ACG California Roadster eGC 2012 User manual

2012 Owner’s Manual
Cadillac ESCALADE eGC
Electric Golf Cart (eGC)
This Manual is effective as of October 1, 2011

Manufactured by:
American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. (ACG)
15 40 El Prado Rd.
Chino, CA 91 10 USA
(909) 59 -2885
(909) 59 - 183 fax
www.californiaroadster.com
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc.
American Custom Golf Cars, Inc., and ACG logo
Are registered trademar s of American Custom Golf Cars, Inc.
Cadillac and Escalade
Are registered trademar s of General Motors Corporation.
Cadillac ESCALADE eGC
Is Officially Licensed Product by GM
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 2

Notice
The American Custom Golf Cars, Inc., herein nown as ACG, “Limited Warranty”
for owners of the Cadillac ESCALADE eGC is included with this manual.
(see Appendix W-1).
No other warranties, expressed or implied, are contained herein.
ACG and your authorized dealer or representative chec ed this vehicle before it
was delivered to you.
This vehicle does not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS #500 for
LSV (low-speed vehicles), and is not equipped for operation on public streets and roads.
Cadillac ESCALADE eGC does conform to the current American National Standards
Institute’s Z130 Safety and Performance Requirements for Golf Cars, as of date of
manufacture as shown on the vehicle’s “Certification Label”.
ACG is not liable of errors in this manual or for incidental or consequential damages that
result from the use of the material in this manual. The information contained in this
document including the warranty information contained in separate “Warranty” document is
subject to change without notice.
ACG reserves the right to ma e design and equipment changes to vehicles without
obligation to ma e these changes on units sold prior to the changes being made.
Throughout this “Owner’s Manual”, the words “golf cart”, “eGC” and “vehicle” are used
interchangeably.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 3

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 eGC……………………………………………...……. 10
Cautions, Warnings and Notes…………………………………………………...…..…11
Controls and Indicators………………………………………………………….....…….12
ey Switch……………………………………………………..…….……..….... 12
Forward-Neutral-Reverse Switch……………………………………..….….… 13
Accelerator Pedal……………………………………………..……………..….. 14
Brake Pedal…………………………………………………………..……..…… 15
Park Brake Pedal……………………………………………………..……..….. 15
Light Switch………………………………………………………….……..….… 16
Turn Signal Lever Switch…………………………….…………….……..….… 17
Hazard Warning Lights Switch………………………………………….......… 18
Turn Signal Directional Indicators…………………………………..…..…….. 18
Display Panel…..........................…………………………...……..........…..… 19
Locking Glove Boxes……………………………………………………….……26
Front Trunk Release…………………………………………………………….. 26
Accessory 12 V DC Power Outlet………………………..…..……………….. 27
Safety Belts…………………………………………………………………………..……28
Tires & Wheels………………………………………………………………………...…. 35
Tire Changing and Jac ing Points………………………………………………..……. 38
Bra es……………………………………………………………………………….……. 39
Pre-Operation and Daily Safety Chec list………………………………………......… 40
Performance Inspection………………………………………………………….....….. 41
Driving Instructions…………………………………………………………………........ 42
Starting the Vehicle……………………………………………………….....….. 44
Stopping or slowing the Vehicle………………………………………......…… 44
Parking and Leaving the Vehicle……………………………………….....……44
Batteries………………………………………………………………………….....…….. 45
Battery Care……………………………………………………………......…… 45
Battery Inspection & Maintenance…………………………………………..... 46
INSPECTION……………………………………………………………….….. 46
CLEANING………………………………………………………………….…. 48
WATERING……………………………………………………………………. 49
Charging Batteries…………………………………………………………….... 51
Battery Replacement………………………………………………………...…. 52
Battery Disposal……………………………………………………………........ 52
Periodic Maintenance……………………………………………………………....…… 54
DAILY TAS S………………………………………………………………...…. 54
MONTHLY TAS S…………………………………………………………...…. 55
Cleaning………………………………………………………………………………...… 56
Specifications…………………………………………………………………………..... 59
Warranty……………………………………………………………………………...….. W-1
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 4

