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Today I finally fixed the FWD/REV switch, there was some corrosion on one of the contacts that didn't take too long to repair. Then, I decided it was time to push the EV to it's range limits until Limp mode activated.
I also picked up a A/C R134 Retrofit kit from Walmart and tried to use it. Turns out that the Solectria A/C doesn't have a Low side connector! I could only find a high side, so using my kit was out of the question.
So during my range test I decided to go to a local mechanic shop that advertised A/C recharging. They were closing, but said they should be able to evacuate the system of the R12 and replace it with R134, all through the High side connector. So I am going to check a few other shops so see what they recommend.
Anyways, after driving for 33.6 miles (using 36.50 AH) we stopped off to get some iced coffee at Dunkin Donuts and when we went to leave, the EV wouldn't move! So I found a plug around the back of the building and I pushed the little Force over to it, plugged it in and got a charging error. Turns out, I over heated the NiMH batteries! They were too hot for the charger to activate, so I opened up the battery box to let it cool and called AAA for a tow because the GF didnt want to wait.
So after 30 minutes waiting for the tow truck, the batteries cooled enough to start charging. I got about 5 minutes of charge in before the tow truck arrived, so instead of waiting an hour or so, I just got it towed home then plugged it into 220v.
So what I learned is that the EV can do an easy 20 miles, and I could push it to 30 as long as I don't shut it off! So right now it could do my dad's commute, as long as he charged every day, but I am still going to continue my search for a battery pack, maybe from a Chevy Volt to save on the budget.
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