts. ...
  • Attach the jumper wire to the armature terminal on the generator.
  • Touch the other end of the jumper wire to the positive terminal on the battery.

How to properly drive a golf cart?

  • When you go for your backswing, you should shift your weight backward. This will give your swing more power.
  • A lot of times your instinct might be to have a fast backswing thinking that it will give you more power to crush the ball. ...
  • Stay flat. ...
  • Take a steady backswing and pause at the top to reset before begin your downswing. ...

How to test your golf cart motor for a short?

How to Test a Golf Cart Motor

  1. Test the Source of Power. Before you check the motor itself, first test the source of the power: the wall socket where you charge it.
  2. Check the Batteries. After making sure the wall socket is working, it’s time to check if the batteries are the problem. ...
  3. Uncover the Motor. Finally, its time to check the motor itself. ...
  4. Detach the Wires. ...
  5. Check the Terminals. ...

How to jumpstart a golf cart?

How to Start a Golf Cart

  • Check for flat tires before you begin operating the vehicle. ...
  • Decide if you want the vehicle to move forward or backward and switch the driver select lever accordingly.
  • Put on the seatbelt. ...
  • Golf carts, like most vehicles, are operated using a key. ...
  • If you notice that the vehicle’s engine is cold, engage the choke knob by pulling it out. ...

More items...

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How do I know if my golf cart speed controller is bad?

When your golf cart's speed controller isn't operating correctly, your cart will show it by running erratically or failing to drive at one constant speed. If your cart starts showing these symptoms, the first thing you should look at is your speed controller.

How can I test my speed controller?

0:265:30Testing controller for blown mosfetts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo. We start by connecting one of the probe to the ground wire of the controller. And you take theMoreSo. We start by connecting one of the probe to the ground wire of the controller. And you take the positive probe.

How do I test my EZGO speed sensor?

The EZGO speed sensor can be tested by ensuring that the three-pin plug from the sensor is connected.Keep a wire-piercing probe over the output wire. This is usually green in color.Raise one of the wheels of the EZGO golf cart and give it one full rotation using your hand.Note the voltage reading of the cart.

How do I test my EZGO PDS controller?

PDS TEST AT THE 10 PIN CONNECTOR OF THE CONTROLLER Place the (+) probe on the black wire terminal of the connector. The reading should be slightly above 14 volts but LESS than 16 volts. If the voltage is below 14 volts, the Throttle Sensor MAY be faulty. Above 16 volts, the controller MAY be faulty.

How do you test a motor controller?

How to Test an Ebike Controller at HomeStep 1: Connect your controller to the battery.Step 2: Set the multimeter reading. ... Step 3: To test for continuity, set your multimeter to continuum. ... Step 4: Test every line that comes out of the controller. ... Step 5: Set your multimeter to resistance mode to test for resistance.More items...•

How do you know if your ESC is bad?

There are 3 phases in an ESC, each motor pad corresponds to a phase. If one of those phases is damaged, your motor will stutter (won't spin up full speed but rather it just twitches). Usually it has to do with bad MOSFET – the 8-pin surface mount chips on the board.

How do you test a speed sensor on a Club Car golf cart?

Activate the Run/Tow switch of the golf cart by keeping it in Run position and try to push the cart. If your speed sensor is good, you should hear a beep and experience resistance to the pushing action by slowing down. If the sensor is bad, your cart will start rolling.

How do you test the inductive throttle sensor on a EZ Go golf cart?

Put the key in the “On” position in your Run/Tow switch on the cart. Switch the F/R switch into a forward position to test your cart. Place your voltimeter testing pins on the throttle pins to see how much voltage you get. When the cart is running with no throttle, you should get about 10 volts here.

How does a golf cart speed sensor work?

Magnetic Style. Many golf cart motor speed sensors employ an electromagnetic power to “read” the motor rpm. Generally, there is a magnet present in the closed end of the motor as well as the sensor itself which reads how the magnet is reacting with the magnetic field inside the motor.

Can you repair a golf cart controller?

