ACG California Roadster NEV 2016 User manual

2016 Owner’s Manual
ACG California Roadster NEV
Electric Low Speed Vehicle (LSV)
Neighborhood Electric Vehicle (NEV)
This Manual is effective as of November 1, 2015

Manufactured by:
American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. (ACG)
15740 l Prado Rd.
Chino, CA 91710 USA
[phone]
[phone] fax
www.acgcars.us
Copyright © 2009-2015 A erican Custo Golf Cars, Inc.
A erican Custo Golf Cars, Inc., ACG and California Roadster
Are registered trade arks of A erican Custo Golf Cars, Inc.
Copyright © 2009-2015 A erican Custo Golf Cars, Inc. Page 2

Notice
The American Custom Golf Cars, Inc., herein known as ACG, “Limited Warranty”
for owners of the California Roadster is included with this anual.
No other warranties, expressed or implied, are contained herein.
ACG and your authorized representative checked this vehicle before it was
delivered to you.
California Roadster NEV does confor to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
FMVSS #500 for LSV (low-speed vehicles), and is equipped for operation on public streets
and roads, as of date of anufacture as shown on the vehicle’s “Certification Label”.
ACG is not liable for any additional require ents or odifications that your individual state
ay require.
ACG is not liable of errors in this anual or for incidental or consequential da ages that
result fro the use of the aterial in this anual. The infor ation contained in this
docu ent including the warranty infor ation contained in separate “Warranty” docu ent is
subject to change without notice.
ACG reserves the right to ake design and equip ent changes to vehicles without
obligation to ake these changes on units sold prior to the changes being ade.
Throughout this “O ner’s Manual”, the words “golf cart”, “NEV” and “vehicle” are used
interchangeably.
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Table of Contents
Notice………………………………………………………………………………… 3
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………… 4
Foreword…………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………. 6
ABOUT THIS MANUAL……………………………………………………………… 6
Insurance Notice……………………………………………………………………… 7
Warranty Registration………………………………………………………………… 7
General Warnings…………………………………………………………………….. 8
SAFE OWNERSHIP OF ACG NEV…………………………………………………. 10
Cautions, Warnings and Notes……………………………………………………..… 11
Controls and Indicators…………………………………………………………..……. 12
Key S itch……………………………………………………..…….……….... 12
For ard-Neutral-Reverse S itch……………………………………..…..… 13
Accelerator Pedal……………………………………………..…………….. 14
Brake Pedal…………………………………………………………..……… 15
Park Brake Pedal……………………………………………………..………..16
Light S itch………………………………………………………….……….…17
Turn Signal Lever S itch…………………………….…………….……….… 18
Hazard Warning Lights S itch…………………….....………………..…….. 19
Turn Signal Directional Indicators……………………………………..…….. 19
Display Panel…………………………………………………………….…..... 20
Battery Percent Charge Infor ation on SEVCON Display.......................................21
Locking Glove Boxes……………………………………………………….… 28
Front Trunk Release………………………………………………………….. 28
Accessory Outlet………………………………………………..…………….. 29
Safety Belts……………………………………………………………………………… 30
Tires & Wheels…………………………………………………………………………. 37
Tire Changing and Jacking Points……………………………………………………. 40
Brakes……………………………………………………………………………………. 41
Pre-Operation and Daily Safety Checklist……………………………………....…… 42
Perfor ance Inspection……………………………………………………………...... 43
Driving Instructions………………………………………………………………....….. 44
Starting the Vehicle………………………………………………………….. 46
Stopping or slo ing the Vehicle………………………………………….… 46
Parking and Leaving the Vehicle…………………………………………… 46
Batteries………………………………………………………………………………...... 47
Battery Care…………………………………………………………………… 47
Battery Inspection & Maintenance………………………………………….. 48
INSPECTION……………………………………………………….. 48
CLEANING…………………………………………………………. 50
WATERING…………………………………………………………. 51
Charging Batteries……………………………………………………………. 53
Battery Replacement & Disposal……………………………………………. 54
Charging Procedure............................................................................................. 56
Periodic Maintenance……………………………………………………...…………… 68
DAILY TASKS…………………………………………………………………. 68
MONTHLY TASKS……………………………………………………………. 69
Vehicle Cleaning...................................................................................... 70
Transport or Towing............................................................................................... 72
Floor Mat Safety Infor ation.................................................................................. 73
Consu er Infor ation – Tires …............................................................................ 74
Reporting Safety Defects …................................................................................ 75
Specifications………………………………………………………………………….. 76
Warranty……………………………………………………………………………….. W-1
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Foreword
Thank you for choosing the California Roadster NEV for your Golf course and
local co unity transportation needs.