Foreword
Than you for choosing the Cadillac ESCALADE eGC for your golf and
community transportation needs. American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. would li e to
welcome you to the new revolution in the Custom Golf Cart Industry.
Please protect your investment to ma e sure that yourCadillac ESCALADE eGC
will provide you with years of reliable performance.
Your safety is important to us, so please ma e 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 ma e sure that they have read this
manual prior to operating this vehicle.
Please consider this manual to be a permanent part of this vehicle and if it is sold,
please ma e sure that the new owner receives the manual so that they will have the
operating information that it contains as well.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 5

Introduction
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Than you for purchasing yourCadillac ESCALADE eGC vehicle manufactured by
American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. (ACG)
Your vehicle is designed to operate exclusively on battery power.
It is a “Zero Emission Vehicle” (ZEV).
The ACG company objective includes customer safety and product satisfaction.
This “Owner’s Manual” is designed to acquaint you with the proper and safe
operation of your ACG vehicle.
Please ta e the time to read and understand the manual before operating your
vehicle.
Maintenance schedules and general care instructions are included in the Operation
and Maintenance section.
This manual is applicable only to the following ACG models:
2012Cadillac ESCALADE eGC
If any questions arise after reading the manual, please contact ACG Customer
Service at (909) 59 -2885.
Please have your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and date of purchase
information available.
NOTE:
All information and specifications in this “Owner’s Manual” are current at the time
of printing. However, due to ACG’s policy of continuous product improvement, we
reserve the right to ma e changes, at any time, without written notice or obligation.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 6

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” document includes a “Warranty Registration Card”.
Your new Cadillac ESCALADE eGC (Electric Golf Cart) comes with a:
One (1) Year Limited Warranty.
The Warranty begins from the date that the Cadillac ESCALADE eGC is
purchased from 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, as
shown on the vehicle’s “Certification Label”.
Please protect your Warranty and mail your “Warranty Registration Card”
today!
There are no other expressed warranties on your ACG vehicle beyond those set in
the accompanying “Warranty” document (Appendix W-1), and no implied warranties
of merchantability or fitness to the full extent allowed by law.
ACG and its dealers shall not be liable for loss of use, inconvenience, lost time,
commercial loss or any incidental, consequential or other damages.
A separate “Tire Registration Card” is provided for Warranty and potential Tire
Recall campaign, the Tire Registration is required by Federal Law under the TREAD
Act.
Please fill out and mail both Registration Cards today!
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 7

General Warnings _
1. This “Owner’s Manual” should be read completely before attempting to drive or
service the vehicle. Failure to follow the instructions in this manual could result in
property damage, severe personal injury, or death.
2. When charging the vehicle, be sure that the ey switch is in the “OFF” position.
If the ey is left in the “ON“ position, it may damage the charger or the EGC.
3. Your vehicle is equipped with an on-board UL- listed charger. When charging
your EGC, please be sure to use a proper, grounded cord to provide power to
the charger. Please be sure to raise the hood of the golf cart to allow ventilation
of the charger so that it does not overheat.
Please refer to the separate “Charging Procedures Manual” for further
detailed information on your eGC charging.
4. Always obey all traffic regulations when operating the vehicle.
5. When stopping and leaving the vehicle:
a) Ma e sure vehicle has come to a complete stop.
b) Switch “Forward-Neutral-Reverse Switch” to the “Neutral” position.
c) Engage par ing bra e
d) Turn the “ ey Switch” to “OFF” position and remove ey.
6. Wear safety glasses or approved eye protection when servicing the vehicle.
Wear a full-face shield and rubber gloves when wor ing with the batteries.
7. Use insulated tools when wor ing around batteries or electrical connections.
Use extreme caution to avoid shorting of components or wiring.
8. Improper use of the vehicle or failure to properly maintain it could result in
decreased vehicle performance or severe personal injury.
9. Any modification or change to the vehicle that affects the stability or handling
of the vehicle or increases maximum speed beyond factory specifications, could
result in severe personal injury or death.
10. Prior to servicing Vehicle:
a. Choc the wheels.
b. Turn the “ ey Switch” to “OFF“ position and remove the ey.
c. Disconnect battery cables, negative (-) cable first.
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WARNING!
1. If renting or loaning the vehicle, ma e sure that the driver is familiar with all
controls and operating procedures before allowing the vehicle to be driven.
2. Any modification or change to the vehicle that affects the stability or handling
of the vehicle, or increases maximum vehicle speed beyond factory
specifications, could result in severe personal injury or death.
3. Do not shift the “Forward-Neutral-Reverse Switch” while the vehicle is
moving. To avoid damaging the vehicle or injuring an unsuspecting
passenger, always bring the vehicle to a full and complete stop before
switching from Forward to Reverse.
4. To avoid unintentionally starting or rolling the vehicle:
A). Set the “Parking Brake”,
B). Turn the “ ey Switch” to the “OFF” position,
C). Remove eys prior to leaving the vehicle.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 9

