1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

We have a 1999 EzGo TXT (per the tag in the glove box which starts with J399) with DCS controls that has a Curtis PMC controller P/N 73144G06 (has had it for at least 14 years).

We had a family member in town who took it for "one last ride" out back and ran out of battery about 600' from the house.

My nephew took another golf cart out and towed it back to the house (about 600') without putting it into tow mode.

Since then, it will not move and the battery level indicator (which always glowed dimly when not in tow mode) only glows now when it is not in tow mode.

I went through the troubleshooting instructions at: https://buggiesgonewild.com/showthread.php?t=47593 specifically:
Attachment 223649
Here are my results:
Test 1 - Controller B+ had pack voltage (36.8V +/-0.2V)
Test 2 - Pin 10 had pack voltage (36.8V +/-0.2V)
Test 3 - Pin 9 had pack voltage (36.8V +/-0.2V)
Test 4 - Pin 5 had pack voltage (36.8V +/-0.2V) with the accelerator pedal depressed, but the solenoid did NOT click when the pedal was depressed, I could hear the switch by the pedal click as I pushed down the pedal, but that was all
Test 5 - Pin 7 had 0 volts
Test 6 - Pin 2 had 27.8V (expected 14-15VDC)
Test 7 - Pin 1 had 10.63V (expected 0.4-1.5V)

Does this mean that the controller and the inductive pickup for the pedal are bad, or is there something else I should do for troubleshooting before spending hundreds of dollars on a new controller?

Thanks

Aaron Z

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

Bump, anyone have any suggestions?

Aaron Z

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

Lets see if the 3rd time is a charm and if this goes through without a "security token expired" error losing everything I typed this time.

I talked to Curtis and they said that its likely fried and recommended FSIP to rebuild it. Looking I see three options:
1. Have FSIP (or someone else) rebuild it, should be $190ish plus shipping
Should be plug and play, but risk the same damage in the future and still no low voltage cutoff

2. Order a Curtis 1205M-5603 from Nocoev for $280ish
Pluses: Can set low voltage cutoff, could be reprogrammed (would need a programmer), makes possible future upgrades if I wanted to. Might be able to sell the controller as a rebuildable core?
Cons: Will need to rewire, would want to find the male side of the molex connector so it was plug and play vs cutting wires.

3. Order a Chinese Curtis 1205M-5603 from Alibaba or eBay for $160ish
Pluses: Can set low voltage cutoff, could be reprogrammed (would need a programmer), makes possible future upgrades if I wanted to. Might be able to sell the controller as a rebuildable core?
Cons: Possible Chinese QC issues, will need to rewire, would want to find the male side of the molex connector so it was plug and play vs cutting wires.

Anyone have any thoughts on any of these options?

This cart has a rear bench, 20x8.00R10 tires and 4 gauge wires, otherwise its stock. It sees small hills and 4 adults on it from time to time.


Aaron Z

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

I would recommend a aftermarket Alltrax controller, fits out of the box and is fully adjustable by yourself with PC / Laptop. More speed / torque included!

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

Editing with a laptop would be great, but I don't want more speed/torque with kids (my kids and their cousins) driving it, this is already the fastest cart here (other than possibly my inlaw's 48V RXV), I might actually turn the top speed down a little.

I looked at the Alltrax and its triple the price of the Chinese Curtis and almost twice the price of the US Curtis, not seeing the value in spending that much more when I do not want to increase performance, just restore the same functionality and possibly make upgrading to 42v or 48v possible down the road.

Aaron Z

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

Suggest you remember which drive system your cart has before ordering replacement controllers that won't work with the motor in cart.

Hint: A Curtis 1205 controller is for a series drive.

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

I understand, but especialy for the kids, the Alltrax is perfect. You can store up to 3 driving profiles, adjusting speed and acceleration to your needs. And any troubleshooting is very easy due to realtime monitoring. I've paid 420$, so it's a little bit more.

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

My first cart was a '99 TXT DCS and If i remember right, it was a sepex drive...?

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

If it is a 99 with a run/tow switch it is probably a DCS but would validate that before ordering anything. Did you check the solenoid? Chances are it took out the controller but I have seen this just take out the solenoid.

Re: 1999 TXT DCS w/Curtis controller will not move after being towed in run mode
 

Ah, I had just looked at the pin names on the motor and didn't realize that both Series and SepEX used the same 4 pin names (A1/A2 & S1/S2). Good to know.


It is a DCS cart.
Good point, there was not voltage on the blue wire that feeds the solenoid, but will have to take a look and verify that its good as per https://shop.fsip.biz/Image/GetDocument/en/157 an open solenoid coil can cause 0 volts there.

Aaron Z