Help! My golf cart throttle pedal works backwards

Why is it that my golf cart throttle pedal is doing the exact opposite of what it’s supposed to. When I press down, it slows, and when I let go, it speeds up. Has anyone else faced this bizarre issue?

Response

For me, tweaking the controller’s throttle wiring did the trick. It might sound daunting, but with a bit of patience, you can fix it. Check your wiring and controller settings – it’s often where the problem lies.

Solutions That Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Controller Throttle Wiring Adjustment	1	0-50	30-60
Controller Throttle Setting Adjustment	1	0 (if using existing laptop and software)	15-30
Potentiometer Replacement or Reorientation	1	3-20	30-60

Symptoms

• Golf cart accelerates when releasing the throttle pedal and decelerates when pressing it.
• Throttle pedal response is inverted from the expected behavior.

Possible Causes

• Incorrect throttle system or controller wiring.
• Controller settings not configured correctly.
• Faulty or improperly oriented potentiometer.

Detailed Solutions That Worked

1. Controller Throttle Wiring Adjustment

• What I Did: Reconfigured the controller’s throttle wiring based on the 0-5kΩ Controller specifications.
• Outcome: Throttle started responding correctly.
• Personal Experience: It was a bit of trial and error, but once I matched the wiring to the manual, it worked like a charm.
• Estimated Cost: $0-50 (DIY)
• Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Identify Controller Model: Check your controller’s model and find the specific wiring diagram for it.
  2. Safety First: Always disconnect the battery before starting any electrical work.
  3. Access Controller: Locate the controller and prepare for wiring adjustments.
  4. Adjust Wiring: Follow the diagram to rewire. This might involve disconnecting and reconnecting wires in a specific order.
  5. Double-Check Connections: Ensure all wires are securely connected as per the diagram.
  6. Reconnect Battery: Once wiring is adjusted, reconnect the battery.
  7. Test Throttle Response: Carefully test the throttle to see if the issue is resolved.
• Expert Tip: Take photos of the original wiring before making changes. This can be a lifesaver if you need to backtrack.

2. Controller Throttle Setting Adjustment

• What I Did: Adjusted the throttle settings on the controller using a laptop.
• Outcome: Throttle pedal functioned correctly post-adjustment.
• Personal Experience: A laptop and the right software made this a surprisingly easy fix.
• Estimated Cost: $0 (using existing equipment)
• Time Needed: 15-30 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Connect Controller to Laptop: Use the appropriate cable to connect your controller to a laptop.
  2. Launch Software: Open the controller configuration software.
  3. Locate Throttle Settings: Navigate to the throttle settings section.
  4. Adjust Settings: Change the settings from 5k-0 to 0-5k or as required for your model.
  5. Apply Changes: Save the new settings and disconnect the laptop.
  6. Test Throttle: Check if the throttle pedal now responds correctly.
• Expert Tip: Keep your controller’s software updated for the best performance and troubleshooting features.

3. Potentiometer Replacement or Reorientation

• What I Did: Either replaced or reoriented the potentiometer.
• Outcome: Throttle pedal started working as it should.
• Personal Experience: A simple tweak to this small part made a huge difference.
• Estimated Cost: $3-20
• Time Needed: 30-60 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Locate Potentiometer: Find the potentiometer, usually near the pedal.
  2. Disconnect Battery: Safety first – disconnect the battery.
  3. Remove Old Potentiometer: Carefully remove the existing potentiometer.
  4. Install New/Adjust Old One: Either install a new potentiometer or adjust the orientation of the existing one.
  5. Reconnect Battery: Once the potentiometer is in place, reconnect the battery.
  6. Test Throttle: Ensure the throttle pedal now works correctly.
• Expert Tip: When handling the potentiometer, be gentle to avoid damaging any internal components.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

• 1998 or 1999 Club Car DS with a FSIP 500 amp controller.
• 1994 Club Car 36-volt electric solid state with a new motor and SR 4800 controller (400 amp).
• 2007 EZGO PDS standard TXT 36-volt golf cart.
• 1994 EZGO XT500 with a Curtis 1205 controller.
• 1995 EZGO golf cart with a Curtis 1205 controller.