top of page

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

  • What is the difference between Simplified Diagnostics and Traditional Diagnostics?
    Traditional Diagnostics Traditional Diagnostics are used to identify non-standard operating conditions within the Controller such as high temperatures, low voltages and high currents. These are then used to diagnose vehicle or controller related problems. Simplified Diagnostics Simplified Diagnostics represent an innovative way to provide the Driver with a continuous overview of the vehicle’s operation (from the Controller’s perspective). These are used to directly identify the most common vehicle issues. Every time a Driver changes something, they receive a subtle acknowledgement from the Controller in the form of a slight pulse or flash on the OTF. For example, the Controller will acknowledge that the accelerator pedal is being depressed and then once again when it sees the signal for maximum acceleration.
  • I am currently using another manufacturer's motor controller. Does Navitas have a controller that can replace it?
    Navitas makes a wide range of motor controllers that can replace many models made by other manufacturers, some of which can be direct drop-in replacements. Please contact us with the model and/or specifications of the controller you would like to replace to see if we have a match.
  • I need a motor controller for a stationary application. Can Navitas help me?
    Although we typically serve the electric vehicle market, many of our motor controllers are used in stationary applications. Please contact us with your requirements to see if we can help.
  • What is Navitas' standard warranty?
    Navitas offers one and two year warranties from the original ship date. A full copy of the warranty policy can be downloaded using the following link: Navitas Standard Warranty Policy
  • I have an old SRE Controls motor controller. Do you have a replacement model available?
    We have replacement models available for most SRE Controls motor controllers. Below is a cross reference chart of the most popular models. If the model you need isn’t listed, please contact us for more information. SE175 TSE550-48 SE325 TSE1000-48 PC175 PSE550-48 PC325 PSE1000-48 MC248, TPM350, TPM250 TPM400-48 (requires wiring changes and a PC Probit programming package)
  • How do I install the TAC 2 controller?
    Learn how to install the TAC 2 controller into specific vehicles. Follow this link to view the Navitas TAC 2 Installation/Service Manual: https://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/86af49_85567c02c9b54ad2a295781c75cf808a.pdf How to install the TAC 2 into a RXV: How to install the TAC 2 into a RXV Danaher: How to install the TAC 2 into a Yamaha G29 Drive: How to install the TAC 2 into a Yamaha Drive 2: How to install the TAC 2 into an EZ GO TXT 48: How to install the TAC 2 into the Club Car Precedent:
  • Why is my vehicle slow, it's not as fast as I think it should be?"
    How to diagnose the reason the vehicle is moving slowly: 1. Check the mechanics of the vehicle Check the tires are properly inflated Check the brakes are not dragging Check that the front end alignment is correct Check the battery is fully charged 2. Check if the battery is dead or low (Dealer only) If the battery voltage collapses when driving then the battery is dead 3. Reprogram the controller for the specific motor (Dealer only) Go to the download section in the App Select the motor type and click reprogram
  • I installed the controller, but the vehicle is not moving."
    How to diagnose the reason the vehicle is not moving: Open the Navitas app to diagnose the problem. Click on your vehicle serial number to open the dashboard If there is a yellow caution button then click to see error message If no yellow caution, read the green print at the bottom of the screen to see the input the vehicle is waiting for Open the diagnostic page to check I/O, to monitor the corresponding input Search for the specific solution in our FAQ page on our web site. For example: foot switch, key switch, direction switch, etc.
  • How do I calibrate the throttle?
    In the "Diagnostic" section of the Navitas Dashboard app, tap the dropdown menu on the "Throttle Inputs" section. Press the "Calibrate Throttle" button, and follow the steps on the screen.
  • How do I troubleshoot the direction switch?
    "It says I'm in reverse when I'm in forward or vice versa." How to fix a direction switch that is backwards: There are three wires in the direction switch. Switch the forward and the reverse wires. Trial and error. Switch the wires until the vehicle reverses when you reverse and vice versa. "The direction switch doesn't turn on or vice versa." How to diagnose if the direction switch is broken: Short out the common pin with the pack voltage to reverse or forward to test if it turns on. If it turns on, the switch wasn't working. Replace the direction switch
  • How do I troubleshoot the key switch?