Please protect your invest ent to ake sure that your California Roadster NEV
will provide you with years of reliable perfor ance.
Your safety is i portant to us, so please ake sure that prior to operating the
vehicle you have read the following instructions and warnings.
If you rent or loan your vehicle to others, please ake sure that they have read this
anual prior to operating this vehicle.
Please consider this anual to be a per anent part of this vehicle and if it is sold,
please ake sure that the new owner receives the anual so that they will have the
operating infor ation that it contains as well.
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Introduction
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Thank you for purchasing your California Roadster NEV vehicle anufactured by
A erican Custo Golf Cars, Inc. (ACG)
Your vehicle is designed to operate exclusively on battery power.
It is a “Zero E ission Vehicle” (ZEV).
The ideal application for any battery-powered vehicle occurs when the daily driving
pattern is predictable and the distance is relatively short.
The ACG co pany objective includes custo er safety and product satisfaction.
This “O ner’s Manual” is designed to acquaint you with the proper and safe
operation of your ACG vehicle.
Please take the ti e to read and understand the anual before operating your
vehicle.
Maintenance schedules and general care instructions are included in the Operation
and Maintenance section.
This anual is applicable to the following ACG odels:
2016 ACG California Roadster N V
If any questions arise after reading the anual, please contact ACG Custo er
Service at [phone].
Please have your Vehicle Identification Nu ber (VIN) and date of purchase
infor ation available.
NOT :
All infor ation and specifications in this “O ner’s Manual” are current at the ti e of
printing. However, due to ACG’s policy of continuous product i prove ent, we
reserve the right to ake changes, at any ti e, without written notice or obligation.
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Insurance Notice
Your Insurance may not provide coverage for accidents involving the use of
this vehicle. To determine if coverage is provided you should contact your
insurance company or agent.
Warranty Registration
The separate “Warranty” docu ent includes a “Warranty Registration Card”.
Your new California Roadster NEV co es with a Two (2) Year Limited Warranty.
The Warranty begins fro the date that the California Roadster NEV is purchased
fro an approved Dealer or Distributor of American Custom Golf Cars, Inc.
products, provided that the “Warranty Registration Card” is received by
American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. within 45 Days of the purchase date of the
vehicle.
If the “Warranty Registration Card” is not received within 45 days of purchase
date, the Warranty commencement date will be the vehicle production date.
Protect your Warranty and mail your “Warranty Registration Card” today!
There are no other expressed warranties on your ACG vehicle beyond those set
acco panying “Warranty” docu ent, and no i plied warranties of erchantability
or fitness to the full extent allowed by law.
ACG and its dealers shall not be liable for loss of use, inconvenience, lost ti e,
co ercial loss or any incidental, consequential or other da ages.
A separate “Tire Registration Card” is provided for Warranty and any potential Tire
Recall ca paign, the Tire Registration is required by Federal Law under the TREAD
Act.
Protect your Tire Warranty and mail your “Tire Registration Card”.
Please do it today!
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General Warnings _
1. This “O ner’s Manual” should be read co pletely before atte pting to drive or
service the vehicle. Failure to follow the instructions in this anual could result in
property da age, severe personal injury, or death.
2. When charging the vehicle, be sure that the key switch is in the “OFF” position.
If the key is left in the “ON“ position, it ay da age the charger or the vehicle.
3. Your vehicle is equipped with an on-board UL- listed charger. When charging
your vehicle, please be sure to use a proper, grounded cord to provide power to
the charger. Please be sure to raise the hood of the vehicle to allow ventilation
of the charger so that it does not overheat.
Please refer to the “CHARGING PROCED RES” section for further
information on your vehicle charging.
4. Always obey all traffic regulations when operating the vehicle.
5. When stopping and leaving the vehicle:
a) Make sure vehicle has co e to a co plete stop.
b) Switch “For ard-Neutral-Reverse S itch” to the “Neutral” position.
c) Engage parking brake
d) Turn the “Key S itch” to “OFF” position and re ove key.
6. Wear safety glasses or approved eye protection when servicing the vehicle.
Wear a full-face shield and rubber gloves when working with the batteries.
7. Use insulated tools when working around batteries or electrical connections.
Use extre e caution to avoid shorting of co ponents or wiring.
8. I proper use of the vehicle or failure to properly aintain it could result in
decreased vehicle perfor ance or severe personal injury.
9. Any odification or change to the vehicle that affects the stability or handling
of the vehicle or increases axi u speed beyond factory specifications, could
result in severe personal injury or death.
10. Prior to servicing Vehicle:
a. Chock the wheels.
b. Turn the “Key S itch” to “OFF“ position and re ove the key.
c. Disconnect battery cables, negative ( - ) cable first.
