1990 DS Electric does not Respond to Accelerator

Rider248

I have a 1990 Club Car DS 36v electric in reasonably good condition mechanically and aesthetically. It had been very well maintained when I bought it, had new batteries installed 7/2014 and has always worked well. Usage is 95% golf, 5% misc. around neighborhood or campground. When not in use it is stored on a trailer and completely covered.

During a round of golf the cart simply stopped with no warning or obvious signs of malfunction. The batteries are all good, the connections throughout the wiring system appear to be intact and a visual inspection of the fuse, linkage and V-glide didn't reveal any obvious problems. The lights, turn signals, reverse alarm etc. all function properly so I've eliminated the batteries as the issue.

A friend recommended Buggies Gone Wild, saying that collectively y'all could offer advice and instruction on how to repair ANYTHING cart related, so here I am. I am a DIY'er equipped with tools and an able-bodied teen son assistant who I employ as slave labor in exchange for keys to his truck, but I need some experienced guidance. Being a "newbie" to cart repair, I don't want to start messing around with components I know nothing about until I get some good info. Folks . . . I need some good info!

When I depress the accelerator pedal nothing happens in forward or reverse. I suspect this is a minor repairable issue but need some guidance. Thanks in advance for your assistance.

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

scottyb

Does the solenoid click when you try to go?

cartattach

Do the basics. Check batt voltages (and under load of you can....fastest way to find a bad cell battery. Check the battery water Once the basics are done, the mcor failures could happen that way. The mcor is about the only part in a ds likely to fail. But you should also use your multimeter to assure current is getting to its intended destination.

crash test dummy

not on the 90 36v ds
he has a v-glide

first answer scottyb's question
do the wire check
wiggle and tug on all wires and cables

Sergio

I agree, the solenoid not engaging is the most likely problem.

The 36v reference below is nominal voltage and it should be approximately your pack voltage.

If Your wire colors don't match, do not follow the test procedures.

The green wire on the solenoid small post goes to the pedal micro switch and provides the negative for the Solenoid.

The yellow wire on the solenoid small post goes to the FNR micro switch and provides the positive for the Solenoid.

Lift one wheel off the ground, turn the key on, put FNR in Forward and press the pedal.

Set meter to 200vDC scale.

Measure the voltage across the solenoid small posts: green (meter negative probe) and yellow (meter positive probe) wires.

If You get +36v and the solenoid does not click, replace the solenoid.

If You don't get +36v, find out which side is missing:

Measure the voltage between the pack negative battery post (meter negative probe) and the yellow wire (meter positive probe) at the solenoid small post.

If You don't get +36v, the micro switch in the FNR is the problem.

Measure the voltage between the pack positive battery post (meter positive probe) and the green wire (meter negative probe) at the solenoid small post.

If You don't get +36v, the micro switch inside the Vglide is the problem.

Rider248

I've checked the wiring, battery cables and connections; no obvious issues. When the accelerator is depressed the only sound heard is the brush inside the V-glide contacting the copper wire coils. I cleaned those with electronic parts cleaner. The batteries test out well with all showing 6.2+ volts. I'm searching for a schematic that will guide me through the various parts and connections. If anybody has a resource for this, I would appreciate a nudge in the right direction.
Questions:
1. How do I "measure the voltage across the solenoid small posts"?
2. Using a multimeter, where would I place the leads?
Don't want to seem stupid but would rather ask first and get good advice then plow in and really screw something up. About to go work on it now so we'll see how it goes.

Sergio

I agree with you to ask questions if it is not clear

I was able to edit my original post and add the meter probes placement.

Rider248

Sergio, you 'da man! Caught me as I was walking out the door to wrestle with the cart. I'll keep you posted and THANKS SO MUCH.

crash test dummy

Rider248

EXCELLENT DIAGRAM! Thanks, CTD.