Notice The American Custom Golf Cars, Inc., herein known as ACG, “Limited Warranty” Cadillac ESCALADE for owners of the 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 checked this vehicle before it was delivered to you.
Foreword Cadillac ESCALADE Thank you for choosing the for your golf and community transportation needs. American Custom Golf Cars, Inc. would like to welcome you to the new revolution in the Custom Golf Cart Industry. Cadillac ESCALADE Please protect your investment to make sure that your will provide you with years of reliable performance.
Introduction ABOUT THIS MANUAL Cadillac ESCALADE Thank you for purchasing your 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.
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”. Cadillac ESCALADE Your new (Electric Golf Cart) comes with a: One (1) Year Limited Warranty. Cadillac...
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 key switch is in the “OFF” position. If the key is left in the “ON“...
Page 9
WARNING! 1. If renting or loaning the vehicle, make 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.
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”...
• 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 system) is 48 Volt DC and is sufficient to cause death by electric shock - electrocution. For this reason, ACG owners should never attempt to do any maintenance or repair work on their ACG vehicle’s electric drive system, including the battery pack, unless they have had special training.
Controls and Indicators Key Switch The “Key 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. ( Key is Vertical as shown in picture below 2.
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.
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 “Key Switch” is in the “ON” position, depressing the accelerator pedal will release the parking brake.
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 brake pedal with your foot until the EGC has come to a complete stop or the vehicle has slowed to your desired speed.
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”...
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 ( ) – the Right Lights Flash. Clockwise 2.) OFF - When the Lever is Horizontal, the Turn Signal lights are “OFF”.
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.
Display Panel Cadillac ESCALADE 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.) ...
Page 20
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. If 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;...
Page 21
Screen VEHICLE STATUS MONITOR Section A Battery shows Battery Nominal Voltage Trac Drive Status shows current status Section B Cont. Temp. (Controller Temperature) 2. Motor Volts 3. Motor Amps 4. Motor RPM (Rotations Per Minute) 5. Motor Torque in Percent (%) These values will change as soon as you start driving the vehicle.
Page 22
Screen VEHICLE INPUTS MONITOR on this screen all switch and input signal conditions are displayed: Forward Reverse Seat Drv Select 1 Drv Select 2 Hand Brake Foot Brake Inch FWD sw Inch REV sw Note: Drive profile #2 (Drv Select 2) is only used for testing Purpose to see the Range of motor on the controller.
Page 23
Screen TIME TO DISTANCE This screen displays the acceleration of the vehicle from 0-1000 feet and will automatically record the performance of the vehicle. It also displays the number of hours the vehicle was driven. [8 ] To proceed to a 4 Screen push center arrow button once.
Page 24
Screen FAULT LOG Log of all faults that have ever possibly occurred on the vehicle. The first 8 of the faults on the screen are fault checks which are created at the time the vehicle is the first programmed. button Any fault after that might be relevant.
Page 25
Note: You will see a sequence fault if not started in neutral this code will clear as soon as you put the car in neutral. The vehicle will possibly give you a cut back code. When the vehicle gets low on power it will automatically cut back, this is a safety precaution to protect the motor and controller.
Locking Glove Box Cadillac ESCALADE is equipped with locking glove box on the passenger side of the dashboard. The Locking Glove Box uses the same key as the “Key Switch” and is keyed alike. If the keys are lost, the locks for the glove box as well as the “Key Switch”...
Accessory Outlet The accessory outlet is located on the dash. This outlet will accept a standard automotive 12-volt accessory outlet and is only intended for moderately powered accessories, such as a cellular phone, Lap top computer, etc. It is not intended to operate large current items, such as cigarette lighters. The accessory outlet is fused at 15 Amperes with fuse “F2”.
Safety Belts Your ACG vehicle is equipped with “Safety Belts” for driver and passenger. Research has shown that safety belts save lives. Safety belts can reduce the seriousness of injuries in a single vehicle accident. Some of the worst injuries happen when people are thrown from the vehicle.
