# 2013 Gem problem **URL:** \ **Category:** Uncategorized\ **Created:** [May 24, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439 "2026-05-24T14:41:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Pops17](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecb155/32.png) [@Pops17](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Pops17)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2026, 2:41pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/1 "2026-05-24T14:41:28Z")
Just took my 2013 GEM out for the first time this year. Worked perfectly when I put it in storage last Fall. What’s happening is when I press the accelerator pedal, it starts to move, then makes a clunk before it picks up any speed. Similar to how it feels when your car has a broken motor mount. I let the Lithium battery completely charge before road testing. It’s a Ride4Fun motor I installed about 7 years ago. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![AssyRequired](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/assyrequired/32/7621_2.png) [@AssyRequired](https://community.electricforum.com/u/AssyRequired)\ **Post date:** [May 24, 2026, 3:45pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/2 "2026-05-24T15:45:02Z")
If the clunk you hear happens when you slightly press the pedal, then this is normal. This is the Main Contactor snapping closed. If you wait for about 30 seconds (fully stopped) you will heat it release/open/unclunk, then pressing the pedal again will cause it to snap closed again. HandbrakeUP right after moving will also release the MainContactor. If something in the driveline is coming loose, it might be obvious and repeatable when switching from FWD to REV. The motors hate sitting. Your motor comms might be a bit oxidized in a spot or two and might be a bit jumpy after a long storage period. Running the car in place(wheels up) for a bit normally clears this up. 7 years on a motor install is a bit much. It might be a good time to pull it just to blow out all the dust, lube the coupler and service the brushes. How has that SDI22 battery been working out for you? (installed in '23?) ---
**Author:** ![JarJarJava](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/jarjarjava/32/15158_2.png) [@JarJarJava](https://community.electricforum.com/u/JarJarJava)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2026, 7:30am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/3 "2026-05-25T07:30:36Z")
Hey, just FYI, that R$F motor is built by D&D Motor systems. You can look up your model number here, it’s the 170-xxx-xxxxy number at the top of the nameplate. You’ll probably have better results for tech support and parts with the manufacturer. > **[GEM Car Motors, Ford Think Motor Upgrade, Columbia Par Car Motors, Polaris...](https://ddmotorsystems.com/NEVMotors.php)** > > Discover the highest-quality electric motors for neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) with D Motor Systems. We offer GEM Car motors, Ford Think > motor upgrades, Columbia Par Car motors, and Polaris Breeze motors, all proudly manufactured in the USA.... ---
**Author:** ![Pops17](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ecb155/32.png) [@Pops17](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Pops17)\ **Post date:** [May 25, 2026, 2:03pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/4 "2026-05-25T14:03:59Z")
Thanks for the info, much appreciated ---
**Author:** ![Pythan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@Pythan](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Pythan)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2026, 2:41am UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/6 "2026-05-26T02:41:33Z")
“Charley stole the handle, and the train it won’t stop going. No way to slow down”… Man you need to take your meds.. 😅 ---
**Author:** ![JarJarJava](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/jarjarjava/32/15158_2.png) [@JarJarJava](https://community.electricforum.com/u/JarJarJava)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2026, 3:03pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/7 "2026-05-26T15:03:57Z")
Let me guess. You actually still have those ticket stubs from the Utah Phillips concert when he told all those stories about working for Santa Fee railroad… No? How aboiur qut the program pamphlet from the golden spike at the trans-rail joining? ---
**Author:** ![Pythan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ad7895/32.png) [@Pythan](https://community.electricforum.com/u/Pythan)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2026, 3:53pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/8 "2026-05-26T15:53:29Z")
ha ha.. never seen them live.. just love the song! ---
**Author:** ![JarJarJava](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex030/user_avatar/community.electricforum.com/jarjarjava/32/15158_2.png) [@JarJarJava](https://community.electricforum.com/u/JarJarJava)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2026, 3:57pm UTC](https://community.electricforum.com/t/2013-gem-problem/30439/9 "2026-05-26T15:57:46Z")
Utah Phillips can sing? Ian Anderson manages the self taught heavy metal flute pretty well though. Never seen Tull live either.