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what is a golf cart controller?

by Velma Fritsch Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The working principle of the golf cart controller is simple to understand. It alters the power to the cart’s motor, thus allowing the user to control the speed and torque of their vehicle. The larger the controller, the more current it provides, allowing the cart to generate more power.

A controller works like a dimmer switch for a light. It varies “power” by modulating voltage. By using a controller, it allows the user to vary the current to the motor thus adjusting the speed of the vehicle. A larger controller is capable of providing more current thus allowing the motor to produce more torque.

Full Answer

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.

Who rebuilds golf cart controllers?

GolfCarCatalog.com has a rebuild and repair service for many models of electronic speed controllers for golf carts, utility vehicles, forklifts, scissorlifts, and many industrial vehicles. Repairing your speed controller costs a fraction as much as buyng a replacement controller. All of the controllers we rebuild are repaired by a certified rebuilder and have a one year warranty against repair defects.

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. ...

What does a golf cart speed controller do?

What is Golf Cart Speed Code 5?

  • This speed code allows the golf cart to go at the highest possible speed.
  • The code removes all rpm restrictions so that the stock controller performs like an Alltrax controller to give maximum torque and speed by matching the controller with the motor.
  • The speed code has motor speed/RPM limits unlike speed magnets for the driver’s safety.

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What is the purpose of a golf cart controller?

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.

What is a golf cart speed controller?

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 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.

What does EZGO controller do?

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.

How much does a speed controller cost?

Each Controller is completely epoxy potted, which eliminates all controller failures due to vibration and water corrosion. These controllers produce up to 60% less heat than many competing controllers. Programmable....Part #Series ControllersAmpsPrice400$565500$649600$6802 more rows

How can I make my electric golf cart go faster without upgrading?

How to Make an Electric Golf Cart Faster Without UpgradesWash Your Cart Properly. ... Inspect the Batteries. ... Refill the Battery Water. ... Check the Gas Pedal and Linkage. ... Measure the Tire Pressure. ... Charge Up Your Battery Unit. ... Lighten Up Your Cart's Weight.

How do you bypass a golf cart controller?

1:594:09So 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 you test a golf cart motor 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 test a controller on a Club Car?

2:5915:02Out of the key switch. And into this micro switch. Now to make sure this micro switch is working.MoreOut of the key switch. And into this micro switch. Now to make sure this micro switch is working. Now this will also give us light even if it's not at 4-4 or reverse it's in neutral it gets light as

How can I make my EZGO golf cart faster?

One way to increase the speed of EZ Go golf carts is to incorporate an octane booster when you fill the tank. The cart will have more pick-up, and it could gain as much as 5 mph. A different approach is to take out the throttle linkage governor on the carburetor.

How do you install a golf cart controller?

1:2511:10First we're going to take our rear inspection panel off by removing these four bulbs.MoreFirst we're going to take our rear inspection panel off by removing these four bulbs.

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.

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).

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 role of a golf cart controller?

The controller on your golf cart plays a very crucial role in its working. It controls the acceleration, torque and speed of your golf cart. So, without a working controller, your golf cart will drive unpredictably, and it will not maintain a constant speed. Despite it being so vital to the golf cart, not many people know much about how this device ...

How does a golf cart controller work?

It alters the power to the cart’s motor, thus allowing the user to control the speed and torque of their vehicle. The larger the controller, the more current it provides, allowing the cart to generate more power. While this does make the cart go faster, ...

Why is a speed controller important in a golf cart?

Not only does it give you more acceleration and torque, but it can help maintain a constant speed and regulate the current to the motor to avoid whiplash from violent takeoffs.

What is Alltrax controller?

Alltrax has been one of the top go-to companies for controllers and electric vehicle systems for quite a while now and is known to have exceptional research, development and engineering.

Can a golf cart controller cause stress?

In addition, over-speeding can add extreme stress to the components of the cart. Golf cart controllers present you with several options, and each one can generate different output levels according to input voltages. The choice of the controller suitable to you depends entirely on the intended usage of the cart.

Does a controller make a cart go faster?

While this does make the cart go faster, the controller serves more than just this purpose. Regulating the speed prevents excess current and voltage from going to the motor, which otherwise can result in violent takeoff and whiplash. In addition, over-speeding can add extreme stress to the components of the cart.

How does a golf cart speed controller work?

We can get you any golf cart speed controller you need. A controller works like a dimmer switch for a light. It varies “power” by modulating voltage. By using a controller, it allows the user to vary the current to the motor thus adjusting the speed of the vehicle.

Why is a larger controller needed?

A larger controller is capable of providing more current thus allowing the motor to produce more torque. • Changing the controller only on a series motor will not increase the speed of the vehicle but it will slightly increase the torque.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

What is a speed controller on a golf cart?

For those who are new to golf carts, a speed controller, as the name suggests, is a device that helps control the speed of an electric vehicle. It may not seem like much, but it’s actually one of the most important parts you can install on a golf cart.

What is a speed controller?

The speed controller helps to regulate the reversing AC signals, allowing the motors rotation to keep in time. The speed controller meters your voltage and current based on the input, whether that be a throttle, or gas pedal. Now you can control the acceleration and deceleration of your golf cart.

Where are Navitas controllers made?

Navitas has been in business since 2013 and is based out of Waterloo, Ontario. Their business strives to create the best aftermarket speed controllers for electric carts.

Does Navitas make golf cart controllers?

The good news is, Navitas makes controllers for every type of golf cart, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding the right one for you. The next thing you’ll want to do is figure out if you need a controller for an AC system or a DC system.

Does Navitas have a speed controller?

As you can see, Navitas has a variety of controllers to choose from, no matter what kind of golf cart you have. In this article we explained to you the function of a speed controller, and how an upgrade could improve the quality of your custom golf cart.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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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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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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