Elkhound

I took the Big Dummy to work today, and I noticed several times along the route that I'd loose power on the Stokemonkey. I'd be cruising along, and suddenly the power would cut out. There's plenty of 'juice' in the battery, so it isn't that. (I've had that happen before when the battery was low.)

I'd close the throttle, then open it again, and the power would come back, but I'd not like this to happen to me when I'm going up one of our long, steep hills.

Suggestions?

cerewa

There are lots of possibilities. A volt-meter would be helpful in diagnosing, especially if you're able to measure the voltage while the bike is in motion.

Possible problems: something's wrong with the controller; a wire is loose somewhere; a connection inside the battery is loose; most of the battery is OK but one or more cells are in bad shape or not balanced with the pack.

The total loss of power may or may not be due to a low voltage or high-temperature cutout in the battery or controller. Could also be an amperage limit cutout (i.e. a kind of built in circuit breaker).

Elkhound

I'll check the wires to see if that's the problem. Anything beyond that is beyond this stupid Humanities major's understanding. (But I don't think it is 'high temperature', as it was only 32 degrees F this AM.)

Tourezrick

Plain and simple answer - Monkeys are tropical animals, they don't like the cold. Well, that fulfills one of my 2008 resolutions - end the year making a lame joke in the form of a helpful post. I promise I'll make a different set of resolutions for 2009.

Happy New Year one and all!

May your voltage never sag (or any other parts, for that matter), your belly stay flat, your tires never so, your cells always stay balanced, your ride always be downhill and with the wind!

crackerdog

It is always helpful if you can figure out how to get it to do it consistantly. Does it do this when you go up steep hills? After 20 minutes of riding? When it is cold? Etc. Intermitent problems are quite often the most difficult but the more you can narrow down the situation in which it occures, the better.

Elkhound

It happens all the time now. The last three days its been down in the 30s, so the cold may be partly to blame.

Mabman

It is so hard to diagnose problems on the internet. If you don't have a voltage tester, then get one, digital if possible. Start checking all voltages and continuity of your wires as has been suggested. Cold weather should have no effect on wiring, unless it is being compromised by moisture that is. Bringing a cold machine in to a warm area can cause undue condensation that is harmful to electronics.

The best thing if you are looking for advice is to contact Stoke Monkey direct as they will have the shortest answer perhaps.

Elkhound

I've been corresponding with them, and they've made a couple of suggestions which I will try tomorrow. If not, I'll take it to an engineer I know.

Elkhound

I tried their suggestions, and it seems to be OK now.

Mabman

That's good news. Usually the vendor has the most reliable info in this type of situation. Glad it is working out.

JeffS

You've ended at least two problem threads with this answer now. You'd instill more faith in the product by actually saying what the problem or resolution was than just dropping it.

I know your concern was just getting it working, but there are quite a few people reading these reports.