I need to shift the resistance of my 5k potentiometer as it currently reads 360 ohms over. I'm using this as a throttle for a motor and I'm worried it will try to turn the motor even at zero throttle.

 

How is it connected to the motor?

Where are you measuring 360Ω, or are you saying it measures 5360Ω?

 

The usual request, post your circuit diagram.

 

It measures 360 at zero and 5360 at 5k.

 

I don't think there is much you can do except find a better quality pot but even this may not guarantee a fully off position. Another approach may be to add a true OFF position since at very low duty cycles the motor probably won't run but will consume power. Either find a pot with a switch or fit something to the shaft of the existing pot to operate a microswitch at low settings and cut the power. Someone else may have a smarter solution.

 

What type of pot is it?
What's the part number?
360Ω seems rather high for a 5kΩ pot. I just measured a 1k, single turn panel pot I had and it's only about 2Ω at the end of its travel.

 

It is a low end thumb throttle potentiometer. I don't have a part number as it was given to me. I think I am going to order a new one, but I was worried that it will have the same issue.

 

It measures 360 at zero and 5360 at 5k.

That pot has exceptional tolerances if the taper runs exactly 5K! Sorry if this seems like a silly question but are you measuring this in situ or completely disconnected from the circuit?

 

Disconnected. I will probably take readings again today.

 

"t measures 360 at zero and 5360 at 5k."

It is a miracle that a 5k pot is off that precisely.

 

Have you checked that the 'zero Ohms' adjustment trimmer has been set correctly on your meter?

 

Just for reference, there are some useful links here. Probably overkill for the present issue.

 

It measures 360 at zero and 5360 at 5k.

You might be able to pre-load the M/S ratio a little by pulling the voltage level on pin 5.

It may be enough to compensate for the error on the pot.