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I have a 36 volt cart with problem. I charge cart, then when I step on pedal as soon as micro clicks it lurches dangerously then slows and runs for about 30 yards. if I wait a few minutes it will run slowly a little then nothing. I put in new batts. same thing. I was told to change potentiometer. But have doubts. need advice.
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When you press the accelerator pedal, the microswitch signals to supply power to the motor. This power flows through the POT box, where the resistance is adjusted based on the position of the pedal. As you press the pedal further, the resistance decreases, allowing more electricity to flow to the motor consequently increasing the speed of the cart.
The POT box (aka Potentiometer) has been a big deal in electric golf carts for ages. Originally it was a simple gizmo used to control how fast the cart went with a track and a slider. When you pressed the accelerator pedal, the slider moved along the track, changing how much electricity flowed to the motor, and boom – the cart went faster or slower. It was basic, but got the job done. As time rolled on and electric vehicles got fancier, so did the POT box. Now, there's these super futuristic ones with stuff like Hall effect sensors and optical encoders. They're like the high tech versions of the old school POT boxes like you got. They make acceleration smoother, use less juice, and make batteries last longer. So yeah, the POT box might seem like a small thing, but it's a big deal in making sure your cart accelerates good.
On to the problem you're experiencing. The dangerous lurching followed by a sudden slowdown and eventual loss of power indeed suggests an issue with the POT box. If the POT box is faulty or worn out, it may not be able to provide a smooth and consistent signal, leading to erratic acceleration and speed fluctuations. This can pose a safety hazard, especially if the cart lurches unexpectedly. While replacing the batteries was a good troubleshooting step, the fact that the issue persists indicates this deeper problem.
Given the symptoms and the advice you've received, checking the POT box seems like a reasonable next step. However, double check and rule out any other potential issues first such as loose connections or a component malfunctioning before proceeding with the replacement. If you have any questions feel free to ask!
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