Thanks Banshee. I do believe it's the sensor plug on the motor now that you mention that. I tested it later this morning and noticed the speed control would send the signal that it didn't have connection to the motor. And yes, I believe it's the motor.

Now I believe this motor can run sensorless, if the sensor plug goes bad, then the motor could still run on a sensorless esc, correct?

Also if the same systems were happening with a sensorless esc, what could be the cause of that?