1980(?) ds

[OmniGLHS]

Greetings all. I've been reading and searching and have already learned from you folks, so thank you.

I picked up an inexpensive ($500 As-Is) 1980(?) DS for my elderly FIL to use around our neighborhood once I get it squared away. I'm a newb to carts and most things electrical, but I'm up for a challenge.

As far as I can tell, my cart's a 1980 DS. However a serial number search comes up invalid when I search the #. So I'm not sure, and I've posted a pic of the s/n plate and maybe someone here can set me straight.

The cart goes fine on level ground, but has no oomph at all going up a grade. I put it up on jack stands and as I depress the pedal I can hear the solenoids click:
1st click = no wheels turn
2nd click = there's a 50/50 chance the wheels turn.
3rd click = wheels go round & round
4th click = wheels seem to go a wee bit faster, but the difference is negligible.
Am I correct thinking I'll need to replace at least two of the solenoids?

Other odds and ends that need attention are the handle for the Forward/Neutral/Reverse switch, which is currently a pair of Vise Grips, and it also appears that I'll be doing a brake job as the cart is difficult to bring to a stop and there are some unpleasant noises coming from the left rear hub.

Pics for your entertainment (or cringing)

[simicrintz]

Hopefully this helps; welcome to the page!!

The first letter denotes the MODEL, second set of digits is the year and the last set is the week of production.

[golf cart man]

I am not an expert, but I have had 5 solenoid resistor club cars like yours. The first solenoid all the way on drivers side is the master solenoid.

Not sure if this is the cause of your problem but it appears that first solenoid is not the correct part. It should match the others. A buss bar should be going across all 5 of the solenoids and that isn't happening on your cart either.... wiring diagram for solenoids attached. Biggest issue is with a 40 year old cart is that a long time has gone by and we don't know what kind of patch work has been done over the years. Best place to start is tracing all wires to make sure everything is back to factory spec.

Your car is in fact a 1980. These 5 solenoid resistor carts are not power efficient carts and are not fast by any means. Best bet is to upgrade to solid state but that will take a good amount of $$

[OmniGLHS]

Thank you gents!

I did notice that it appeared someone cobbled that first solenoid, and the buss bar has been bent over. (I didn't know if that was an "improvement") Speed isn't a concern, but the cart has to at least get my 88yo FIL up our sloped driveway! To Golf Cart Man's point, forty years is a long time and who knows who's done what to this cart. Putting things back to original is probably the best way to go.

Thank you both again!

[Mooncarter]

These carts are pretty simple (although anything can be difficult.)

You will have to replace that bar. I would also begin by replacing all the solenoids and clean/check all the wiring in there. I'm surprised it runs at all.

to BGW!

[Wakko47]

Don't forget to check pack voltage and all connections for being tight and corrosion free.

[OmniGLHS]

Originally Posted by Mooncarter

You will have to replace that bar. I would also begin by replacing all the solenoids and clean/check all the wiring in there.

That busbar appears to be unavailable. I might have to break out a McMaster Carr catalog and fab one.

[OmniGLHS]

Any reason to stay away from the solenoids sold on Amazon? They appear to have a five pack for a very reasonable price, which makes me wary.

[golf cart man]

My only guess is perhaps they are inferior Chinese parts and may not last as long as OEM but you never know... so much is made that way these days. Also might want to check and clean the microswitches in the silver box that runs near drivers side under. You can see it in your photo of batteries by the driver side center battery.

[Mooncarter]

Originally Posted by OmniGLHS

That busbar appears to be unavailable. I might have to break out a McMaster Carr catalog and fab one.

I don't know what that catalog is.

Should be pretty easy to make with a flat piece of copper.