Red Hot Resistor Coil

[frankcneal]

I have an older E-Z-Go electric three wheeler that recently has given me some problems. There are two sets of numbers on the data plate riveted to the inside of the front cowling, 79418 and 187645. I know it is older than 1998 because that is when I bought it, very used and abused, but runable for the deer camp, kids fun etc.
Recently the golf cart is experiencing electrical problems and runs the batteries down very rapidly. If I put the unit in forward or reverse it runs OK when the accelerator pedal is depressed, but if I do not press the accelerator pedal the resistive coil gets red hot very quickly. If the Forward/Reverse switch is in the neutral position the resister coil cools down. I think I recall a clicking noise when I depressed the accelerator in the past, prior to this problem, but not sure.
If the solenoid were defective (shorted out internally) would this cause my problem?
Any advice, troubleshooting techniques, or other help would be greatly appreciated as deer season starts in 16 days

[phasetim]

It's possible your solenoid is "stuck" and trying to pass voltage through resistor constantly...

[pggroves]

Check wiper arm and board for free/full motion as well. Does symptom occur w/ key off?

FYI: Resistor coils are out of circuit at STOP and WOT.

HIH

[frankcneal]

Check wiper arm and board for free/full motion and found it very rusty, preventing full retraction. I really appreciate your input, I think the cart is fixed. I don't have a clue as to what would happen if the key switch was turned off, I don't have a key (I guess it is always on). Would it be adviseable to get a key??
Thanks again

[caddymankc]

Or just run a toggle switch, if the solenoid sticks you wouldnt be able to stop it without moving the f-r switch to neutral, im guessing you got it wired up wrong or as simple as it got bumped and the coils are touchin each other.

[roady89]

Candymankc, It will stop but the coils will get red hot because all the power is going through the coils and not to the motor.

You don't have to have a key.
Just a tip for future reference as your using your cart...when you push the pedal down listen for the tattle tale click of the solenoid. If you don't hear it click and the cart starts moving then your wiper board isn't going all the way down or your solenoid is stuck for some reason.

[frankcneal]

We discovered that the wiper board wasn't going all the way down due to lots of rust etc. which in deed did cause all the cart to run properly except when the accelerator was not depressed, then the resistor got red hot. Also the solinoid did not deactivate due to the same problem.
Thanks for all the inputs, I really appreciated it.

[pggroves]

Glad you got it sorted out.

If you're interested you can convert that system to a controller system and do it pretty economically. The conversion board & pot box is <$100 and a used series controller s/b ~$150. Setup and installation is straightforward and you get a much more efficient electrical setup. It's much safer as well since you know now how hot those coils can get. FWIW.

[frankcneal]

I also have a second E Z Go that I acquired a few months ago, Model A2185, a utility cart that would be perfect for hauling corn to the feeders etc. The existing controller was disassembled, burnt contacts, and probably parts missing. I really have not had much time to even look at it very thoroughly.
Where do you suggest I aquire the parts that you mentioned in the thread?