Trail-Tech Striker gauge doohickie help needed!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'm willing to pay someone, but no one will touch it. Here's the situation:
My cart came with this thing on top of the steering wheel. It looks pretty cool - has a backlight, clock, odometer, speedometer, gas gauge, ride time, voltage max/mi, engine temp, oil reminder, low battery, all kinds of stuff.

What I actually need from the thing is:

correct speedometer, ability to change the time twice a year, and the backlight to work consistently. Gas and oil gauges would be useful too.

Currently, none of the three things I really need are working correctly.

Also my speed is now topped out at 19.1 on a straight-away (going around a corner sometimes can speed it up to almost 20). I know 19.8 isn't much higher but I get passed a lot. Not looking to go 25, but being able to go the max I'm allowed would be nice.

Willie's and Southern won't touch any of this. The Villages Golf Cars overcharges for everything, so I'm assuming they'll overcharge me for this too.

Anyone have a guy who can do this stuff for me? I'd do it myself but me and electric wires don't like each other.

[Sparty6971]

Suspect this user manual will go a long way toward helping you get it set up properly. I got one of those devices as well and need to reset some of the functions but haven't yet. The user manual does tell you how to do it, I've just been too lazy.
TRAIL TECH STRIKER USER MANUAL Pdf Download | ManualsLib (https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1250485/Trail-Tech-Striker.html)

[kfierle]

There are quite a few videos for the trail tech striker on youtube.com. Just do a search. I have used several in the past to help me with my striker on my golf cart.

[villagetinker]

The backlight sounds like a wiring problem and i can help with that let me know.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Well I went to the Villages Golf Cars for a freebie lesson on how to set the clock. Turns out I was doing it right, I just wasn't holding the buttons down long enough.

The backlight is definitely the wiring, but this thing can also connect to the oil sensor, the gas sensor, and a bunch of other things. I might as well have it work correctly rather than just fix the wires for the backlight only. And the speedometer needs to be recalibrated since it's saying I'm going 2mph slower than I really am.

Meanwhile, I knew I needed a new battery (it's a 2016 club car with over 400 miles on it, and the only service it's seen in two years has been a single oil change and spark plug replacement).

So - I'm gonna suck it up and get the whole shebang. It's gonna set me back $270 for belts, lube, checking all the cables attached to everything they attach to, a new battery and cables that connect to the terminals (they're totally corroded), who the heck knows what else, a whole list of things I probably can live without. Plus setting up my Striker to do everything it's capable of doing, correctly, and fixing the governor to go up to 20mph instead of only 19.1mph.

[NoMoSno]

Battery cables likely just need to be cleaned not replaced.

[Billy1]

Yes, get it done correctly.

[banjobob]

You will still be passed most new carts will run 25 mph and some modified to run over 30

[noslices1]

I'm willing to pay someone, but no one will touch it. Here's the situation:
My cart came with this thing on top of the steering wheel. It looks pretty cool - has a backlight, clock, odometer, speedometer, gas gauge, ride time, voltage max/mi, engine temp, oil reminder, low battery, all kinds of stuff.

What I actually need from the thing is:

correct speedometer, ability to change the time twice a year, and the backlight to work consistently. Gas and oil gauges would be useful too.

Currently, none of the three things I really need are working correctly.

Also my speed is now topped out at 19.1 on a straight-away (going around a corner sometimes can speed it up to almost 20). I know 19.8 isn't much higher but I get passed a lot. Not looking to go 25, but being able to go the max I'm allowed would be nice.

Willie's and Southern won't touch any of this. The Villages Golf Cars overcharges for everything, so I'm assuming they'll overcharge me for this too.

Anyone have a guy who can do this stuff for me? I'd do it myself but me and electric wires don't like each other.

Just trade it in and let someone else worry about it.

[Dilligas]

Use the manual for operating instructions. Some functions may not be hooked up with the unit. The speed your cart goes is controlled by your governor, not that speedometer.

[Astron]

Stop whining.

That seems inappropriate, it OP was asking for recommendations, not “whinying”. America’s Friendliness Hometown may need an attitude adjustment.

[DAVES]

I recall reading years ago that it is not stress that kills people it is stress that you can do nothing about. Computers are killing all of us. You call someone, a computer answers
it rapidly shoots of 47 different options. Shame on you HUMAN you didn't get if it was option 3 or 38 that fit your issue. You can suffer hearing all 47 again or pick one. OOPS
wrong one the computer hangs up on you.

I dealt with 4-5 of these last week. Aside, the computer just to get even if you swear will
politely say it does not understand and then it will hang up on you.

Repair tool for these devices is a 10 pound sledge.

[JWish]

Well I went to the Villages Golf Cars for a freebie lesson on how to set the clock. Turns out I was doing it right, I just wasn't holding the buttons down long enough.

The backlight is definitely the wiring, but this thing can also connect to the oil sensor, the gas sensor, and a bunch of other things. I might as well have it work correctly rather than just fix the wires for the backlight only. And the speedometer needs to be recalibrated since it's saying I'm going 2mph slower than I really am.

Meanwhile, I knew I needed a new battery (it's a 2016 club car with over 400 miles on it, and the only service it's seen in two years has been a single oil change and spark plug replacement).

So - I'm gonna suck it up and get the whole shebang. It's gonna set me back $270 for belts, lube, checking all the cables attached to everything they attach to, a new battery and cables that connect to the terminals (they're totally corroded), who the heck knows what else, a whole list of things I probably can live without. Plus setting up my Striker to do everything it's capable of doing, correctly, and fixing the governor to go up to 20mph instead of only 19.1mph.

$270 sounds like a bargain for getting everything repaired and corrected, and includes the battery! Just go for it.

