What is this part? Do i need it?

[Roy Beaty]

I just picked up my first cart. The guy told me it is a 2001 with "upgraded" controller. He had cut some wiring.
I am new to golf cart repair but am not new to mechanical and electronic repair.
Best I can tell is I have a 2001 DS (SN. AC0133) with sepex motor.
What is the part mounted in the frame below the OBC? is it part of a motor brake system ("plug brake")? I cannot find it on any wiring diagrams.
It also looks like the OBC has a hot spot on it. I do not have batteries or a charger yet so i have not been able to test much.
Also see that the speed sensor plug has been cut off the cart wiring harness. Can anyone tell me a part number so i can find a replacement connector?
Thanks for any help.

[R&TBabich]

Originally Posted by Roy Beaty

I just picked up my first cart. .... What is the part mounted in the frame below the OBC? is it part of a motor brake system ("plug brake")? I cannot find it on any wiring diagrams.
It also looks like the OBC has a hot spot on it. I do not have batteries or a charger yet so i have not been able to test much.
Also see that the speed sensor plug has been cut off the cart wiring harness. Can anyone tell me a part number so i can find a replacement connector?
Thanks for any help.

We just got our first cart, too.
That module is a 16v to 12v voltage reducer, which I replaced with a 48v to 12v voltage reducer.
I removed the OBC and ditched the heavy OEM charger, been using a 7.5 lb Modz Max48 smart charger for a couple of months now, works great.
When you get batteries get a 2 ga cable set, especially if you plan on upgrading the controller, I just installed an Alltrax XCT48400, very nice improvement in speed and hill climbing.
Fill in the hole if you remove the OBC (it's easier to do with the body off) and an Alltrax fit right in there.
You could replace the speed sensor connector with an aftermarket 3 pin connector set, you would just have to move the motor side connector to a new speed sensor when replaced.

[Fairtax4me]

That's a factory voltage reducer. It's not really necessary and unless you only use it once in a blue moon, it's not good for the batteries.

Not sure why they cut the speed sensor connector off, but those are a 3 pin Deutsch connector, you can usually order the pair (M and F sides) with new pins for under $10 online.

Could also try asking in the classifieds here if anyone has a used one.

[Wakko47]

Wht are your plans with the cart? 48v?

[Roy Beaty]

yes it is 48V. I plan to use it to check the mail. my mailbox is about 1/4 mile from house and am tired of walking.
I just discovered a destroyed bearing on motor and magnet is shattered. not sure if hall sensor is damaged. i will power it and test tomorrow. might be difficult to remove old bearing race.
Batteries will be here Wednesday. I need new bushings all around. and a new dash panel.
If OBC is damaged and speed sensor is damaged, i may be back for more advice.
not sure why i'd need a 12v module unless it is for headlights

[yawood]

Any non-48V accessories are usually 12V such as lights, USB ports etc. If you are not going to use any of those you can just ditch it. If you are going to install lights at any time you have two choices. Fit a proper 48V to 12V reducer (if you do I suggest a 5-wire reducer that switches on or off with the key) or you can simply hook up some lights using LEDs that can handle 48V.

If you are just going to be running around on your own property and don't need to be street legal, you can easily hook up a light bar from ebay or Amazon that can run on 48V then you don't need a reducer at all.