Page 29
Proper Use of Lap Belt Enter the vehicle and sit back. Grasp the safety belt buckle and slide the buckle up the webbing as far as necessary to make the belt go around your lap. When the safety belt is long enough to fit, insert the buckle into the latch until you hear a click.
Page 30
SEAT BELTS AND PREGNANT WOMEN We recommend that pregnant women use seat belts throughout their pregnancy. Keeping the mother safe is the best way to keep the baby safe. Pregnant women should wear the lap part of the belt across the thighs and as snug across the hips as possible.
Page 31
Child Restraint Everyone in your vehicle needs to be buckled up at all times - babies and children, too. Every state in the United States and all Canadian provinces require that small children ride in proper restraint systems. This is the law, and you can be prosecuted for ignoring it.
Page 32
Infants and Child Restraints Safety experts recommend that children ride rearward-facing in the vehicle until they are at least one year old and weigh at least 20 lbs (9 kg). Two types of child restraints can be used rearward-facing: infant carriers and “convertible”...
Page 33
Children too large for booster seats Children who are large enough to wear the lap belt comfortably, and whose legs are long enough to bend over the front of the seat when their back is against the seat back, should use the lap belt. •...
Page 34
Transporting Pets Pets should be restrained in a pet harness, or in a pet carrier that is secured by seat belt. Optional Accessories CAUTION! Use only ACG approved rear accessories. Others may cause damage to the vehicle, and will void warranty. WARNING! Any modifications or alterations to this vehicle could seriously affect its road worthiness and safety and may lead to an accident resulting in...
Tires & Wheels Tires Proper tire inflation pressure is essential to the safe and satisfactory operation of your vehicle. Tire inflation pressures are provided on your vehicle’s “Tire Information Label” (See page 29, Figure Four (4) primary areas are affected by improper tire pressure: 1.
Page 36
WARNING! Improperly inflated tires are dangerous and can cause accidents. • Under inflation increases tire flexing and can result in tire failure. • Over inflation reduces a tire’s ability to cushion shock. Objects on the road and chuck holes can cause damage that can result in tire failure. •...
Page 37
WARNING! • Do not use a tire, wheel size or rating other than that specified for your vehicle. • Some combinations of unapproved tires and wheels may change suspension dimensions and performance characteristics, resulting in changes to steering, handling, and braking of your vehicle. This can cause unpredictable handling and stress to steering and suspension components.
(See picture below). Do not use the rear Trailer Hitch Adapter indicated by as lifting point ! However it can be used as Tie-Down point during transport see page 58 for details. Cadillac ESCALADE chassis ( body removed CAUTION! Jacking at any location other than the proper jacking points may cause major vehicle body damage.
Brakes Cadillac ESCALADE has Front Disc Brakes which are self adjusting. Brake Fluid Level The Brake Fluid Reservoir is located under the hood, at the Front to the side of the hood latch mechanism. The fluid level of your brake system is a very important safety component. It should be checked according to the Monthly Vehicle Maintenance Schedule, on Page 47, by removing the Brake Fluid Reservoir Cap and observing the fluid level.
Clean Filler Cap before removing. Pre-Operation and Daily Safety Checklist Cadillac ESCALADE Every is thoroughly inspected and adjusted at the factory and again re-inspected by your ACG Dealer before it arrives at your door. Cadillac ESCALADE However, upon receiving your new you should take time to become familiar with its controls and operation.
Performance Inspection After you have familiarized yourself with the operation of all the controls of the Cadillac ESCALADE and have read and understood the driving instructions, take the vehicle for a test drive. Use the following checklist as a guide to inspect the vehicle and check daily for proper operation.
Driving Instructions WARNING! No person should be allowed to operate the vehicle without being instructed in the proper use and operation of the vehicle’s controls. Each first time driver should be accompanied by an experienced driver on a test drive before being allowed to operate the vehicle alone. 1.
Page 43
18. Drive slowly through turns to avoid overturning the vehicle. 19. Use brakes to reduce speeds when coasting downhill. NOTE: Cadillac ESCALADE is not intended nor specially equipped for the use by handicapped persons. Page 43...
