Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

I recently bought a club car ds 1997 powerdrive plus with a wiper between the batteries.
I need help with testing procedures. The cart, besides not running is in good condition. The only history I know of the cart is guy said it only needs batteries. I am trying to find out if the controller is bad. The t-shaped one. One of the relays does not click. I think it is the one that is suppose to click when key is turned on. Here are some pics. I will keep posting throughout the process of fixing this cart.
https://ibb.co/pzqGmXY

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

http://https://ibb.co/pzqGmXY
on the picture of the relay, the big black wire is a positive lead.

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

I have tested the motor, it works.
When I turn the key, no click. When I toggle the f/r rocker switch, and press on pedal, it clicks but does not engage motor. Just a high pitched whine.

hooked batteries back up. 50 volts. plugged in charger. would not show any amps charge. only way i could get charger to work was charger plugged in, turn key, in neutral, pushed pedal. now charging 5-6 amps at 56 volts.

i have 2 solenoids, only one clicks. other doesnt. anyone want to help me step by step what to test next????

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

I have not found a service manual or wiring diagram that fits my cart exactly. the closest wiring diagram has everything except my cart has a multi-step wiper .
https://i.ibb.co/R08Z5HR/IMG-20201015-185205899.jpg

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

Run run run! Lol

That is a Regen 1 cart and that "T" type controller is obsolete and does not have any replacements I know of for years. Most converted them back in the day to Regen 2's, but those kits are long gone too. Now they are converted to an IQ cart with an IQ harness, MCOR, and Run/Tow switch which allows for a New style (today's) controller.

You are correct, when the key is turned on, you should hear the main solenoid click, then when you select fwd and press the pedal the MS in the V-glide (pie) will click and the cart should go. Do you hear the MS in the v-glide clicking? In regen 1's were a nightmare to troubleshoot because the were so convoluted in the controls and power area. The OBC supplied a lot of the inputs for powering. The T type controller was faulty from the get-go.

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

i do hear the MS in the vglide click. and i tested it as well as i know how , and it appeared to be working as the multimeter changed while depressing at different levels.

the relay that has full bank power lead coming from positive does not ever click.

i have a suspicion that the controller is bad, but would like to test it before moving forward. im not sure what my relay voltage readings should be, and at what terminals.

what would stop my main solenoid from clicking when i turn the key on????

p.s. i know i lucked out and got the worst club car .....the dreaded regen1 cart with t shaped controller.

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

Did you get it cheap, at least? Look at it this way: you now have a blank canvas to build into a lightning breathing monster. :)

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

I did get it cheap. 350. My preference would be to keep it as close to stock as possible, with as little as possible money to get it back up and running

besides it not running, the cart itself doesnt appear to have too much usage, it seems to be in good condition..

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

You probably have the first and only 1997 I have seen with T type still present, which had the Z connector. Most were replaced by CC under warranty by that time. They are rickety to say the least, but for the controller activation you need the following:
• The Key Switch
• The Accelerator Pedal Limit Switch
• Z8 Transistor located inside the controller.
• The 18 gauge green wire from the large post of the Main solenoid to the key switch No. 1 terminal.
• The 18 gauge blue wire from the key switch No. 2 terminal to the accelerator pedal limit switch.
• The 18 gauge green/white wire from the accelerator pedal limit switch to the Z8 position on the Z Plug/controller.

With the key switch in the On position, the Fwd/Rev Rocker switch in Fwd, and the accelerator pedal Depressed, voltage is supplied to the Z8 position in the controller. This activates the controller which completes the circuit, supplying voltage to the motor. If you have all that present and no controller activation, then it is a dead/failed controller.

Re: Need help.....1997 club car ds powerdrive plus
 

And trust me, for $350 you got a good deal if it is complete. You can upgrade that to an IQ cart and have today's technology at your fingertips.