    How to diagnose if the key switch is broken: There are two wires in the key switch, pull any wire off the key switch Turn on the key switch, if the key switch turns off then the key switch is the problem Replace the key switch
  • How do I troubleshoot the foot switch?
    First diagnose if the foot switch is broken on or broken off to rule out other causes. How to tell if the foot switch is broken on: Step on foot switch and turn on the golf cart If the app says "waiting for throttle to be released", then the foot switch is broken on Go to the diagnostics tab in the app Unplug the foot switch If the app says the foot switch goes from on to off, then the foot switch is broken on Replace the foot switch How to tell if the foot switch is broken off: Step on foot switch and turn on the golf cart If the app says "waiting for the foot switch" and the diagnostic screen says "foot switch off", then the foot switch is broken off Unplug the foot switch Connect the two wires on the harness end using a wire short circuit If the app says "foot switch on", the foot switch is broken off Replace the foot switch
  • Will your 600 Amp Controller drain the battery quicker than a 400 or 500 Amp Controller?
    A 600A Controller is capable of draining a battery pack faster than a 400A unit, but in reality, the Controller supplies only as much current as the vehicle requires. Ultimately it is the demand curve of the vehicle, which determines how quickly your battery pack will be drained. Once you are rolling, the vehicle is probably using less than 100 Amps. At this point it will be the efficiency of the Controller and Motor that determines how much battery current is needed.
  • Why are Navitas Controllers more efficient than most others?
    Our Controller uses premium electronic components and finely tuned power boards. It does not generate much waste heat. Therefore, it runs cooler. This means that we can package our Controller into a smaller footprint and that we do not need any external cooling fans to dissipate wasted energy.
  • How can your Controller increase the range of my golf car?
    Turn down the speed limit to use less energy. When using the On-The-Fly Programmer, turning the speed limit down reconfigures the Controller and adjusts the motor so that it uses less energy to push the vehicle. This significantly reduces the current demand on the battery and leads to a noticeable increase in range. Increase the amount of regenerative braking going down hills. With the On-The-Fly Programmer, increasing the amount of regenerative braking will not only put energy back into your battery pack bu it will also save wear and tear on your brakes. Limit the acceleration of the vehicle. Limit the acceleration of the vehicle to reduce the size of the current peaks drawn from the batteries. This also will lead to an increase in range.
  • Will your Controller make my car go faster?
    Yes, OEM Controllers generally limit the top speed of the vehicle. In some cases you will need to purchase a speed code to change it. With our OTF Programmer, you will not be required to purchase a speed code. You can adjust the speed of the vehicle to the maximum capabilities of your motor.
  • Can I user your Controller for other Voltages and other DC motors such as Series Wound or Permanent Magnet Motors?
    Yes. If the voltage is less than 60V, just a special set of Parameters will be required. If the vehicle requires 64V or 72V, a hardware upgrade is needed. Call our Technical Support number for more information at 844-576-2499.
  • Is it necessary to install a high current Solenoid and thicker Battery Cables with your Controller?
    No, the controller will operate with stock cables and solenoids. However, we do recommend installing a heavy-duty solenoid and we suggest 4AWG Battery & Motor cables for our 400A controller and 2AWG cables for our 600A controller.
  • What do I need to know to select an appropriate controller for my application?
    Many factors are involved in selecting the most appropriate motor controller for your application. When you select your motor controller, you should have as much of the following information as possible: ​ Type of motor being used (e.g., series wound, permanent magnet, separately excited, brushless DC [BLDC], or AC) Motor horsepower or kilowatt rating (peak and/or continuous) Number of motors and purpose (e.g., traction, hydraulic pump, steering, etc.) Nominal battery voltage and type of battery/power source Throttle type/function: resistive (0-5 K, 5-0 K, etc.), inductive, hall sensor, isolated voltage, unidirectional, bi-directional Expected peak and continuous current (amps) and length of time required to run at continuous current Special features required such as programmability, battery regeneration capabilities, CAN control, etc. A Navitas representative will be happy to assist you in selecting an appropriate controller. Please contact us to discuss your application.
  • How do I install the TAC 1.0?
    Select the appropriate TAC 1.0 installation/service manual on our Manuals and Installation Guide page: https://www.navitastechnologies.com/manualsandinstallationguides.