[kendi]

I recall reading years ago that it is not stress that kills people it is stress that you can do nothing about. Computers are killing all of us. You call someone, a computer answers
it rapidly shoots of 47 different options. Shame on you HUMAN you didn't get if it was option 3 or 38 that fit your issue. You can suffer hearing all 47 again or pick one. OOPS
wrong one the computer hangs up on you.

I dealt with 4-5 of these last week. Aside, the computer just to get even if you swear will
politely say it does not understand and then it will hang up on you.

Repair tool for these devices is a 10 pound sledge.

We may not have control over many things, but We all have the choice of not letting unwelcome situations stress us out. It’s all in the mind and we can control how we choose to perceive a situation

[Margterrymcg]

I went to The Villages Golf Cart twice with problems that were solved in minutes at no charge. When I needed new batteries with a dispensing system they installed it for a fair price.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Battery cables likely just need to be cleaned not replaced.

There are other issues with the cart that "could" be left alone, but it hasn't had a service visit since I bought it 2 years ago, and as far as I know it wasn't serviced the year before that either. It's a 2016. So it's definitely overdue for a servicing. And at over 400 miles, it's just about due for a new battery anyway. "Just about due" combined with corrosion = might as well.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You will still be passed most new carts will run 25 mph and some modified to run over 30

Yes I'm aware of that. But at least I'll know that I'm capable of going as fast as I'm allowed to go.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Just trade it in and let someone else worry about it.

Hey that's a great idea. I'll give you mine, that needs work, and you find me one that doesn't need work, and we'll just swap them out.

Oh wait - it doesn't work that way does it? I'd have to GIVE YOU MORE MONEY wouldn't I?

Or - I could just get the one I have, the one I like, the one I selected, properly working, and pay a modest amount to do so.

[bobnyce]

Probably needs a battery. Look on the back side facing the windshield. There should be a round screw out cover that is where the battery is located. Change the battery and read the manual.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Probably needs a battery. Look on the back side facing the windshield. There should be a round screw out cover that is where the battery is located. Change the battery and read the manual.

I pay other people to do those kinds of things for me. I can rebuild a computer, and I can change the oil on a Subaru station wagon. That's the extent of my mechanic capabilities or interests.

Also, the battery is located under the seat, on the passenger side. I don't need to remove a cover to see it, it's right there with the corroded terminal and cable. I know I need a new battery already.

[roscoguy]

There are other issues with the cart that "could" be left alone, but it hasn't had a service visit since I bought it 2 years ago, and as far as I know it wasn't serviced the year before that either. It's a 2016. So it's definitely overdue for a servicing. And at over 400 miles, it's just about due for a new battery anyway. "Just about due" combined with corrosion = might as well.

It's your money & your peace of mind, so I'm not trying to talk you out of anything. I just want to say that 400 miles is very minor usage in 2 or 3 years and that the mileage has nothing (directly) to do with battery life. It's even possible that the battery may be undercharged if it sits for days/weeks or is only driven for short, infrequent trips. Up north, I had started keeping seasonal equipment on 'smart' maintenance chargers after a few quit accepting a charge following several months of non-use, when they were only a year or 2 old.

Corrosion on the cables is good reason to change them while you have it in for maintenance and you may also want the tech use a spray or 'battery terminal protectors' to prevent corrosion. I've had good luck with the latter especially.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

It's your money & your peace of mind, so I'm not trying to talk you out of anything. I just want to say that 400 miles is very minor usage in 2 or 3 years and that the mileage has nothing (directly) to do with battery life. It's even possible that the battery may be undercharged if it sits for days/weeks or is only driven for short, infrequent trips. Up north, I had started keeping seasonal equipment on 'smart' maintenance chargers after a few quit accepting a charge following several months of non-use, when they were only a year or 2 old.

Corrosion on the cables is good reason to change them while you have it in for maintenance and you may also want the tech use a spray or 'battery terminal protectors' to prevent corrosion. I've had good luck with the latter especially.

The seal is broken. And it's the original battery, installed in 2016. I use it almost every day, but I only bought it 2 years ago.

Also as I said - there are other issues. When I step on the gas, sometimes it hesitates to engage and actually start going. This can be very dangerous if you're taking a left at a busy intersection, or that left that gets you from Morse Blvd. to the side-path on the way from Spanish Springs to Sumter Landing. The last thing you want is to have traffic backed up behind you in the left lane of that road, because your golf car has chosen that moment to become stubborn.

It'll be peace of mind, plus one less thing I'll need to do in the next couple of years. After that, hopefully, I'll be in a position to afford a new golf cart, and I'll have it the color, type, features that I get to choose personally.

[roscoguy]

The seal is broken. And it's the original battery, installed in 2016. I use it almost every day, but I only bought it 2 years ago.

Also as I said - there are other issues. When I step on the gas, sometimes it hesitates to engage and actually start going. This can be very dangerous if you're taking a left at a busy intersection, or that left that gets you from Morse Blvd. to the side-path on the way from Spanish Springs to Sumter Landing. The last thing you want is to have traffic backed up behind you in the left lane of that road, because your golf car has chosen that moment to become stubborn.

It'll be peace of mind, plus one less thing I'll need to do in the next couple of years. After that, hopefully, I'll be in a position to afford a new golf cart, and I'll have it the color, type, features that I get to choose personally.

I say go for it. For all the work you're getting done, that's not that much money. (As long as they don't try to up-sell you.) Also, 5 years of life for a battery isn't bad at all, although a very good one should last several years longer. On the other hand, if you aren't planning to keep the cart till the wheels fall off, you don't really need to pay for high-end.

Hope that all works out well!