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what controls the speed of an electric golf cart

by Fred Casper Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Essentially, your golf cart's speed controller sends its current and battery voltage to its motor. This process depends on your golf cart's input device, which includes its throttle. That's how your golf cart's speed controller lets you operate its acceleration rate, as well as its deceleration rate.Aug 29, 2019

How to increase the speed of electric club car golf cart?

How to Make an Electric Club Car Golf Cart Go Faster

  1. Use a soapy solution to wash the cart, including the tires. Be sure to remove all of the dirt and debris between the wheels.
  2. Remove the seat of your cart and be sure that all internal wires are plugged in tightly and securely so that they are running and operating at their ...
  3. Be sure that no connections are limiting the movement of the gas pedal. ...

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What can go wrong in an electric golf cart?

Why your EZGO golf cart stops suddenly?

  • Diagnostic mode: Try out the Diagnostic mode in the golf cart. ...
  • Voltage readings: Check out the voltages that are being recorded by the batteries. ...
  • Low voltage: The low voltage levels may also cause excess amperage which may end up in the controls to return to thermal cut.

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How to make an electric golf cart faster?

How to make your EZGO Golf Cart Go Faster (STEPS)

  • Add more torque
  • Upgrade the motor
  • Increase the battery voltage
  • Decrease the load

How to make EZGO faster?

  • Gasoline Engines. One way to increase the speed of a gasoline-powered EZ Go golf cart is to add an octane booster when you fill the gas tank.
  • Electric Motors.
  • Speed Controllers.
  • Gearing and Chips.

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What determines the speed of a golf cart?

If it is a newer cart model, mostly 48 volts, it requires a code for the computer of the cart. Using these modifications will get your cart's speed up to approximately 19 mph. If you want more speed than that, you are looking at getting an upgraded motor.

What does a 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.

Do electric golf carts have speed limiters?

Consider Replacing Your Speed Control Consult with your golf cart manufacturer, but replacing your speed control can increase your speed to 20 mph or more, depending on your upgrade. A typical electric cart without an upgraded speed control tops out around 12 mph.

How can I increase the speed of my electric golf cart?

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.

Where is the speed sensor located on a Club Car golf cart?

The speed sensor in a Club Car Precedent golf cart is located on the back of the motor. To remove the sensor, unplug the cables behind the motor. You can use a 5/16-inch socket to remove the pigtail connector and pop off the plastic housing that encases the speed sensor.

How do I test my golf cart speed 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 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 take a speed limiter off a golf cart?

0:040:46How to remove governor on a Club Car golf cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the farther you bend that normally the faster it goes and then that's it basically when you wantMoreSo the farther you bend that normally the faster it goes and then that's it basically when you want to return your heart you just bend that back down and go back to normal speed.

Is a 48V golf cart faster than a 36V?

Basically, a 48V system gives you more “pep in your step” and picks up/speeds up a bit faster than a 36V system. Energy Needed/Amps Drawn- A 48V system draws less amps and provides a little more range with all things being equal (cart/passenger payload weight, motor horsepower, etc).

Why is my electric golf cart so slow?

Low Battery Usually, the most common reason golf carts slow down is when they don't get enough power output from the battery. If the battery pack charge is very low and your cart is out of power, your cart will run slow.

How fast can a 48v golf cart go?

The standard 48v golf cart will travel between 12 to 14 mph. However, if you apply modifications to the vehicle you can expect top speeds of 20 to 24mph.

Where is the governor on a golf cart?

0:101:28Where Is a Golf Cart Governor Located? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell a golf cart's governor located is actually down in the motor. Compartment. Some of them theseMoreWell a golf cart's governor located is actually down in the motor. Compartment. Some of them these electric ones nowadays. Actually the governor isn't a true governor. It is a control speed.

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 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.

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 I fix my golf cart controller?

Here are 5 steps you should follow for a DIY fix to your golf cart's speed controller.Flip the maintenance switch. ... Reset the battery cable. ... Check your connections. ... Test the solenoid. ... Check your controller's power output.

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, ...

How does a golf cart work?

On a golf cart, pressing the accelerator pedal down does two things…first, a microswitch energizes the system by activating a powered solenoid. Second, the linkage either operates a potentiometer or a plunger that passes through a Throttle Position Sensor. This sends a variable electrical signal to the controller. This signal, based on the strength it sends, tells the speed controller what level current to send to the motor.

How to check if a golf cart has a solenoid?

THIS IS NOT a function of the speed controller. It is a separate component that turns the speed controller on. If there is no click, this check should include the microswitch at the pedal as well as the connections going to the solenoid. If you need to do in-depth testing of the solenoid, refer to the article “Bad Solenoid In Your Golf Cart? Here’s How To Test And Fix It”.

What does a golf cart controller light mean?

Most controllers will have a small light that will begin to flash a code sequence that can be compared to the golf cart manual. If the code indicates the source voltage is incorrect, then you will need to go back over the previous steps. If the code indicates a controller fault, then the controller will need a reset, repair, or a replacement order.

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.

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.

How many amps does a club car need?

If the cart is mainly used to transport 1 to 2 people or light loads on smooth roads, a small 2-5 horsepower and lower controller around 200-300 Amps will work best.

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.

Why limit current to motor?

Limit the current to the motor to protect both engine and controller in case of overloading.

How does an electric golf cart work?

Basically, an electric golf cart works in this process, firstly the electric power goes from the battery to the motor, and then the motor runs the wheels of the cart. The whole thing is about when and what power should be delivered. The battery pack is a really basic thing. It can be 6-48 volts in a golf cart.

What is the speed controller on a golf cart?

This does not sound like a clever name but it is one of the most important parts of the golf cart’s motor. The speed controller is a variable resistor. You will find it in most of the electric systems.

How does a golf cart battery work?

The battery pack is the thing that provides the energy to make the golf cart going. Battery basically works by changing the chemical energy into electrical energy. Different types of batteries use different types of chemicals. But most of the parts are the same.

How many volts does a golf cart battery pack have?

The battery pack is a really basic thing. It can be 6-48 volts in a golf cart. Well, we will discuss all the facts about how a golf cart motor works and what components are connected with it.

What is the solenoid on a golf cart?

For that reason, an electric golf cart has a speed controller and a solenoid. In a simple word, a solenoid is a switch but technically it is a relay. That helps to use one circuit to control another.

Why does a solenoid help with speed?

So, a solenoid helps to control the speed, right? When you will push the pedal down, your cart will speed up because the solenoid will send more energy to the motor through the circuits. When you will release the pedal the cart will be slow down because the solenoid does so.

How to make a golf cart faster?

How can I make my golf cart faster? 1 Adding more torque to your golf cart 2 You may upgrade your golf cart motor 3 Improving the high-speed controller of your golf cart 4 Adding the better golf cart tires 5 Using the high-powered golf cart batteries 6 Try to make your golf cart lighter in weight

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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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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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Determining Your Power Rating Needed

  • After you have figured out your motor type and battery voltage, consider looking deeper into the current and power rating of your speed controller. This will be based on multiple aspects including the weight and size of the vehicle (load included), your average vehicle speed, and the environment in which your vehicle will be riding in. The power provided by the controller will obvi…
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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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