Total loss of power during operation

[ralphadams]

During operation of my 2001 EZGO, I completely loose power and the "rolling" alarm goes off as if the cart is rolling without power. This happened off and on a couple of times and then the cart quit all together. I get no "click" when the accelerator is pressed, so I'm assuming there is something wrong other than the batteries.

[JohnnieB]

Welcome to BGW!

Sounds like the solenoid was dropping out intermittently and now whatever was causing it to drop out has failed completely.
Good news is that a continuous problem is easier to troubleshoot than an intermittent one.

From what you say, I take it this is a PDS cart rather than a Series?

If so, put it in the diagnostic mode and listen to the beep codes. They might tell you what is wrong.
Here is the label in a little easier to read format than standing on your head to read the on on the controller cover.
How to get into is stated in text at bottom of label.

First thing I would check is for B+ on the small white wire coming out of charger receptacle. See attached view with cover off.

If you've got it there, we'll dig deeper.

[ralphadams]

I put it into diagnostics mode, but no beeps followed the initial "beep" when it went into diagnostics mode. I am apparently doing something wrong. I have no experience working on these carts, so this is all new to me. I do appreciate the PDF documents, it does make it a lot easier to read. Thanks.

[JohnnieB]

Download the three PDF files in this post from the stickies.
http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...g-manuals.html
They are the Owner, the Parts and the Service manuals for your cart.

The troubleshooting tree for a PDS cart starts on page F-10 and is pretty good.

To get the solenoid to close (click) five things have to be happening at the
same time.
1. Run/Tow switch in Run
2. Reed Switch closed
3. Direction selector is either F or R
4. Key switch on
5. Microswitch in throttle box closed.

If any of those switches, or the wires connecting them to the controller, is open, the solenoid won't energize.

Your problem was intermittent before it failed completely, so it may be a loose connector or broken wire.

[Dela]

I currently have the same thing happening, but have a series motor on a 95 medalist.

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...cart-died.html

Sorry to thread jack, but any ideas for me?


Thanks!

[dukehbg]

Im having the same issues with my cart.. goes along and seems like ot coughs... or loses power and then starts agian.. sometimes goes REALLY slow then gets it back.. any help will be great.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by dukehbg

Im having the same issues with my cart.. goes along and seems like ot coughs... or loses power and then starts agian.. sometimes goes REALLY slow then gets it back.. any help will be great.

IIRC - You've got a PDS cart with tall tires, so the going really slow and then speeding up again could be the controller going into thermal overload.

The "coughs" sounds more like an intermittent connection or component.

Do you hear the solenoid click when it coughs? If so, it might be one of the five things that have to happen for the solenoid to energize listed in mt earlier post.
If not it might be a bad controller, or maybe a battery.

Monitor the battery pack voltage and see if it drops sharply when it coughs.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by Dela

I currently have the same thing happening, but have a series motor on a 95 medalist.

http://www.buggiesgonewild.com/elect...cart-died.html

Sorry to thread jack, but any ideas for me?


Thanks!

This tread is about PDS carts. Series carts are a different animal so it would cause confusion to troubleshoot it here. Start a new thread.

[dukehbg]

Someone told me the microswitch in the pedal box could result the intermittent actions or shut down and restart. Maybe reed switch problem. Trying to go from cheapest to expensive. does the F N R switch go bad?

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by dukehbg

Someone told me the microswitch in the pedal box could result the intermittent actions or shut down and restart. Maybe reed switch problem. Trying to go from cheapest to expensive. does the F N R switch go bad?

All switches go bad. It is just a matter of time before they do.
If they are working, they simply haven't reached their end of life yet.

The least expensive way, is to monitor the various switches with a DVM to determine which is failing. All of the switches I listed above plug into the controller, so just attach the DVM leads across the pins they go to and ride.
If the switch you are monitoring, or the wires connecting it to the controller fails, you'll read B+ on the voltmeter.

If the switches and batteries are good, your controller is probably bad.