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how do i check the solenoid on an electric golf cart

by Adrian Johnson V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Take out the voltmeter, and adjust it to DC Volts on the scale at 200. Put a probe on each small terminal of your solenoid.
  • Ensure that you first check the readings on the smaller terminals before turning on the ignition. Then turn on the cart using the key and step on the accelerator.
  • Suppose the needle moves and displays the full battery voltage without clicking. In that case, the coil is probably damaged and should be replaced.
  • Sometimes, you may see no activity, and the voltmeter reads 0. In this case, the solenoid is not a problem. Perhaps your cart has a different issue.

Set your multimeter to ohms and insert a probe on each large terminal with the key off and the cart direction switch in the neutral position. Press on the accelerator with the cart's movement control in the forward position, and the key is turned on. A click should be heard first from the solenoid.

Full Answer

How to check your golf cart for a bad solenoid?

What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad Solenoid In A Golf Cart?

  • The first and most obvious symptom is the golf cart won’t start. ...
  • The engine on the gas-powered cart starts, but the starter doesn’t disengage after starting. ...
  • The solenoid clicks and works sometimes, and sometimes it doesn’t. ...
  • The golf cart solenoid doesn’t click when the accelerator is pressed. ...
  • The golf cart solenoid clicks, but nothing happens. ...

How to modify golf cart?

  • Fraction of power per weight compared to gas
  • Possibility of fires or explosions if overcharged or overheated
  • Can take hours to charge

How to test motor on EZGO electric golf cart?

  • Flip the maintenance switch.
  • Reset the battery cable.
  • Check your connections.
  • Test the solenoid.
  • Check your controller's power output.

How to test a golf cart battery charger?

  • Easier to find problems if you’re running when the electric golf cart has a full charge, there will be almost difficulty while you drive the car. ...
  • Save money You get the most out of your battery investment. Yes, that correct; the electric golf cart cannot work without the battery charger. ...
  • safety feature It’s safer for the driver and passengers. ...

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How do I know if my solenoid is bad on my golf cart?

4 Signs of a Bad Starter SolenoidEngine Doesn't Crank or Start. ... No Clicking Noise When Trying to Start the Engine. ... Starter Spins Without Fully Engaging the Flywheel (Rare) ... Engine Cranks Slowly (Rare) ... Test the battery. ... Check That Power is Getting to the Starter Solenoid. ... Test the Starter Solenoid Itself.

Will an electric golf cart run with a bad solenoid?

The ability of your golf cart to function properly depends largely on the solenoid. If the solenoid is broken and not working correctly, you may notice your golf cart won't start, picking up speed, or even working at all (issues with acceleration could also be caused by a bad speed controller).

How do I know if my ezgo golf cart solenoid is bad?

If You Have an Electric Golf Cart The main sign of an issue in an electric cart is a lack of any “click” noise at all when you turn on your cart's ignition. Usually, you'll be able to hear the solenoid clicking both on and off whenever you switch your ignition.

How do you bypass the electric solenoid on a golf cart?

Bypassing Golf Cart Solenoid Method If you do decide to bypass the solenoid, this is what you need to do: Take the two larger wires that connect to the solenoid and connect them directly (keeping all safety precautions in place). This should do the trick and if it does not work then the solenoid is not the problem.

How do you check if a solenoid is working?

0:441:43How to use a Multimeter: Solenoid Testing - Purkeys - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShould not get a reading so the coal resistance is inspect and also it is not a grounded coil so IMoreShould not get a reading so the coal resistance is inspect and also it is not a grounded coil so I know that part of this max which is good why is important he's a multimeter if you use a multimeter.

Will a bad solenoid click?

A single “click” sound comes from the engine compartment or from under the car. This could mean that the solenoid is trying to engage but that the internal components are stuck and unable to work properly. Repeated “clicking” sounds usually indicate a dead battery.

Can you bypass a solenoid?

5:037:29Solenoid Bypass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you have to do to bypass the solenoid. And make the starter turn is basically connect this hardMoreAll you have to do to bypass the solenoid. And make the starter turn is basically connect this hard copper wire to this point on the battery. Then you're not doing anything with the solenoid.

Why does my golf cart click but not move?

A Club Car golf cart can start clicking but not move, due to dust accumulating inside the battery ports. Opening the battery ports and checking whether there is any dust accumulation can tell you if this is the case. Cleaning it thoroughly with a cloth can resolve the problem.

Where is the reset button on a ezgo golf cart motor?

Locate the motor Remove the panel so the electric motor is visible. Electric motors usually include reset buttons that can perform similar to circuit breakers. Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button.

How do you test a EZGO 48V solenoid?

This can Also be tested by putting a test lead on each small terminal and pressing the gas pedal. The meter should read 36 V when the gas is pressed. If this voltage does exist when the gas pedal is pressed then the solenoid should click and engage.

How do you test a 36v solenoid with a multimeter?

1:492:58Solenoid Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd will turn out our meter. Should hear a click and if it's a good solenoid will hear a beep. OkayMoreAnd will turn out our meter. Should hear a click and if it's a good solenoid will hear a beep. Okay that tells us this solenoid is good some common causes of the high amperage side of the solenoid.