  • Do I have the series or seperately excited motor (SEM)?
    How to tell if the motor is a series or a separately excited motor (SEM) Use at least two of these methods to determine the motor type. A) Does the golf cart have a tow/run switch or run/maintenance switch? Yes then it is a SEM. No then it is a series. B) Are there 2 smaller diameter (1/4-20 UNC) terminals and 2 larger diameter (5/16-18 UNC) terminals on the motor? Or are all 4 terminal studs the same size (5/16-18 UNC)? Different sizes then SEM. Same size then series. C) What do the motor Field Coil Windings Look like? SEM have 'round wire' coils with smaller guage wire w large amount of turns (60 to 200) per field coil. Series have 'flat wire' coils w larger wire sizes. These coils much lower number of turns (5 to 15) per field coil.
  • How do I program my controller for a Series motor?
    See our Series Programming Guide
  • Why is my vehicle slow, it's not as fast as I think it should be?"
    How to diagnose the reason the vehicle is moving slowly: 1. Check the mechanics of the vehicle Check the tires are properly inflated Check the brakes are not dragging Check that the front end alignment is correct Check the battery is fully charged 2. Check if the battery is dead or low (Dealer only) If the battery voltage collapses when driving then the battery is dead 3. Reprogram the controller for the specific motor (Dealer only) Go to the download section in the App Select the motor type and click reprogram
  • I installed the controller, but the vehicle is not moving."
    How to diagnose the reason the vehicle is not moving: Open the Navitas app to diagnose the problem. Click on your vehicle serial number to open the dashboard If there is a yellow caution button then click to see error message If no yellow caution, read the green print at the bottom of the screen to see the input the vehicle is waiting for Open the diagnostic page to check I/O, to monitor the corresponding input Search for the specific solution in our FAQ page on our web site. For example: foot switch, key switch, direction switch, etc.
  • How do I calibrate the throttle?
    See our guide below to calibrate the throttle on a TSX3.0
  • How do I troubleshoot the direction switch?
    "It says I'm in reverse when I'm in forward or vice versa." How to fix a direction switch that is backwards: There are three wires in the direction switch. Switch the forward and the reverse wires. Trial and error. Switch the wires until the vehicle reverses when you reverse and vice versa. "The direction switch doesn't turn on or vice versa." How to diagnose if the direction switch is broken: Short out the common pin with the pack voltage to reverse or forward to test if it turns on. If it turns on, the switch wasn't working. Replace the direction switch
  • How do I troubleshoot the key switch?
    How to diagnose if the key switch is broken: There are two wires in the key switch, pull any wire off the key switch Turn on the key switch, if the key switch turns off then the key switch is the problem Replace the key switch
  • How do I troubleshoot the foot switch?
    First diagnose if the foot switch is broken on or broken off to rule out other causes. How to tell if the foot switch is broken on: Step on foot switch and turn on the golf cart If the app says "waiting for throttle to be released", then the foot switch is broken on Go to the diagnostics tab in the app Unplug the foot switch If the app says the foot switch goes from on to off, then the foot switch is broken on Replace the foot switch How to tell if the foot switch is broken off: Step on foot switch and turn on the golf cart If the app says "waiting for the foot switch" and the diagnostic screen says "foot switch off", then the foot switch is broken off Unplug the foot switch Connect the two wires on the harness end using a wire short circuit If the app says "foot switch on", the foot switch is broken off Replace the foot switch
  • Why do other Controller manufacturers recommend motor upgrades with their High Power Controllers?
    Enter your answer here
  • What if I don't want the Controller to reduce the power or speed due to motor overheating?
    Enter your answer here
  • Why don't I need to change the field maps if I put the Controller onto different vehicles with different motors?
    Enter your answer here
  • Will your 600 Amp Controller drain the battery quicker than a 400 or 500 Amp Controller?
    A 600A Controller is capable of draining a battery pack faster than a 400A unit, but in reality, the Controller supplies only as much current as the vehicle requires. Ultimately it is the demand curve of the vehicle, which determines how quickly your battery pack will be drained. Once you are rolling, the vehicle is probably using less than 100 Amps. At this point it will be the efficiency of the Controller and Motor that determines how much battery current is needed.
  • Why are Navitas Controllers more efficient than most others?
