Club Car 48 Volt Surges When Driving at Steady Speeds

[brad22x]

I recently purchased my first golf cart, a 1997 Club Car 48 volt. I am trying to learn what I can, and believe it to be a v-glide control design? I see a single wire coil resistor, large solenoid and a black triangular box under the seat.

My concern is when trying to maintain constant speed at partial throttle, the cart surges. It is aggressive enough that every operator has commented and you can feel your head bounce front and back when the curge occurs. It is worse at some speeds than others. It only seems to run smoothly when pulling a hill or at full throttle.

Any suggestions if this is normal, a common concern, or where I should look first?

 

[HotRodCarts]

It could be the speed sensor. Does the motor have wires coming out of the end?

 

[brad22x]

The cart is basically stock. We keep it at a campground, so I can only check specifics each weekend. The rear end is Kawasaki and the motor is GE. I am trying to get information on what to check, and how, so I can look at it more next weekend.

Thanks!

 

[HotRodCarts]

If the motor has a speed sensor it will have wires coming out of the end of the motor. From what you describe it sounds like that may be your problem.

 

[brad22x]

The motor does have a 3 wire harness with grey connector coming out the end. Is there a test for the speed sensor?

 

[HotRodCarts]

Not that I'm aware of. Take the sensor out and check that the magnet is tight.

 

[TDAWG]

If it turns out not to be the speed sensor, then I have another avenue that you could follow. I would check everything that HRC said first. If you still have a problem, then pop the cover off of the V-Glide triangle box and count the number of resistors under that cover. If you only have 6 resistors, then there has been an update kit since then that affects acceleration surge. Effective October 1. 1996, a V-Glide resistor kit comes with 7 resistors and it is designed to smooth out acceleration. Club Car part number 101971101. I have seen a 1997 Club Car with 6 resistors in the V-Glige in my shop so just because it was effective in October of 1996, does not mean that some 1997's did not get out there with 6 resistors.

 

[TDAWG]

Re-read my post. The resistors are not under the cover that pops off, they are on the other side of the V-Glide.