How do you jump a starter solenoid?

1:035:14How To Test A Car Starter With A Screwdriver And Jumper Cables!YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what you want to do is you want to jump this to the s part of the small stud. Okay now once youMoreAnd what you want to do is you want to jump this to the s part of the small stud. Okay now once you do this you're activating a solenoid and a starter. And you should see the gear pop out and spin.

How to check a solenoid?

Follow These Simple Steps to Check the Solenoid: 1. You will need a couple of tools: a voltmeter or multimeter, and (typically) a ½” wrench. 2. Disconnect any cables from the two large terminals. Be sure to wrap the cable ends in tape, and keep the ends separate from each other. 3.

What voltage is applied to the two small terminals to activate the solenoid?

Battery voltage is applied to the two small terminals to activate the solenoid, which then connects the two large terminals together. From time to time, the two large terminals malfunction and the solenoid needs to be replaced.

How to tell if golf cart solenoid is bad?

One of the most common and obvious signs of the bad solenoid is the golf cart's failure to start when you initiate the ignition process. Once you click the accelerator and turn on the ignition switch, it is supposed to send a signal to activate the solenoid and start the cart. If the cart does not start, there is a big possibility ...

What is a solenoid in golf carts?

Simply put, a solenoid is a device that can transform electrical energy into mechanical energy. It's a coil of wire which is used as an electromagnet. The solenoid has the capability of creating a magnetic field with the help of an electric current. Solenoids work as the “go switch”, which is a must for any golf cart.

Why is my golf cart not starting?

If the cart does not start, there is a big possibility of a damaged solenoid. Another reason for a bad solenoid is that the contacts are starting to get damaged due to overheating or high current passing through them. Note: You may not necessarily experience all of these issues to recognize bad solenoids on your golf cart.

Why won't my golf cart turn over?

For a gas golf cart, the most common symptom is the starter failing to engage, so the engine doesn't turn over. Starters have the responsibility of activating the flywheel. When the flywheel starts to work, the starter is supposed to disconnect.

What is a solenoid on a golf cart?

A solenoid, for our purposes, is a type of relay. A relay is a type of switch that uses a low power circuit to operate a high power circuit. A solenoid uses a magnetic coil (the actual solenoid) on a low power circuit to push a rod that closes a high power circuit. On your golf cart, this high powered circuit is either your ignition on ...

Why does my golf cart have no solenoid?

Golf cart solenoids are also typically one of the first components to fail in your golf cart, because they work very hard, turning on and off every time you stop and go in your golf cart. If you have an issue with no start or no go then your solenoid should be pretty high on your list of things to check.

What is a golf cart go switch?

On your golf cart, this high powered circuit is either your ignition on a gas golf cart or your electrical motor power circuit for an electric golf cart. Basically it’s your golf cart’s go switch, and it’s absolutely essential to your golf cart’s ability to do its job. Golf cart solenoids are also typically one of the first components ...

What happens if a solenoid reads infinity?

If it reads infinity or open lead, then the solenoid has an internal fault and requires replacement. Your solenoid should also have a range that it operates in, and if the resistance reads outside of that range, you should replace the solenoid even if it works to avoid damaging other components.

What is the most important part of a golf cart?

One of the most important components of your golf cart is the solenoid. It is one of the main components of your golf cart that allows it to move. Whether you have a Yamaha, E-Z-GO, or Club Car golf cart, and no matter if it is an electric or gas golf cart, you need a properly operating solenoid to get anywhere. Contents [ show]

What to do if your solenoid doesn't work?

Before you run out and get a solenoid, you’ll have to test the entire ignition system this way to find out what’s not working, and it is a bit of a pain.

What is a micro switch on a gas pedal?

This switch is what sends the low power to the solenoid. The solenoid uses this to create a circuit between the battery and the starter, thus starting your motor and getting you grooving.

What is solenoid in golf cart?

Basically, a solenoid is an electromagnetic coil that converts electricity into a form of mechanical energy. It has many applications, one of which of course is being a switch that connects the battery of your golf cart to the starter or motor, with the help of both the high and low power circuits. This device is present in ...

Why do golf cart solenoids need maintenance?

Just like many things, a golf cart solenoid needs proper maintenance in order to avoid any hassle that can disrupt its functions and minimize breakdowns which can put a damper on your enjoyment .

Why does my golf cart make a clicking sound?

The Golf Cart Has a Clicking Sound. As mentioned earlier, low amperage and insufficient voltage will cause a clicking sound. But when the solenoid is already damaged in the first place, it will also give off those clicks when you try to start your cart.

Why does my golf cart solenoid turn inactive?

That’s because the voltage is passed through it via its subparts, which are the steel plunger and a thin wire, allowing the flow of energy from the battery to the motor to create a linear motion . During its operation, your solenoid turns somewhat inactive, which reduces the usage of your golf cart battery.

What to do if your solenoid is not clicking?

In case there is no click at all, adjust your measuring device to 200 volts and check the small terminals this time. If they give off a zero reading, you have a problem other than your solenoid. If a full voltage registers without any clicking sound, your coil is toast, therefore, your solenoid calls for a replacement.