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WARNING!
1. If renting or loaning the vehicle, ake sure that the driver is fa iliar with all
controls and operating procedures before allowing the vehicle to be driven.
2. Any odification or change to the vehicle that affects the stability or handling
of the vehicle, or increases axi u vehicle speed beyond factory
specifications, could result in severe personal injury or death.
3. Do not shift the “For ard-Neutral-Reverse S itch” while the vehicle is
oving. To avoid da aging the vehicle or injuring an unsuspecting
passenger, always bring the vehicle to a full and co plete stop before
switching fro Forward to Reverse.
4. To avoid unintentionally starting or rolling the vehicle:
A). Set the “Parking Brake”,
B). Turn the “Key S itch” to the “OFF” position,
C). Re ove keys prior to leaving the vehicle.
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SAF OWN RSHIP OF ACG L CTRIC V HICL S
ACG pure battery electric vehicles are different fro vehicles you ight be
accusto ed to owning. Special precautions should be followed when owning and
operating an ACG vehicle.
Please read this “O ner’s Manual” and pay particular attention to the Cautions and
Warnings in this Manual, as well as those placed on the vehicle in various locations.
In general, ACG vehicles are designed and are intended only for use at low speed,
up to 25 MPH and are not intended for use on public roads with speed li its above
35 MPH.
Specific to ACG vehicles, the following safe habits should always be followed:
• ACG vehicles are open vehicles. For this reason, safety belts should always be
worn by all occupants to prevent being thrown fro the vehicle during operation.
If your ACG is equipped with optional canvas or plastic doors, these were designed
and are intended only to keep wind and water out of the vehicle and should not be
relied upon to keep occupants in the vehicle or to protect the in case of collision.
• ACG vehicles are not designed to eet any collision or roll-over require ents.
Therefore, you should always drive your ACG vehicle in a safe anner while being
alert to potential dangerous situations around you. As with all otor vehicles, never
drink alcohol and atte pt to drive an ACG vehicle.
• Operate an ACG vehicle only on roads where the speed li its are appropriate for
low speed vehicles and the traffic is light.
(individual state laws vary, so check with your local DMV)
• You should never operate an ACG vehicle so that you are an obstacle and
beco e an annoyance for faster oving traffic.
• ACG vehicles are designed to be recharged fro a standard 120 VAC-15 A pere
electrical outlet that is ground-fault protected. Charging fro a circuit of lesser
capacity and/or using a cord fro the outlet to the ACG vehicle that is not sufficient
in wire gauge (AWG) could create a fire hazard.
Please consult “Charging Procedures Manual” for the proper extension cord gauge
which depends on its length.
• The voltage in an ACG vehicle battery pack (the battery pack is what you charge
and provides the “fuel” to the ACG’s electric drive syste ) is 48 Volt DC and is
sufficient to cause death by electric shock - electrocution.
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For this reason, ACG owners should N V R atte pt to do any aintenance or
repair work on their ACG vehicle’s electric drive syste , including the battery pack,
unless they have had special training. The one exception is inspection and refilling,
if necessary, of the distilled water in flooded type batteries that can be ordered with
ACG vehicles.
• In this “O ner’s Manual”, the above safe ownership and operation habits will be
pointed out to you as the different aspects of owning and operating an ACG vehicle
are explained. Please read, understand and abide by the for years of safe
operation and enjoy ent of your ACG Vehicle.
Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Throughout this “O ner’s Manual” you will find the words “WARNING!”
and “CAUTION!” These serve as re inders that attention is required.
“WARNING!”
Indicates an i ediate hazard, which could result in an accident
causing bodily injury.
“CAUTION!”
Identifies so ething that could result in da age to your vehicle.
“NOT ”
Notes are for your infor ation and to ake procedures ore easily
understood.
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Controls and Indicators
Key Switch
The “Key S itch” is ounted on the dash to the right of the steering colu n.
It has two positions:
1. OFF position- There is no power to vehicle. (Key is Vertical as sho n in picture belo )
2. ON position- vehicle is ON and can be driven. (Key is turned clock ise 45 degrees)
Key is sho n in OFF position
WARNING!
Never turn the “Key S itch” to the “OFF” position while the vehicle is
in otion. This could lead to loss of speed control and loss of control
of the vehicle. This can cause a serious accident.
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Direction Control Switch (Forward – Neutral - Reverse)
The “Direction Control S itch” is located on the seat support panel.
There are three (3) distinct positions: Forward, Neutral and Reverse.
1.) FORWARD - To operate the vehicle in the forward direction, rotate the switch
towards the passenger side of the vehicle.