SAFE OWNERSHIP OF ACG ELECTRIC VEHICLES
ACG pure battery electric vehicles are different from vehicles you might be
accustomed to owning. Special precautions should be followed when owning and
operating an ACG vehicle.
Please read this “Owner’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 Golf Carts are designed and are intended only for use at low
speed, up to 15 mph, and are not intended for use on public roads.
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 from the vehicle during operation.
If your ACG is equipped with optional canvas or plastic doors, these were designed
and are intended only to eep wind and water out of the vehicle and should not be
relied upon to eep occupants in the vehicle or to protect them in case of collision.
• ACG vehicles are not designed to meet any collision or roll-over requirements.
Therefore, you should always drive your ACG vehicle in a safe manner while being
alert to potential dangerous situations around you. As with all motor vehicles, never
drin alcohol and attempt to drive an ACG vehicle.
• Operate an ACG vehicle only on Golf courses or private roads where the speed
limits are appropriate for low speed vehicles and the traffic is light.
(individual state laws vary, so chec with your DMV)
• You should never operate an ACG vehicle so that you are an obstacle and
become an annoyance for faster moving traffic.
• ACG vehicles are designed to be recharged from a standard 120 VAC-15 Ampere
electrical household outlet that is ground-fault protected. Charging from a circuit of
lesser capacity and/or using a cord from 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.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 10

• The voltage in an ACG vehicle battery pac (the battery pac is what you charge
and provides the “fuel” to the ACG’s electric drive system) is 48 Volt DC and is
sufficient to cause death by electric shoc - electrocution.
For this reason, ACG owners should never attempt to do any maintenance or repair
wor on their ACG vehicle’s electric drive system, including the battery pac , 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 “Owner’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 them for years of safe
operation and enjoyment of your ACG Electric Golf Cart.
Warnings, Cautions and Notes
Throughout this “Owner’s Manual” you will find the words “WARNING!”
and “CAUTION!” These serve as reminders that attention is required.
“WARNING!”
Indicates an immediate hazard, which could result in an accident
causing bodily injury.
“CAUTION!”
Identifies something that could result in damage to your vehicle.
“NOTE”
Notes are for your information and to ma e procedures more easily
understood.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 11

Controls and Indicators
Key Switch
The “ ey Switch” is mounted on the dash to the right of the steering column.
It has two positions:
1. OFF position- There is no power to vehicle. ( ey is Vertical as shown in picture below)
2. ON position- vehicle is ON and can be driven. ( ey is turned clockwise 45 degrees)
(ey Switch shown in “ON” position)
WARNING!
Never turn the “ ey Switch” to the “OFF” position while the vehicle is
in motion. 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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Forward – Neutral - Reverse Control Switch
The “Forward-Neutral-Reverse Switch” 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.) REVERSE - 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.) NEUTRAL - When the switch is in the straight up and down position the
vehicle is in Neutral and will not move when the accelerator pedal is
depressed.
(Switch shown in Reverse position)
CAUTION!
Always bring the vehicle to a complete stop before changing the
position of the “Forward-Neutral-Reverse Switch”.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 13