    Our Controller uses premium electronic components and finely tuned power boards. It does not generate much waste heat. Therefore, it runs cooler. This means that we can package our Controller into a smaller footprint and that we do not need any external cooling fans to dissipate wasted energy.
  • How can your Controller increase the range of my golf car?
    Turn down the speed limit to use less energy. When using the On-The-Fly Programmer, turning the speed limit down reconfigures the Controller and adjusts the motor so that it uses less energy to push the vehicle. This significantly reduces the current demand on the battery and leads to a noticeable increase in range. Increase the amount of regenerative braking going down hills. With the On-The-Fly Programmer, increasing the amount of regenerative braking will not only put energy back into your battery pack bu it will also save wear and tear on your brakes. Limit the acceleration of the vehicle. Limit the acceleration of the vehicle to reduce the size of the current peaks drawn from the batteries. This also will lead to an increase in range.
  • What if I don't want someone to change the top speed or acceleration of the vehicle?
    Our On-The-Fly Programmer in our Controller dynamically changes the field map to operate your motor at an efficient point. If you encounter a motor that we have not tested, the OTF can still be used to adjust the motor to operate within acceptable performance parameters. You can always call our Tech Support if you need detailed assistance.
  • Will your Controller make my car go faster?
    Yes, OEM Controllers generally limit the top speed of the vehicle. In some cases you will need to purchase a speed code to change it. With our OTF Programmer, you will not be required to purchase a speed code. You can adjust the speed of the vehicle to the maximum capabilities of your motor.
  • As a dealer, how are you reducing my need to carry Inventory?"
    We reduce your inventory because you only need to purchase one Controller for 10 applications. The Vehicle Modules can then be used to mate up the Controller to the OEM’s native wiring harness for plug and play installation. These modules are very economically priced. For example, using our system, a relatively small investment (one Controller and 10 modules) will cover 10 separate applications, whereas those same 10 applications would require 5 x the investment (10 controllers with Native OEM Connectors) in a competitor’s products.
  • What is the difference between your Wiring Adaptor Modules and the Native OEM connectors used by other manufacturers?
    Wiring Adaptor Modules Our Wiring Adaptor Modules are the interface to the specific OEM wiring harness. They also perform signal translation functions. Native OEM Connector A Native OEM Connector is hard-wired into the controller. For example, such a controller for a Yamaha application can only be used on that specific Yamaha model.
  • Can I user your Controller for other Voltages and other DC motors such as Series Wound or Permanent Magnet Motors?
    Yes. If the voltage is less than 60V, just a special set of Parameters will be required. If the vehicle requires 64V or 72V, a hardware upgrade is needed. Call our Technical Support number for more information at 844-576-2499.
  • Is it necessary to install a high current Solenoid and thicker Battery Cables with your Controller?
    No, the controller will operate with stock cables and solenoids. However, we do recommend installing a heavy-duty solenoid and we suggest 4AWG Battery & Motor cables for our 400A controller and 2AWG cables for our 600A controller.
  • What do I need to know to select an appropriate controller for my application?
    Many factors are involved in selecting the most appropriate motor controller for your application. When you select your motor controller, you should have as much of the following information as possible: ​ Type of motor being used (e.g., series wound, permanent magnet, separately excited, brushless DC [BLDC], or AC) Motor horsepower or kilowatt rating (peak and/or continuous) Number of motors and purpose (e.g., traction, hydraulic pump, steering, etc.) Nominal battery voltage and type of battery/power source Throttle type/function: resistive (0-5 K, 5-0 K, etc.), inductive, hall sensor, isolated voltage, unidirectional, bi-directional Expected peak and continuous current (amps) and length of time required to run at continuous current Special features required such as programmability, battery regeneration capabilities, CAN control, etc. A Navitas representative will be happy to assist you in selecting an appropriate controller. Please contact us to discuss your application.
  • My app connection keeps timing out (series controller)
    A common fix for this is cycling power to the controller. We recommend wiring the logic power from the harness module to the keyswitch. See diagram for more information. If the vehicle is not wired this way, simply remove the power by disconnecting the negative battery wire, and reconnecting it. Vehicle Diagrams
  • How can your Controller increase the range of my golf car?
    Enter your answer here
  • Why don't I need to change the field maps if I put the Controller onto different vehicles with different motors?
