Burning smell and a high pitch whine in motor

[Martypride]

I have a 1999 model 36v ezgo. I just actually got it. Well my problem is, is that I just now got to take it for a ride, and I started hearing a high pitch whine and after a few feet, started smelling a burning smell coming from the motor. I took it home and the housing on the motor was decently hot. I looked at the batteries and all the terminals looked good and the cells were full of water. Oh, while I was driving it home, the power seem to be surging but steadily dropping. What could I check to be the problem?

[scottyb]

Hello & welcome, The guys here are going to need a lot more info to answer correctly. Can you id the drive system using the chart below and can you answer a few questions about the cart and it's intended use? Thanks

Series or sepex drive system?
What size tires are on the cart?
How many people ride on the cart?
Cargo Box or trailer?
Is the electrical system 36 or 48 volts?
What top speed is desired?
Is the used on or off the road?
Is the terrain hilly? If yes, steep or mild hills?
Is the footing sandy or muddy?