96 EZGO Fully charged, solenoid clicks will not move

[cjfrog]

Serial # 865440 Mfg Code 00795
Batteries fully charged, Checked all connections, solenoid clicks when depressing accelerator, problem both forward and reverse.
Press acelerator slightly and cart moves slowly, press further and cart does not move and a clunking sound can be heard coming from the rear motor area.
Raise rear and press accelerator and wheels spin.
Can anyone suggest what may be causing this problem.
I think it may be the potentiometer that is causing it but do not know where it is located or how to check it.
Can anyone help?

Edit: Clunking noise is vibration from the motor as if it is trying to engage.
Thank You for the suggestion and vehicle info. I will try what you suggest this evening.

[scottyb]

Sounds like maybe a spun hub. Pull wheel cover and have somebody press the gas while you watch the axle nut, if the axle nut spins on either side without moving the wheel then that is the problem.... when you install a new one, if you do, torque the axle nut to 100 ft pounds minimum .

Welcome to BGW!

[JohnnieB]

Welcome to BGW.

FWIW - Your serial number comes back with:
Model Year: 1995 Make/Model: Electric Medalist

[cjfrog]

ScottyB,
Checked axle nut as suggested. The axle nut is not the problem. The motor sounds like it is trying to engage and is skipping but wheels will not turn. That is the noise I hear. Like low batteries or something.
Chuck

[scottyb]

can you check all of your batteries one at a time with a voltmeter when you try to go ?

[rabbitreborn]

Originally Posted by cjfrog

Serial # 865440 Mfg Code 00795
Batteries fully charged, Checked all connections, solenoid clicks when depressing accelerator, problem both forward and reverse.
Press acelerator slightly and cart moves slowly, press further and cart does not move and a clunking sound can be heard coming from the rear motor area.
Raise rear and press accelerator and wheels spin.
Can anyone suggest what may be causing this problem.
I think it may be the potentiometer that is causing it but do not know where it is located or how to check it.
Can anyone help?

Edit: Clunking noise is vibration from the motor as if it is trying to engage.
Thank You for the suggestion and vehicle info. I will try what you suggest this evening.

What you are describing is a classic case of one (or more) batteries dropping out under load. I see this all the time. As Scotty suggested, you need to test each battery one at a time until you find which one(s) are dropping out on you.

[hrndz69]

pretty sure its your batteries.

[cjfrog]

I have a cheapie mult-meter but checked each battery. They each appear to be about 36-38 Volts. I am going to buy a better digital meter today and re-check them. I will also go through the steps from the stickeys. I sure appreciate all the help and have to say that I have learned some things as well.

[scottyb]

When you get the better DVM, tape it to the pack mains, note standing voltage and then the drop as you try to go.... if it is significant. More than 1v. then do the same test with the meter on each individual battery until you can ID the culprit or culprits as the case may be.

[cjfrog]

Got a new meter today. Found 5 batteries at 6.3VDC and one at 4.6VDC
Should I replace all six batteies? Are The deep cycle 6 volt batteries from Sams Club usable or should I replace with Trojan 150 which are in the cart now. Also I want to replace the connecting wires. Where is the best place to get those?
Thanks again
Chuck