    Enter your answer here
  • What does the On-The-Fly (OTF) Programmer do?
    On-The-Fly Programmer function: It is used by Dealer to set up the vehicles according to the preferences of the customers. The Dealer can adjust the Top Speed, Acceleration & Regenerative Braking rate of the vehicle. The OTF allows Operators to Personalize the Driving Experience by changing the Top Speed, Acceleration and Regenerative Braking of the vehicle in Real-Time while they are driving.
  • What if I don't want someone to change the top speed or acceleration of the vehicle?
    The OTF Programmer includes a Lock and Key. This allows the Dealer or Owner to lock in the setting so that the programmer becomes in-active and can even be physically removed from the vehicle without affecting the settings. This is ideal for: Rental Fleets where range needs to be maximized Commercial /Industrial / Institutional settings where speed needs to be limited Crowded environments where acceleration must be controlled
  • Do I need to purchase the OTF to operate the Controller?
    End User No, the Controller will operate fine with the default factory settings. Most of our Dealers will have an OTF Programmer to set up the car to your specifications. However, we feel that you will likely want to purchase an OTF for yourself. They are economical and they give you the ability to fully control your Driving Experience as conditions change. Dealer If the customer is not happy with the default parameters a dealer will need to have access to an OTF Programmer.
  • Other Controllers are programmable. Why is the OTF a better solution?
    OTF Advantages: With the OTF you can adjust the Driving Experience in Real-Time vs. the Off-Line Programming available with traditional Controllers Other Controllers require Lap-top computers or dedicated devices which are expensive to buy and difficult to operate. Programming other controllers is complicated and often requires a level of expertise that is not available at the Dealer level. Inappropriate parameter modifications can have severe unintended consequences including unexpected behavior and severe equipment damage.
  • How does the OTF program the controller VS the App?
    When the OTF key is in the unlock position, the OTF will take priority over the settings enetered on the settings menu of the app. If the OTF key is in the lock position, or the OTF is not connected, you can manually adjust these parameters through the dashboard app. As soon as the key is turned to unlock again, the settings will be overidden to the settings on the dials.
  • Does my Controller have Bluetooth and Compatible with the Navitas Dashboard APP?
    All Navitas TAC, TAC2, and TSX3.0 Motor Controllers have Bluetooth, and are compatible with the Navitas Dashboard APP. To connect to your controller, you will need to have the Bluetooth and Location Services on your smartphone enabled, and your controller powered up. When you launch the app, you will see your controller listed under the "Controller Name" menu in the "Communications" menu. Do not pair your phone to Bluetooth.
  • The Bluetooth won't connect to my controller.
    Connection issues result from common mistakes during setup Permission errors Most commonly there is a permission issue with the phone, and the Dashboard app. You need to verify that the following permissions are granted to the Dashboard APP: - Location Services - File and media storage - Bluetooth On most Android phones, these settings can be found in the Apps menu of the Android settings menu. Look for our "Dashboard" app in the Apps menu, and verify these permissions are allowed. On iPhones, the app settings can be found in the lower area of the settings menu. Bluetooth Pairing Do not pair your device to the controller. The Navitas APP does not operate on the pairing protocol. Pairing with the controller will cause the controller to not show up in the communications menu. Reset the controller Common issues can be fixed simply by resetting the controller. Some vehicles need to have the power disconnected completely. This can be achieved by cycling the tow / run switch on some, or disconnecting the negative battery terminal. Most vehicles, simply cycling the key does not reset the power.
  • How do I use the App?
    How do I use the Navitas App? Download the App Customer App is available on line through Google Play and Apple App Store. Dealer/Technician App is available by contacting Navitas at 1-844-576-2499. Navitas will register your email and ask what operating system you are using on your phone (Android vs IOS). Android users will receive an email from Navitas with access to the App on Beta Google Store. IOS users will receive and email directly from TestFlight with a link to the App. Download App onto phone. Install the Controller and turn car to ON TSX controller shows a Green Light, The TAC controller will blink once to show power connected. Some car models will require you to turn ON the RUN/TOW switch and others will power ON with a key switch. Open App and choose to connect to the TSX or TAC controller shown (will include the serial number so you can make sure you are connected to the serial number on the appropriate controller). Each controller comes loaded with the appropriate software for your vehicle already installed and functional. We sometimes provide diagnostic updates that can be downloaded into the controller if recommended by the engineering division of Navitas. Car Setup Go to top of “Settings Page” and verify settings listed. If any changes made, remember to choose “SAVE” at bottom of the page. Data logging On the bottom of Settings Page, there are radio buttons you can choose to log the performance of your car. Choose the radio buttons and then hit “START DATALOG” button below. This will show you real time graphing of the car’s performance. This information cannot be saved and only viewed with each drive. You can stop and start the logging with the direction arrow at the top right of the page You can choose the cloud icon to share with Navitas Engineering if asked to.