How many wires does a golf cart have?

It has a total of four-wire connections or terminals, big and small at two posts each. The solenoid may well be one of the most crucial and utilized components of a golf cart since it has to perform frequently as the number of times you power it on. It will work on the principle of attracting and repelling material that is sensitive ...

What happens if a starter is held on?

When the starter continues to hold on, it will not only damage the flywheel, but the adjacent components as well such as the circuit and solenoid altogether. For gas-powered carts, the bigger terminals alongside the starter remain in operation even when the microswitch is not powered on.

How to check if a golf cart solenoid is silent?

On an electric golf cart, if the solenoid is silent – no clicking – use the setting voltmeter to DC volts using the 200 range. First, turn on the ignition while looking for a reading on the smaller terminals. If nothing is appearing, then press on the accelerator. If the needle doesn’t move, then the problem is not with the solenoid.

Why do golf carts have solenoid?

The solenoid is simply there to allow electricity to flow freely to the controller and motor which will result in a running golf cart. RELATED: 4 Signs you need to Replace your Golf Cart Batteries.

Why is my golf cart not clicking?

On an electric golf cart, the most common symptom is the solenoid is not delivering electricity to the controller when the vehicle’s ignition is turned on. In normal operating conditions, the solenoid clicks on and off with the ignition switch. A failing solenoid will generally not click. Two things could be going on here.

What does it mean when a golf cart solenoid goes bad?

Technically, in fact, a solenoid is a shape – a shape in which the length of something coiled is longer than the diameter of the coils. In engine starters, this refers to the smaller motor ...

What does a solenoid do when you turn the ignition?

Step by step, it looks like this: When you turn the ignition key, a small amount of electricity goes to the solenoid. The solenoid uses that small amount of juice to close two heavy-duty contacts that allows a large jolt of electricity to pass through the starter. The solenoid also sends a pinion gear forward, which is the device ...

Why won't my solenoid click?

The solenoid might not be getting enough electricity to do its work – which could be caused by loose connections, a weak battery or the coil wearing out.

Why do you use electrical tape on a solenoid?

When you do this, use electrical tape to seal the cable ends, so they won’t form a circuit by accidentally touching each other or connecting through a metal conductor inadvertently. Doing this will ensure the vehicle will not run while testing the solenoid.

How to Tell if a Golf Cart Solenoid is Bad

Many golf cart owners had solenoid problems and delay as a result of them. To examine and repair a golf cart, you must first know what a solenoid is.

What Happens To Your Golf Cart When The Solenoid Goes Bad?

The large contacts in a gas golf cart may refuse to release, causing the starter to run even after turning off the ignition. Furthermore, the springs that pull the gear back to its resting state may start to break down, making the starters remain disengaged all of the time. (Starters are designed to get the engine running, then disconnect.)

How Do You Test A Golf Cart Solenoid?

The following steps will tell you how you can test a golf cart solenoid.

Can You Replace The Solenoid On A Golf Cart?

Changing the solenoid on your golf cart is normally easy, but you need a few types of equipment and a basic understanding of how the system operates. The ignition circuit connects to the solenoid, in the engine bay. When turning the key, the solenoid acts as a switch, energizing the ignition coil and igniting the fuel-air mixture.

How Often Does A Golf Cart Solenoid Go Bad?

Your solenoid is prone to overheating as a result of its regular use. As a result, you may notice irregular operation after a while — it may work one time, but not the next. Loose cables or dusty interiors could cause your cart’s inability to start.

Where is the solenoid located on a golf cart?

The solenoid is located inside the controller box connected to it.

How to test gold cart solenoid?

You can test the solenoid by simply disconnecting the main circuit high wires and by using a multimeter.

Why is my Ezgo golf cart not clicking?

A EZGO golf cart that is not making a clicking sound can be due to a failed solenoid. If there is no sound in the cart while igniting the switch, then the problem can be the cart’s control circuitry. This means the solenoid has stopped working. Then it is required to replace the solenoid.

Why is my solenoid overheating?

Using a higher amperage wire for a stock solenoid can cause the solenoid to get overheated. Having a low capacity solenoid in a high capacity or modified cart can be the problem as well. Maybe the wiring is lost or old. High resistance can be one of the issues causing overheating.

What to do if your solenoid is damaged?

Here the formula is simple; if one thinks that the solenoid is damaged, then jump the solenoid from the circuit and check. If the cart starts then, the problem could be the solenoid. If the cart doesn’t start even after jumping the solenoid, then the issue lies somewhere else and not in the solenoid.

Why is my cart solenoid getting hot?

If the cart solenoid is getting hot, then the problem can be with the solenoid or the circuit wiring. It is better to check the solenoid thoroughly. Use proper solenoid, which matches the amperage and voltage of the cart system. Use high-quality solenoid to avoid the heating problem.

What to do if solenoid is not working?

If the solenoid is not working after checking and testing the solenoid using a voltmeter, then it is time to replace the solenoid all together. Always be sure of the model and year of the cart. Check online to get all specifications. Compare the online picture of the new solenoid with the older one.

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