Powerdrive Plus Controller Diagnosis

[Pbennison]

I just jumped the B+ to the positive side and nothing happened. I took the solenoid out and put 48 V across the two small terminals and it clicked with the DVM showing continuity.

[Tom47]

Originally Posted by Pbennison

I just jumped the B+ to the positive side and nothing happened. I took the solenoid out and put 48 V across the two small terminals and it clicked with the DVM showing continuity.

There will be continuity through a good solenoid coil.

The B- to energize the solenoid comes from the Controller. It is a blue/white wire. Jump this side to B- wherever it is easiest, controller or battery negative B-.

The solenoid should engage then. If it does, solenoid is probably good barring a burned pitted contact. You should have 0 volts across the large terminals if it is energized properly.

Then make sure the micro switch in the V-Glide or MCOR is closing. Jump it out if you're not sure. This will prevent the controller from sending the B- to the solenoid if it does not close.

[Pbennison]

I jumped the blue/white wire to the B- and the solenoid did not engage.

I jumped the micro switch and again, nothing.

Remember the part about not getting discouraged, I don't feel too smart right now. Although, I will say I am learning a lot about these carts. Thank you Tom for being so patient with me.

[Tom47]

Originally Posted by Pbennison

I jumped the blue/white wire to the B- and the solenoid did not engage.

I jumped the micro switch and again, nothing.

Remember the part about not getting discouraged, I don't feel too smart right now. Although, I will say I am learning a lot about these carts. Thank you Tom for being so patient with me.

You're very welcome! Glad to help!

I just wish someone with brains [like just about everyone here besides me] would jump in here and help us out.

Sergio?? TahoeDawg?? Scottyb?? NoleFan?? Anybody??

However, in the interim, if you have 48 volts B+ on the blue solenoid wire on the small terminal and have hooked the other small terminal directly to B-, the solenoid should click in. With it hooked up that way, measure for 48 volts across the two small terminals. Again, if you have 48 volts there, it should click in.

It sounds like you have a bad solenoid even though the coil had continuity through it.

[Pbennison]

Well, I just went out there and jumped it again and heard the solenoid click. I tried it a couple different times and kept getting different readings. It looks like these connections are all dirty. In the meantime, I think I will go ahead and take all the wires off and do a good cleaning.

[Tom47]

Originally Posted by Pbennison

Well, I just went out there and jumped it again and heard the solenoid click. I tried it a couple different times and kept getting different readings. It looks like these connections are all dirty. In the meantime, I think I will go ahead and take all the wires off and do a good cleaning.

[Pbennison]

Now that I am taking things apart to clean and test I have a general question. It was not obvious in my original post. When this problem first occurred I brought it in to the local shop and they told me that it needed the "Power Drive System Controller". To replace that would be in the range of $800-$1000. I was concerned about investing that much $$$ in a cart that is nearly 20 years old which in turn induced me to try and troubleshoot on my own.

All that said, I am glad I have it and at a minimum a good cleaning is needed. Now my question.

Is there any test that can tell me definitively whether or not the controller is the culprit here? Can I simply bypass the controller to see if it runs? I just don't want to take the chance on a $500 part that may or may not be the problem.

Many thanks again. Even though I feel lost, this is an awesome learning experience.

[Sergio]

If You have the time, follow the instructions in this old thread:

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...ml#post1181240

[Pbennison]

Thank you Sergio. I have most of the components out to clean up all the connections. Once that is done and I put them back in I will do the above. I did do a search but did not see that.

[Pbennison]

Originally Posted by Sergio

If You have the time, follow the instructions in this old thread:

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...ml#post1181240

All the input tests passed. There was no voltage on the controller pin #11 blue/white wire. So, I guess I need a new controller.

I think the replacement would be Alltrax XCT-48300-IQ. I will try to attach pictures of the existing controller. Just want to try and make sure I get the right one.