Considering the price of hiring someone to troubleshoot your golf cart's motor controller, it is far cheaper for you to do the repair work on your own. Fortunately, replacing the motor controller on a golf cart is fairly straightforward.

Why wont my golf cart go forward or reverse?

The problem could be with either the Run/Tow switch or Forward/Reverse switch or both. Check the switches to ensure that they aren't stuck midway. If they are, getting them released should help. However, if they show signs of wear and tear, you must get them replaced.

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 to test a speed sensor on a golf cart?

Two methods of testing your speed sensor are the following: Activate the Run/Tow switch of the golf cart by keeping it in Run position and try to push the cart.

Why does my golf cart stutter?

Your golf cart may move very slowly as if it’s creeping along or it may move at an erratic speed. You may experience stuttering in your golf cart like when you have a bad battery or there is a low voltage problem. A broken or damaged magnet on the motor can result in a bad speed sensor.

What happens if a cart sensor is bad?

If the sensor is bad, your cart will start rolling. Remember that if the switch is in Tow position, the cart will definitely roll. Ensure that the 3-pin plug from the sensor is connected and place a wire-piercing probe on the output green wire.

Why does my golf cart roll off?

Roll-away protection is essential for the safety of the golf cart. If the parking brake is not activated, the golf cart tends to roll off when it is in a neutral position and stopped in an incline. Please note that rolling will occur in neutral only at a predetermined speed.

Can a golf cart go fast?

Your golf cart may go fast initially and slow down drastically on its own after some time. This will happen repeatedly in a cyclic pattern. In such a situation, the car is said to be in limp-mode. You can do a roll-away test to check your golf cart speed sensor.

Can you fix a golf cart on your own?

Under NO circumstances should you attempt to fix your golf cart on your own. Doing so is dangerous and could result in serious bodily harm. The information on this website has not been verified for accuracy and should only be used for general information purposes only. Use this information at your own risk. The author (s) and owner of of golfstorageguide.com are NOT trained electricians, mechanics or technicians. The webmaster of golfstorageguide.com and the author (s) is not responsible for any loss in damages, financial loss, personal injury, or death. By using the content on this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this disclaimer.

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.

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.

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 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 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 ...

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.

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 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 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).

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.

What is the purpose of a golf cart controller?

Golf cart controllers play an important part in which its main job is to control the speed of a golf cart. However, many times, the controller tends to act up or simply stops working. This is when it is very important to troubleshoot the problem immediately. Known as the heart of the EZGO golf cart, the controller’s core objective is to control ...

What is the purpose of the speed controller on an EZGO cart?

Major functions of the speed controller of the EZGO cart are: Acceleration: The controller controls the speed of the vehicle. It also regulates the speed when you apply full throttle to the cart. Battery health maintenance : The controller makes sure that the battery is working well and is not overloaded.

What is the controller on an EZGO golf cart?

Known as the heart of the EZGO golf cart, the controller’s core objective is to control the speed of the golf cart. It is a needed component in a AC and brushless DC motor. Without the controller, the golf cart will not work. The speed controller is not present in the DC motor vehicles, which is why they do not have varying speeds.

How to check the output of a controller?

To check the controller output, follow these steps: Press the pedal of the cart until the solenoid clicks. Keep watching the voltmeter and see if it is showing the battery voltage. Now again, keep pressing the pedal and see if the voltage is going down or not.

What is the 2005 Ezgo cart?

2005 EZGO TXT cart is one of the popular ones since it has some of the best features. The features include handles on the top, the plastic front bumper is not there, and the seatback is connected.

Why does EZGO have different speeds?

However, a vehicle with a speed controller will have different speeds as it will change the voltage and current input based on user input. This is why EZGO with controllers can be accelerated and decelerated and the rate ...

Why is my cart not moving forward?

If the cart is not moving forward or the speed is not getting regulated or there is a problem in controlling the speed, then the chances are that the controller is being erratic. Then, it is very important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible.

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.

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.

Why is it important to troubleshoot a golf cart controller?

Troubleshooting the controller is extremely important for the golf cart’s smooth functioning. Generally, controllers face major issues only when there is a problem with wires or defects on the controller itself, such as marks or cracks.

