Newbie with questions..Pls Help!

[owheaton]

I just bought my first golf cart a month or so ago..its a 2005 EZGO Electric cart 36V( i think its a PDS but not usre how i check that)..anyway, my concern is over the speed of the cart...it seems to be running slower than other carts and the amount of time I get from a full charge appears to eb really low...i'm thinking i may need to replace the batteries but am not sure...whats the best way to determine this? Secondly what are my options for increasing the top speed of the cart? Ive read some threads here that indicate i may be able to add a "speed chip" of some sort and i've also read that converting it to a 48 V cart would help...could you help clarify for me my options and what order i should be looking at to address the situation...and and all help would be greatly appreciated!!

Owen

[scottyb]

A hydrometer can be had for less than $10.00 at any auto parts house....It is the best way to see what kind of condition they are in. The age of the battery is stamped into the post....And run time is a good indicator....assuming you are getting a good charge(check with a voltmeter).
A PDS cart with a speed chip is all you should need.....

[gornoman]

If your F/R selector is on the dash by the key, you have a PDS cart and are eligible for a "speed chip".

[owheaton]

Gornoman:
Great info..and yes it is so its a PDS then...so now my next questions...which speed chip specifically should i be looking for, how much shouldi expect to pay for it and is this something that can be done easily(as in myself) or do i need to have someone who works on these things do this for me?

Any and all help appreciated!

Owen

[hitmanharleyk]

Speed chips are easy to install. Under the seat there is a cover on the passenger side that has a toggle switch on it. Turn your key to the off position, flip that toggle switch to tow/maintenance, then remove the 4 bolts holding on the cover and lean it forward. Under the cover on the controller , you'll see something that looks like the below attachment or a spot to plug one into (close to the top)

If you have one it should be Red (for speed), yellow (moderate hills) or blue (steep hill). If yours is red it is as fast as it will go with out other way more costly mods.

Unplug the one you have and plug the new one in, bolt the cover back on and be sure to flip the toggle switch back over to the run position and you'll be ready to go !


These things are everywhere on Ebay for anywhere from $7 to $16.

[gornoman]

Owen,

Since you are not familiar with sparky carts I want you to remember 1 thing:

That battery pack is a good welder. Always.
Respect it, and you will be fine. Ignore it, and it WILL bite you.

If you want a higher top speed, get a red Freedom chip. You will lose some troque, and almost all of the regen braking.

[hitmanharleyk]

Owen,

Is your cart a regular cart or a lifted cart ?

It is recommended by most here to not use the "RED" chip in a lifted cart, I was told to get a "YELLOW" one for my PDS which is what it came with. I did try the "RED" one for a day or so since I had already ordered it and I noticed a good increase in the speed.

[owheaton]

Thanks for all of the great info...much appreciated.

One last question though, when you say I will lose my regen braking, what exactly do you mean?

Thanks again
Owen

[pggroves]

Motor braking that throws a small amount of "regenerative" charging back to the pack.

[rusty]

Welcome to the forum owheaton................