Intermittant problem (cart will not run)

[teamroper_60]

I had this exact problem with my 99 (DCS). It turned out to be the key switch. Replaced it and all is well.

[buzzmanc]

I believe that the problem is the solenoid as I thought it was. It happened a few times whle playing and I just gave the top of the solenoid a light tap and it will engage. It happened several times and the tap worked every time I tried it. I will have to order another one and hope that it lasts longer than this one did.

[yurtle]

If you run them hard enough, not even a tap on top will get them to run.

[yurtle]

I went back and reread what kind of buggy you have. I melted two stock solenoids just like the one above, running stock tires and stock controller. You may want to consider a more beefy solenoid, since you have a larger than stock controller. I could sell you a lightly used HD 36 volt one. PM me if interested.

[buzzmanc]

I do have the beefed up solenoid in my ride. It is the 200 amp continuous that comes with Scottyb's controller packages. Maybe I just got a lemon with mine. I am going to upgrade to 48 volts soon and maybe that will take it out the rest of the way. Thanks for the offer but I will probably call Scotty and get another one coming.

[scottyb]

Yours will be the first failure of those solenoids, if it is bad ... which it may be.
Did you have a diode installed on the small terminals? That would make a difference.

[buzzmanc]

Yes, diode on the small terminals and a precharge resistor across the large terminals. Maybe it is something else that is causing the problem. I just assumed that the easy answer was it. I can definately do some more measuring of voltages when it happens again.

[buzzmanc]

Scotty, did not mean to offend about the solenoid. I was not aware that they simply do not fail. Is there something else that would malfunction and then come back after tapping the top of that solenoid. It did it again last night on hole number 2. Voltage of the pack was 38.2 and no solenoid click until I simply tapped lightly on the solenoid with my finger tip. After that it engaged and was fine the rest of the night. Micro in the peddle or diode? Would that be intermittent or just go out completely? Thanks.

[yurtle]

Loose wire?

[JohnnieB]

Could be a sticky microswitch in pedal box.
There is just a little bitty spring that closes the NC contacts to energize solenoid and it doesn't take much gunk to jam them open. (See attached cutaway)

Try this: (If it is a series cart)
Next time cart doesn't go, shift into reverse before you completely release throttle pedal.
If the beeper sounds, you are getting voltage to the solenoid.
If beeper doesn't sound, you are not getting any voltage there.
If cart takes off, replace MS-2 on F/R switch.