2.) R V RS - To operate the vehicle in the reverse direction, rotate the switch
towards the driver side of the vehicle. Your Vehicle has been equipped with
a reverse warning beeper so that when the vehicle is in reverse you will hear
a loud beep signaling that the vehicle is in reverse.
3.) N UTRAL (N) - When the switch is in the straight up and down position the
vehicle is in Neutral and will not ove when the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
(S itch sho n in Reverse position)
CAUTION!
Always bring the vehicle to a co plete stop before changing the
position of the “For ard-Neutral-Reverse S itch”.
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Accelerator Pedal
The “Accelerator Pedal” is the pedal on the right, with the word “GO” olded into it.
The operation of the accelerator pedal differs fro that of an Auto obile. When the
“Key S itch” is in the “ON” position, depressing the accelerator pedal will release
the parking brake. As the accelerator pedal is depressed speed will increase until
full speed is reached. When you release the accelerator pedal the power to the
otor is cut OFF and the otor will stop running causing the vehicle to coast.
WARNING!
The vehicle will not stop automatically when the “Accelerator Pedal” is
released. You must depress the “Brake Pedal” in order for the vehicle to
come to a stop or to slow down rapidly.
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Brake Pedal
The “Brake Pedal” is the large pedal on the left with the word “STOP” olded into it.
To slow or stop the vehicle, release the “Accelerator Pedal” and then depress the
brake pedal with your foot until the vehicle has co e to a co plete stop or the
vehicle has slowed to your desired speed.
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Park Brake Pedal
The “Park Brake Pedal” is the s all raised portion in the upper left corner of the
“Brake Pedal”. It has the word “PARK” olded into it.
To set the park brake, depress the “Brake Pedal” fir ly and tilt the park brake
portion of the pedal forward with your foot.
WARNING!
The “Park Brake” will release automatically when either the “Accelerator
Pedal” or “Brake Pedal” is depressed. The park brake has multiple locking
positions and should be firmly pressed and locked to prevent the vehicle
from rolling.
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Light Switch
The “Light S itch” is located on the Dashboard to the left of the steering Colu n.
It is identified by SAE/ISO “Lights” icon.
It is a 2 position switch:
1.) OFF - When the top portion of the switch “O” is depressed the lights are “OFF”.
2.) ON - When the botto portion of the switch “I” is depressed, the lights are “ON”.
(Light s itch sho n in “OFF” position)
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Turn Signal Lever Switch
The Turn Signals are activated by Lever Switch located on Left side of steering
colu n below Steering Wheel.
It is a 3 position switch.
1.) RIGHT - When the Lever is pushed UP (Clock ise) – the Right Lights Flash.
2.) OFF - When the Lever is Horizontal, the Turn Signal lights are “OFF”.
3.) L FT – When the Lever is pushed down (Counter Clock ise) – the Left Lights Flash.
NOT :
The syste DOES NOT have a “self-canceling” feature; return the Lever to the horizontal
“OFF” position after co pleting the intended Turn or Lane Change!
(Turn Signal Lever S itch sho n in “OFF “position)
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Hazard Warning Flashers
The Hazard Warning Flasher Switch activates both Turn Signals to provide
“Hazard Warning” by flashing both Right and Left as well as Front and Rear Turn
Signals at the sa e ti e.
The “Hazard” function is activated by Pull Switch located on Left side of steering
colu n below Steering Wheel. And i ediately below the Turn Signal Lever.
It is a 2 position switch.
OFF - When the Pull Switch is released (pushed INWARD)
ON - When the Pull Switch is pulled out, the Turn Signal lights are activated.
NOT :
The Hazard function can be canceled ONLY by oving the “Turn Signal Lever” fro the
the horizontal “OFF” position to either “UP” (Right Turn) or “DOWN” (Left Turn) position!
Turn Signal Directional Indicators
The GR N LED Light to the Left of the Display Panel will flash when the
Left Turn Signal is activated
The GR N LED Light to the Right of the Display Panel will flash when the
Right Turn Signal is activated
(See next page)
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Display Panel
The California Roadster NEV LCD display has following functions:
Battery State of Charge (SoC) shown on bar graph at right of the screen
and as percent % at top of the bar graph (shown above as 88%)
Trip Distance Traveled in iles in NN.N for at (shown above as 90.6 i.)
Odometer TOTAL Distance Traveled in iles in NNNN.N for at
(shown above as 231.9 i.)
Vehicle Speed in MPH and KPH shown on se i elliptical bar graph
(shown as 0 MPH/KPH above)
Direction – Monitors the position of the “Direction Control Switch” and
shows:
D for Forward Drive
N for Neutral (as shown above)
R for Reverse
For additional display features please refer to following section.
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