Starting the Vehicle 1. Study and understand controls. 2. Make sure everyone is seated with all parts of their body inside the vehicle. 3. Make sure everyone’s “Seat Belts” are properly fastened. 4. Make sure front wheels are turned in the desired travel direction. 5.
Batteries Your vehicle is operated as a 48-volt unit with six (6) 8-Volt batteries. The batteries are Trojan® T-875 deep-cycle batteries, specially designed and produced for use in an electric vehicle. If the batteries need to be replaced at any time for any reason, do not use automotive batteries.
Battery Inspection & Maintenance Inspection There are many tools that may help in properly caring for and maintaining batteries. Below is a list of basic items that ACG & Trojan recommends for this task: Recommended Equipment: Wrench Post Cleaner ...
Page 47
CAUTION! If battery wire terminals are damaged or corroded, they should be replaced or cleaned as necessary. Failure to do so may cause them to overheat during operation. 4. Tighten all wiring connections to the proper specification (see below). Make certain there is good contact with the terminals.
Cleaning Batteries seem to attract dust, dirt, and grime. Keeping them clean will help one spot trouble signs if they appear and avoid problems associated with grime. 1. Check that all vent caps are tightly in place. 2. Clean the battery top with a cloth or brush and a solution of baking soda and water.
WATERING (FLOODED BATTERIES ONLY) Flooded batteries need water. More importantly, watering must be done at the right time and in the right amount or else the battery's performance and longevity suffers. Water should always be added after fully charging the battery. Prior to charging, there should be enough water to cover the plates.
Page 50
Step by step watering procedure: 1. Open the vent caps and look inside the fill wells. 2. Check electrolyte level; the minimum level is at the top of the plates. 3. If necessary add just enough water to cover the plates at this time.
Charging Batteries CAUTION! Be sure that the “Key Switch” is in the “OFF” position prior to charging. 1. Your vehicle is equipped with an on board charger. To begin charging the batteries, insert a UL approved 3 prong extension cord into any 110volt outlet and plug the other end into the charging cord receptacle located below the “Forward –...
Battery Replacement CAUTION! If the batteries are replaced, make sure they are the exact type and make originally supplied with the vehicle. Failure to follow this caution can result in damage to the vehicle’s electrical system. CAUTION! Each vehicle is programmed at the factory for a particular battery type. Switching battery types can only be done by ACG certified technician.
Page 53
Additional Battery Service Warnings & Cautions WARNING! Always wear safety glasses or approved eye protection when servicing the vehicle. Wear a full-face shield and gloves when working with or around batteries and electrical connectors. Always use insulated tools when working with or near batteries. ...
Periodic Maintenance MONTHLY TASKS 1. Check all six (8 Volt) Flooded batteries for proper water level. Use only Distilled Water for addition. (Not necessary if vehicle is equipped with Sealed or maintenance free Gel batteries). 2. Check battery terminals for tight connections. 3.
Cleaning CARE AND CLEANING Cleaning the Windshield Please be extremely careful when cleaning the Windshield on your Cadillac ESCALADE as it is made from acrylic plastic. ACG recommends using Windshield Washer Fluid to remove normal dust and dirt. A liquid household glass cleaner can also be used.
Page 57
Cleaning the Seats To clean the seats of your ACG vehicle, use water or mild liquid detergent. Rubbing seats with warm water and a clean, damp cloth will also remove dirt. Substances such as tar, asphalt, and other soils will stain if not removed quickly. Use a clean cloth and solvent type vinyl cleaner and then wash the area thoroughly with a damp cloth and mild liquid detergent.
Page 58
Transport or Towing Transporting Your Vehicle The best way to transport your vehicle is in an enclosed trailer. If it is necessary to transport your vehicle on an open trailer, follow these guidelines: 1. Never transport your vehicle while the vehicle is facing rearward on the trailer. 2.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the ESCALADE eGC 2012 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers