2001 DS 36v down on power

rtbraun

I just purchased a 2001 Club Car DS 36v cart which is not running as it should. It's currently going no faster than 3-5mph uphill on very small grades, no more than 8mph on flat surfaces, and really pretty much limitless on downgrades. After researching this site and the interweb extensively I've found that most times this issue is related to the speed sensor but that does not help since the cart is a series model.

I'm mechanically inclined and work on my own vehicles but this is the first foray into carting so really open to about any suggestions. The batteries have 37v at rest, I have to check the voltage under load tomorrow when I can get the dash apart and tap into the charging gauge that someone added to it (no numbers, just colors).

Thanks,

Rob

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

teecro

Keep in mind that with such an old cart in may indeed be limited to Speed Setting 1 which is 8 MPH...

rtbraun

Thanks, I'm not sure what speed setting 1 is. Is this something that can be changed? I was planning on putting in a motor from plum quick but if there are other things that can be upgraded I would prefer to start there.

rtbraun

I found that speed code are something set on the controller but this cart does not have one. It has a v glide series system with a 3.97hp motor. Maybe I need to replace the v glide or convert to a controller.

teecro

Your more than likely better off throwing your money at new batteries as that 37.0 volt reading you gave is about 65 to 70 % SOC to which you do not want to go below 36.3 before charging again, or allow to drop below 31 volts during use... So if you have not charged the batteries get them fully charged and get some reading as planned... So I'm thinking you bought an old cart with old tired batteries....

mrgolf

Is the charge plug round?

rtbraun

teecro, Ok, I'll put it on the charger and re-check the voltage while sitting and check while under load today. Thanks for the advice! I also noticed that one of the jumpers between batteries 3-4 was pretty hot last night when we got done driving (using that loosely) it around the neighborhood.

mrgolf, The charger receptacle is rectangular.

mrgolf

Just wanted to make sure, we have had 48 volt carts with 36 volt battery packs.

teecro

Do not drive until you have checked all the battery connections, namely the one you said was HOT as that is a sign of a poor connection. If you get too much heat you can melt the lead right off of a battery... I'm still betting that you got bad batteries....

rtbraun

Yeah I was worried about the heat in the one wire so I took everything apart and went to town with some 60 grit and wire brush. When I put it back together I used all 4 gauge wire, new brass for the glide, new brass washers on the coils, and it made a huge difference. It's still not the fastest thing on the block but way better. I'm now getting around 12-16mph on flat road with 5-7 on inclines using a GPS speedometer. I just read about the charging cycle and the Accu Power charger that came with it and from what I understand the amp reading should work its way down to 4-8 amps when fully charged. It started out at 22 amps and after 3 hours it worked its way down to 15 amps.

I think you're spot on though, even if the batteries sat in a corner and didn't get used they're a decade old so I'm going to replace them. What is a good brand to go with since I may have to order them online?