2001 EZGO TXT - new solenoid wont run

[Bradray77]

Hello all - first time user. I have a 2001 ezgo txt standard PDS that I can't get running. It has two year old batteries and I replaced the solenoid this afternoon. The cart will charge and won't run after that. I thought it would be the solenoid thus I replaced it today. I checked the voltage on each battery and they all checked out in the mid 13s. I then checked the outter posts of the new solenoid and they read 1.5. Not sure if I have bad wiring or need to check something else. When you switch the cart to reverse the buzzer doesn't sound? Please let me know if I need to check anything else....

Thanks for any and all help.

[CCFanatic]

Mid 13s, are we talking about 6v, 8v, or 12v batteries?

[Bradray77]

6 volt batteries. Also I noticed there was no diode on the small terminals of the old solenoid.
Not sure if that helps.

[scottyb]

Can you id the drive system type from the chart below?

[JohnnieB]

A stock PDS did not have a diode on the solenoid, just the pre-charge resister.

If you measured from one large terminal on the solenoid to the other large terminal and got about 1.5V, you were measuring the voltage drop across the pre-charge resistor and 1.5V is in the ballpark.

Did the cart run before you put the batteries on charge, but not afterwards?
If so, check for pack voltage on the small red wire coming out of the charge receptacle. In fact, checking that voltage is a good starting point even if cart didn't run before charging. (The reed switch is a high failure item)

To get the solenoid to click, you have to have pack voltage on all the wires highlighted in red on the attached schematic.

[Bradray77]

Scotty B - the cart is a Sepex cart with the run / option under the seat.

[Bradray77]

JohnnieB - The cart was running until a month ago. We were having issues with the cart running for 30 about mins and then would just die. I wanted to change out the solenoid first, because I know that part wears out and is cheaper to fix.

I will check the wiring again soon.

This cart is located at a family ranch and I should be out there in another week or two.

Please let me know if there is anything else I should check or order and replace.

[scottyb]

What you are describing in terms of cart would stop after 30 minutes and go again after it rested...is the beginning of speed control failure. It sounds like the controller finally quit. It may be a good time for an upgrade.

[Bradray77]

Do you think I should load it up and take it in to a cart repair shop or try the reed switch first?

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Bradray77

Do you think I should load it up and take it in to a cart repair shop or try the reed switch first?

Definitely check the reed switch first. By-passing it will save you a headache in the future.

Taking it to a repair shop depends on how comfortable you are at working on it.
A PDS cart is a fairly simple system, most everything is done by the controller and a few voltage readings is about all that is needed to troubleshoot the system.

One important thing to remember is to put the Run/Tow switch in Tow before disconnecting or connecting anything electrical.