2001 TXT PDS Beeping and automatically stopping

[Brown32]

I picked up this 2001 PDS that is in great shape. All of the miles are on paved path with factory tires. One thing the seller told me about was and it has happened now on a few occasions is that you can be cruising at any speed at any throttle input and the unit starts beeping and immeditly applies what feels like is motor braking and stops itself. You can at that point press the brake pedal and then take back off like nothing at all happened.

Trojan batteries are 1 year old and seem to be okay. They may need to be charged indivually at some point but the battery voltage doesnt seem to dictate this happening. However I do wonder if the unit has a low BDI shut down that is engaging intermittently and reading false low battery.

[JohnnieB]

Don't know what a BDI is, low or otherwise, however the symptoms sound like a loose wire. But the mechanical brake system has no association with the electrical drive system, unless the pedal arm is somehow moving a wire.

Attached is a schematic with all the places that have to have battery pack voltage (38.2V when fully charged) for the cart to be driven forward. If any of the wires or connections loose voltage for a the briefest instant, the controller will beep the beeper rapidly and apply regen braking. You can trigger a similar shutdown by shifting the F/R rocker switch from F to R or Neutral while traveling forward above 2MPH.

Cleaning all the plugs and connections might cure it.

[gornoman]

Sounds like the solenoid activation circuit is dropping out. This would deactivate the solenoid causing the controller to go into runaway mode and apply the regen braking. The keyswitch is a known wear item, also the Reed switch if so equipped. Could also be the solenoid itself breaking contact. Intermittent issues are the most fun!

[Brown32]

Thanks fellas. What you both describe is exactly what is going on. I will start by checking all wiring.