DCS controller or solenoid? Here's the symptoms

[stewmagoo]

Well... Been waiting for it to happen but something let go. 97 DCS 4.5 Hp motor, stock controller, solenoid and wires.

Myself and one passenger going up a short but very steep hill, when almost to the top it just stopped like it was placed in neutral. I stopped and drifted back off the hill and let it set to cool down.

Well I let it set for a while and nothing. Actually when you depress the throttle to wide open I hear one click. Once I let off the pedal and depress again no click.

I have placed it in tow mode and back to run with no avail. I even let it set for a few hours and fresh charged the batteries, same thing.

I actually was inquiring about an updated controller and possible solenoid today. I ordered 4ga wires and awaiting them anytime.

What is you experts thoughts? Based on the symptoms, please. I don't have voltmeter or multimeters to check voltage to different pins.

Thanks!

[scottyb]

I'll bet dollars to donuts you fried the stock controller by pulling the voltage down too low under load and allowing the motor to draw a boatload of amps to try to make it up the hill.

Stock controller had a weakness.

[stewmagoo]

scottyb,

I really figured that too, by reading the symptoms from other posts. When I do upgrade to a larger controller like the Alltrax DCX400, how important is a different solenoid? Is there a particular one for the 400 amp upgrade?

[scottyb]

You will have to upgrade the solenoid and the cables for they type of use you are doing.

Some options here> http://cartsunlimited.net/Custom_Options.html

[stewmagoo]

Thank you.

[Gonkulor]

http://www.cartsunlimited.net/ for the win. He knows his stuff Stew! Good man and good seller!

[stewmagoo]

Gonkulor,

Thanks for the added measure of confidence. The man knows his stuff, for sure. With a 400a controller, I see he recommends a 200a cont /800 max solenoid. Would a 400a/ 1000 max still work or would that be overkill?

[JohnnieB]

There is nothing wrong with overkill.

However, the 200A/800A is already leaning in that direction.
The peak output from a 400A controller is 400A and the peak rating on the solenoid is 800A.
Unless your running tires as tall as those on Big Foot, your amps at top speed on level ground will be less than 100A and the solenoid is rated for 200A continuous.

The few dollars more for the heavier solenoid might be better spent going with 2Ga cables rather than 4Ga cables.

[scottyb]

The 400/1000a solenoid has silver oxide contacts which are larger in size than the 200/800a solenoid. It is a good match for the 500a control and often used with aftermarket motors and off road applications where the amp draw will be higher.