Help with lifted PDS, I have questions!

jallen28145

Hi, first I want to say that this forum is great, I've done a lot of research here and it's full of good info. I just sold a non-pds 2000 txt cart and bought a 2001 PDS. It is lifted and has 23x10.50x12 tires. It appears bone stock, except it has a speed chip. I installed a toggle to be able to switch to low speed so my kids can drive and that works fine. The batteries are 2006 but tested good, all about 6.35, hours after a full charge.

The other day, my kids were riding it, some mild hills, mostly flat and it started beeping 2-3 beeps, which I know is thermal overload. I put it back in "freedom" mode and drove it around and it did fine. No more beeps, but not much torque on small hills. It was only ridden maybe an hour or two and when I got it back home all the voltages are 6.10-6.15 range.

From reading, I see that its best to install a 400 alltrax on a lifted PDS cart, this one is stock, stock motor, and I believe still stock 6 ga. wires. Here are my questions:

Are my batteries toast? My old cart went all day without loosing any "oomph" but it was just slow.

Will just swapping to 4 ga. wires help? Are 2 ga. overkill?

If my batteries are toast, what's best, stay 36v or go 48v?

I assume I need to change the controller either way? I have read that the stock PDS motor can take 48v?

What will approximate speeds be with the various set ups? Also, it does have a backseat and carry some weight around the campgrounds sometimes, so a good blend of speed and torque, but I want to be able to go fast if I want! The cart seemed to be pretty quick as it is, but I am use to a fleet cart! I got a great deal on it so I don't mind spending some coin, but I just want to make sure I know what I am doing!

Thanks for reading my long post and I look forward to hearing from the experts!

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

SpoiledRotten

Hi, first I want to say that this forum is great, I've done a lot of research here and it's full of good info. I just sold a non-pds 2000 txt cart and bought a 2001 PDS. It is lifted and has 23x10.50x12 tires. It appears bone stock, except it has a speed chip. I installed a toggle to be able to switch to low speed so my kids can drive and that works fine. The batteries are 2006 but tested good, all about 6.35, hours after a full charge.

The other day, my kids were riding it, some mild hills, mostly flat and it started beeping 2-3 beeps, which I know is thermal overload. I put it back in "freedom" mode and drove it around and it did fine. No more beeps, but not much torque on small hills. It was only ridden maybe an hour or two and when I got it back home all the voltages are 6.10-6.15 range.

From reading, I see that its best to install a 400 alltrax on a lifted PDS cart, this one is stock, stock motor, and I believe still stock 6 ga. wires. Here are my questions:

Are my batteries toast? My old cart went all day without loosing any "oomph" but it was just slow.

You will read that thermal overload is collective and does not repair after it cools down.

Will just swapping to 4 ga. wires help? Are 2 ga. overkill?

4 ga cables will "definitely" help.

If my batteries are toast, what's best, stay 36v or go 48v?

I went with 48 when it was time for me to change the batteries. You'll love that upgrade.

I assume I need to change the controller either way? I have read that the stock PDS motor can take 48v?

I would say change the controller. That, along with the cables, will be the most significant upgrade at this point. The stock 36 volt motor will perform better with the 48 volt package than the stock 48 volt motor with a 48 volt pachage.

What will approximate speeds be with the various set ups? Also, it does have a backseat and carry some weight around the campgrounds sometimes, so a good blend of speed and torque, but I want to be able to go fast if I want! The cart seemed to be pretty quick as it is, but I am use to a fleet cart! I got a great deal on it so I don't mind spending some coin, but I just want to make sure I know what I am doing!

My ave. speed with 36v motor, 400 amp controller, 4 ga cables, and 48 v pack, and 22" tires, is 28 mph.



Thanks for reading my long post and I look forward to hearing from the experts!

jallen28145

Thanks for the quick reply. That's sort of what I expected to hear, and what I would like to do, but also the most expensive option! Is a 400 Alltrax sufficient with the 48v upgrade, or should I look at 500 amps?

scottyb

400 amps is adequate for all but the biggest aftermarket motors. 4g wires is enough for 400a.

jallen28145

Ok, so here is my shopping list, let me know if I'm forgetting anything. 400amp alltrax controller, 4 ga. wires, and 48 volts. What about the solenoid and diode or whatever its called? I've seen some posts mentioning a diode? What is that? Also, do I just need to get a 48v charger and change the plug? Also, since my cart is pds, are the motor cables already 4 ga. or do I need to change them too?

Thanks for all the help!

scottyb

The pds upgrade kit includes the following:
400a controller
4 gauge Pds cables
200a Solenoid
Resistor & Diode
You will also need a way to charge the 48v battery pack which can be done with a 36 and a 12 volt charger together or the much easier 48v charger.

SpoiledRotten

Scotty might even make you a good deal on a 48v charger. Scotty, do you take trade ins in this type of situation?

kgsc

Jallen.. I am running the DCX400 in mine at 36vt with 4ga on the bats, 2ga going to the PQ Bandit, 200a sol on 22" tires and she will top out at 32mph. Not sure how but I checked it on two different gps's in opposite directions. When my bats get to the "point" I will probably go to 48 but not sure. New charger, new sol, new bat meter, yada yada.. As you have not bought your pieces yet, this is the time for you..

jallen28145

Good info, thanks! Nice cart and 32 is moving!

ohwhofarted

I have #2 on mine. Hard to cram it all in that controller cover but when you do, it's fine. Just PLEASE do it right the first time. Strip, solder, crimp, shrink tube, oxidizer. repeat.