What to do if your golf cart controller does not increase?

If it does not increase, then there is a problem with the controller or the batteries. Examine the batteries and check if they are dead. If dead, replace them. Examine the controller, as discussed in the previous sections. Remember to always consult a mechanic to have your golf cart controller repaired.

What are the problems with a Yamaha G22?

Yamaha G22 also faces similar problems like G9 and G16. Overheating, battery faults, wiring issues, voltage issues are some problems that might occur with your Yamaha G22. To avoid these problems, test the golf cart’s major components connected to the controller regularly.

Why is my Yamaha golf cart controller so hot?

The primary reason why a Yamaha golf cart controller gets too hot is because of overuse. When the golf cart is used for long periods of time, the controller can start overheating. The driving surface might also be a cause of heating. If driving on a straight and soft surface, the problem of heating should not occur.

How to test Yamaha G16?

To test the Yamaha g16’s speed controller, check the voltage reading while pressing the accelerator. Test other components such as the batteries, the charger, and the solenoid for their smooth functioning. If any of these components do not work as expected, then you need to replace them.

How to troubleshoot a G9 controller?

Here are some easy steps for troubleshooting the G9 controller: Check the controller’s body to locate any major defects such as cracks, scratches, or black marks. If these are found, then replace the controller immediately. If no major defects are found, then check the wiring.

Why is my golf cart not heating?

If driving on a straight and soft surface, the problem of heating should not occur. But, if driven on uneven or steep surfaces , there are chances of heating. Another reason could be the brakes. It is essential to check if the brakes are dragging while the golf cart controller is driven.

What is a golf cart speed chip?

As the name indicates, golf cart speed chips increase the speed of the cart. They help the cart to go at a speed faster than its pre-programmed speed limit set in the electronic system. These speed chips can be used with only certain cart models and can be installed easily without any tool.

How to make a golf cart go faster?

The best way to make your golf cart go faster is by upgrading to larger tires, increasing the RPM, or by using speed chips and magnets. Most golf carts today are used for not just the game alone, but also activities like farming, racing, camping, hunting and a lot more. These activities require the carts ...

How to disable a governor?

Disable the governor by drilling its arm out and get the cart fitted with stock tires. Alternatively, manipulate the governor by pulling it tight and putting a zip tie over it or tightening the 10mm nut.

Why is my speed magnet not working on my golf cart?

One reason that the speed magnet may not be working on the golf cart is that it has been turned the wrong way. Another reason is that it could be functioning as a standard magnet . This can be confirmed by checking it with another magnet to determine the number of poles it has.

What is the speed chip on a 2000 golf cart?

The EZ-Go speed chip or freedom chip can be used with 2000 model golf carts or later with electric power drive systems. This helps to increase the speed of the cart from 13.5mph to 19mph.

Why is my Club Car DS not giving the desired speed?

The Club Car DS may not give the desired speed with a new speed magnet because may be faulty. There could also be a loose cable connection in the motor or elsewhere. Ensure that the magnet is inserted so that the indentations face towards the motor.

How to raise rpm on electric cart?

One option is to change the motor with a motor of higher rpm, especially if you have a torque motor. Another option is to retain the current motor but increase its voltage rating. Replace the present battery with high power battery.

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The Importance of The Speed Controller

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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. Doing this would cause violent take-offs, bad enough your neck would snapback. …
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Speed Controller Functions

  • 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. 1. Battery Current Limiter:This protects the battery from excessive discharge. This also pulls back the battery current as it depletes, which prevents cell damage. 2. Motor Current Limiter:This can protect your vehicle controller and moto…
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Programming Your Speed Controller

  • 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. Easily access settings for your controller in order to customize the operation. You can even tune the performa…
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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 with 24 to 36 Volt battery packs. If yo…
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Final Thoughts

  • As you can see, the speed controller is the center of your golf cart, and most of the other modern day electric vehicles. Making sure you choose the right controller for your new custom cart makes all the difference in the vehicle running safely, and smoothly. When upgrading your controller for your golf cart, we suggest working with manufacturers that have spent the time building controll…
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