Accelerator Pedal
The “Accelerator Pedal” is the pedal on the right, with the word “GO” molded into it.
The operation of the accelerator pedal differs from that of an Automobile. When the
“ey Switch” is in the “ON” position, depressing the accelerator pedal will release
the par ing bra e. As the accelerator pedal is depressed speed will increase until
full speed is reached. When you release the accelerator pedal the power to the
motor is cut OFF and the motor 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.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 14

Brake Pedal
The “Brake Pedal” is the large pedal on the left with the word “STOP” molded into it.
To slow or stop the vehicle, release the “Accelerator Pedal” and then depress the
bra e pedal with your foot until the EGC has come to a complete stop or the vehicle
has slowed to your desired speed.
Park Brake Pedal
The “Park Brake Pedal” is the small raised portion in the upper left corner of the
“Brake Pedal”. It has the word “PARK” molded into it.
To set the par bra e, depress the “Brake Pedal” firmly and tilt the par bra e
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.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 15

Light Switch
The “Light Switch” is located on the Dashboard to the left of the steering Column.
It is a 2 position switch it is labeled with ISO symbol (icon).
1.) OFF - When the top portion of the switch “O” is depressed the lights are off.
2.) ON - When the bottom portion of the switch “I” is depressed, the lights are on.
(Light switch shown in “ON” position)
Fog Light Switch
The “Fog Light Switch” is located on the Dashboard to the left of the steering
Column, next to the “Light Switch”.
It is a 2 position switch it is labeled with ISO symbol (icon).
1.) OFF - When the top portion of the switch “O” is depressed the fog lights are off.
2.) ON - When the bottom portion of the switch “I” is depressed, the fog lights are on.
Auxiliary Switches
Two “Auxiliary Switches” are located on the Dashboard to the left of the steering
Column, next to the “Fog Light Switch” .
It is a 2 position switch it is labeled with ““ symbol (icon).
1.) OFF - When the top portion of the switch “O” is depressed the fog lights are off.
2.) ON - When the bottom portion of the switch “I” is depressed, the fog lights are on.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 16

Turn Signal Lever Switch
The Turn Signals are activated by Lever Switch located on Left side of steering
column below Steering Wheel.
It is a 3 position switch.
1.) RIGHT - When the Lever is pushed UP (Clockwise) – the Right Lights Flash.
2.) OFF - When the Lever is Horizontal, the Turn Signal lights are “OFF”.
3.) LEFT – When the Lever is pushed down (Counter Clockwise) – the Left Lights Flash.
NOTE:
The system DOES NOT have a “self-canceling” feature; return the Lever to the horizontal
“OFF” position after completing the intended Turn or Lane Change!
(Turn Signal Lever Switch shown in “O “position)
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 17

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 same time.
The “Hazard” function is activated by Pull Switch located on Left side of steering
column below Steering Wheel. And immediately 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.
NOTE:
The Hazard function can be canceled ONLY by moving the “Turn Signal Lever” from the
the horizontal “OFF” position to either “UP” (Right Turn) or “DOWN” (Left Turn) position!
Turn Signal Directional Indicators
The GREEN LED Light to the Left of the Display Panel will flash when the
Left Turn Signal is activated
The GREEN LED Light to the Right of the Display Panel will flash when the
Right Turn Signal is activated

Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 18

Display Panel
The Cadillac ESCALADE eGC 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 miles in NN.N format (shown above as 90.6 mi.)
Odometer TOTAL Distance Traveled in miles in NNNN.N format
(shown above as 231.9 mi.)
Vehicle Speed in MPH and KPH shown on semi 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.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 19

Display Screen – Other Functions
Main Screen
Main screen will display Direction, Speed and Battery Charge Level, it also displays Trip and
Odometer (total miles) mileage traveled.
f the low water battery symbol appears please check the water level in all batteries.
To clear the low water battery symbol push upper arrow button [# ] 2 times; this will clear
the low water level symbol.
NOTE:
The vehicle MUST be in neutral (N) when you first turn the key “ON” thereafter you can
select forward (F) or reverse (R). The car will not move unless you start in neutral (N).
To proceed to a 2nd Screen push center arrow button [8 ] once.
Copyright © 2009-2011 American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. Page 20