came accross a PCX-954... but something is wrong

[mfinnegan]

Hello everyone! Thanks for the add. I've been reading all I can from your posts, but I still think I need advice. I will attach all the pics I have.

What I have:
A 36V EZ-GO, 1996 (if I read manufacturer code G0296 right )PCX-954 (tag says PC-954...?) personnel carrier.
Powered by six 6V deep cycle batteries, 1 Year Old (supposedly)
GE D-C Motor MODEL 5BC48JB870, 2800 RPM, 36V/55AMP, 2 HP. Wound Series.
Controlled by a Curtis 1205-112, 24V/36V 400AMP
White Rodgers Solenoid, part 586-117111, 200AMP continuous, 600AMP peak. (1 year old, allegedly)
Total Charge III charger. (old. I'm re-spraying the shell and replacing the connector end)
The Technician's Repair and Service Manual
A Service Parts Manual.

My main problem:
It's too dang SLOW! It's barely OK on flat ground, no stopping it on slightest decline, but the SLIGHTEST incline it comes to a crawl, and that's with just me on it (6'3'', 210lbs). Batteries are fully charged.

My first thought was maybe the solenoid was not big enough, but nope. NOW I'm thinking this motor is just a huge piece of crap?!? Even if that was the case though, would they really put a motor that is incapable of tackling a .001% incline on a people mover? from what I gathered the motor either works or it doesn't. not half way like this..

Anyway. Where do I start testing for a problem like this? Everything seems to work, just VERY SLOWLY. The solenoid clicks after pressing the pedal, I need to get about halfway down before it starts to move. Either forward or backwards.

Please ask me for whatever info you need. I will answer if I can, I need direction and guidance from the wise ones.

[scottyb]

Somebody may have downsized the motor in this cart... 2.5 hp was normal for a standard cart of that era...
My friend has one of these, First thing I did was put an Alltrax 400 in it and 2 more 6v batteries for 48v. That helped a lot, it's not fast by any standard but it can get up and down his hilly property ok

[mfinnegan]

I Think I should just drop in a new motor. What's a good cheap plug and play motor you'd recommend?

[scottyb]

Unfortunately A bigger motor will not perform well with the stock controller and 36v batteries. Do some more research. Read this > https://www.cartsunlimited.net/upgrade-suggestions.html

[bronsonj]

You said your batteries were fully charged, but what was the V of the pack while it was slowing down? If the batteries are not cared for they can die prematurely so it may be true that they are 1 year old and it may also be true that they are done for... If the V drops too much then the batteries are shot and no matter what other components you replace it'll still drag horribly on hills.

[mfinnegan]

So to clarify. You suggested someone downgraded this motor to a 2HP. And I want to go back to stock-ish stats. And you're saying I cant? Because the stock controller which should be for a larger motor, cant handle it?

[mfinnegan]

Originally Posted by bronsonj

You said your batteries were fully charged, but what was the V of the pack while it was slowing down? If the batteries are not cared for they can die prematurely so it may be true that they are 1 year old and it may also be true that they are done for... If the V drops too much then the batteries are shot and no matter what other components you replace it'll still drag horribly on hills.

I'll have to ride with someone to monitor the meter. I'll get back to you!

[mfinnegan]

Now the thing just stopped in the middle of the street when I switched from F to R. No clicking in the solenoid 🤦🤦🤦 I guess a motor/ solenoid/controller kit is in my future

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by scottyb

Somebody may have downsized the motor in this cart... 2.5 hp was normal for a standard cart of that era...
My friend has one of these, First thing I did was put an Alltrax 400 in it and 2 more 6v batteries for 48v. That helped a lot, it's not fast by any standard but it can get up and down his hilly property ok

Do some research. I said MAY HAVE based upon the stock cart having a 2.5 motor. I said may have because I'm not sure what motor was in it originally and 2 hp seemed small for this size vehicle.
Most people who upgrade a motor go for 5-10 hp more not .5 so yeah a big motor would not perform exceptionally well with the 275 amp controller.

[mfinnegan]

Understood, Scotty. You said "MAY HAVE" gotten swapped, and you also SAID at least 2.5 was standard. I don't want 10 more HP. I want to be able to at least not look and feel like its gonna die on a slight SLIGHT incline. I know this is big. and not a speed machine. But I'm having a hard time this was seriously engineered and mass produced to go 5 mph and die on less than a percent grade increase. If you dont have any guidance on what and how to test, then please just dont respond if you're just gonna say do research. There is literally almost no info on these carts. Some good stuff here just not complete.