What is a tow run switch on a golf cart?
The tow run switches are used in golf carts with separately excited motor and corresponding controller. Moreover, what happens if you tow a golf cart in run mode? Towing in run backfeeds through the system and can damage the controller and also can cause motor windings to be damaged.
Is your golf cart’s tow mode confusing you?
Whether you are a long time owner or a recent purchaser of a golf cart, there may be some confusion surrounding your vehicle’s tow mode. This confusion is entirely common. In fact, occasionally golf cart owners are never even introduced to the vehicle’s tow mode upon purchasing their vehicle from a licensed dealer.
What does the toggle switch do on an electric golf cart?
This toggle switch is used to temporarily “kill” the brain of the electric cart for towing, maintenance, and long-term storage. The electronic speed controller in most modern golf cars with regenerative braking (REGEN) sucks up a small amperage all the time, even when the car is off and parked.
How do you tow a golf cart when it dies?
Any time your cart dies or is in need to being towed, you MUST utilize the tow run switch and flip it to the “TOW” position. Otherwise, the cart will think it is rolling downhill and will try to activate the roll away feature described above. Basically, you’ll be trying to tow a cart which is fighting you to slow itself down.
What is the tow switch on a club car?
TOW / RUN switches are basically kill switches designed to disable the golf cart. there are several reasons for this switch. Usually, a TOW / RUN switch is only used on electric golf carts, specifically those with a separately excited electrical system with regenerative braking.
Will a golf cart run in tow mode?
Yes, you can charge your golf cart in tow mode. Though this mode does cause your cart to switch off its computer, that doesn't mean that it affects the battery or other elements of your cart.
Do you charge golf cart in run or tow?
Your golf cart needs to be charged in Run. Tow should only be used in long term storage or if you are going to remove the battery.
How do you turn off tow mode on a golf cart?
In order for this electronic speed controller to continue to work even when the cart is not in use, your golf cart will continue to draw a small amount of energy from the battery. The only way to disable this continued drain on the battery is by flipping the tow run switch to tow.
How do you tow a dead golf cart?
Release Motor Brake On An EZGO RXV When Batteries Have PowerPut your golf cart key in the neutral position.Lift the front seat.Switch the golf cart tow/run switch to tow.This will allow your golf cart to roll and turns off the motor brake.
Should I keep my golf cart charger 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.
Can you overcharge batteries in a golf cart?
Overcharging your golf cart batteries may damage them. It is best to use an automatic charger that turns itself off when a battery is fully charged. Some older models lack this important feature. If you must use a manual charger, don't forget to turn it off.
Tow Run
The tow run switch, also sometimes called a tow maintenance switch, is present in many brands and models of modern golf carts. This switch is only installed into golf carts with a separately excited motor which produces regenerative braking. They are not used in traditional golf carts with a series wound motor.
Separately Excited Systems
The tow run switches are used in golf carts with separately excited motor and corresponding controller. The electronic speed controllers used in this application have a bit of logic memory within, similar to your automobile’s stereo when it saves your favorite preset stations.
Roll Away Feature
There is also another use for the tow run switches used in golf carts with a sepex controllers and motors. Most carts with this type of system also have a special feature built into the programming of the controller, called the “Roll Away” feature.
The Tow Run Switch Explained
In general, a golf cart’s tow mode is activated via a tow run switch, which occasionally is referred to as a tow/ maintenance switch. This switch is common among modern golf carts and is rarely present on older models. The reason for this variance is that tow run switches are only installed on golf carts with a separately excited motor.
Where is the Tow Run Switch Located
Most likely, the tow run switch for your golf cart is located in the battery compartment. As you are probably aware, this compartment is almost always under a golf cart’s seat. The tow run switch should be in plain sight.
Will a Golf Cart Charge in Tow Mode?
The simple answer to this question is, yes, your golf cart will charge while tow mode is activated. Yes, activating tow mode will disable your cart’s computer, but it does not affect your battery or its charging capabilities. However, you can also charge your golf cart while it’s tow maintenance switch is toggled to ‘run’.
Why do you flip the cart switch to the tow position?
If you want to leave your cart at a second home, or anywhere not on charge for a long period of time, you should flip this switch to the “TOW” position to conserve battery life and prevent the amp draw from the controller.
What happens when a tow/run switch is in the run position?
Tow/Run Switch: When the Tow/Run switch is in the RUN position, the vehicle will function normally. When the switch is in the TOW position, power to the OBC and controller is shut off, disabling the vehicle operating circuit.
What to do if a golf cart fails to run?
Also, if the cart ever fails to run and needs to be towed, you should switch this toggle over to the “TOW” position to stop any damage to your golf cart. Flipping the switch to “TOW” when your are working on the electrical system of the car or before any batteries are connected or disconnected. Place Run/Tow switch in TOW position ...