  • What are the functions on the Dashboard in the App?
    Speedometer – if tire size on the settings tab is correct, then the speedometer will report speed directly from the vehicle as opposed to GPS Caution sign – indicates errors stopping vehicles or warnings about state of vehicle. When you press the caution sign, faults will show. You can choose email and it will generate an email to send to your dealer or you can cancel and correct the faults Battery Voltage – measures the battery charge Motor Temperature – measures the temperature of the motor Lock Button – press button to lock or unlock car remotely. Direction status – F N R is shown Key icon – shows key is present in vehicle and turned on or greyed out if off Green Words on Bottom – indicates the vehicle’s driving status (e.g. waiting for key, waiting to be unlocked, waiting for charger to be removed, waiting for tow switch, battery too low, waiting for forward or reverse switch, waiting for throttle to release, waiting for brake switch to be released, waiting for brake pedal to be released, waiting for foot switch, driving)
  • What do the Settings mean in the App?
    This video walks you through the "Settings" tab of the Navitas App. Speedometer Settings Tire diameter (inches) – used to calculate vehicle speeds and speed limits Rear Axle Ration – used to calculate vehicle speeds and speed limits Speedometer Limit (mile/hr) – sets maximum number of displayed speedometer on dashboard Speed Limits Forward RPM Speed Limit – linked to Forward MPH Speed Limit. Can change either one Forward MPH Speed Limit – linked to Forward RPM speed Limit. Can change either one Reverse RPM Speed Limit – linked to Forward MPH Spee d Limit. Can change either one Reverse MPH Speed Limit – linked to Forward RPM speed Limit. Can change either one Input Thresholds Throttle Min (volts) – Minimum voltage required for throttle to start moving vehicle Brake Min (volts) – for RXVs minimum voltage to begin braking vehicle Nominal Battery Voltage (36, 48 or 72V) – set to your nominal battery pack voltage Main Solenoid Voltage (36, 48 or 72V) – allows you to set the solenoid voltage Advanced Analogue Brake Gain – allows you to adjust the stiffness of RXV braking. Disable Off Throttle Regen to Stop – greyed out and not used Vehicle Direction Rear axles on a Club Car Precedent are mounted in the opposite direction than a TXT –E-Z-GO If the Vehicle moves smoothly but in the wrong direction Both of the below settings should be switched Change Wheel Speed Sensor Direction – Club Car this is turned off Change Motor Direction – Club Car is turned off Off Road Performance Throttle Positive Ramp Rate – shows torque ramp rate Maximum Acceleration – shows maximum torque you will ramp to Experimental Anti- Rollback – not used at this time Vehicle Information Press Radio buttons to log vehicle performance. Once logging begins, a start/stop button appears in the top right corner of page. Information cannot be saved but can be shared with Navitas Engineering via the cloud button at top right on page.
  • What do the Diagnostics do in the App?
    Watch this video for to learn about the Diagnostics tab in the App.
  • What does the Download tab do in the App?
    Learn about the Download tab in the App with this step by step guide:
  • How do I access Advanced Settings in the App?
    After you have created an account, you may request access to advanced settings in the settings menu. You will need to fill out the form with your information, and send to Navitas. Advanced functions will be avaliable to you after the form is submitted.
  • My app connection keeps timing out (series controller)
    A common fix for this is cycling power to the controller. We recommend wiring the logic power from the harness module to the keyswitch. See diagram for more information. If the vehicle is not wired this way, simply remove the power by disconnecting the negative battery wire, and reconnecting it. Vehicle Diagrams
  • Enter your answer here
bottom of page