Now, with the cart's direction switched to the forward position, and the key on, step on the accelerator. You should hear a click coming from the solenoid. If you do... Scroll to Continue 5. Set your voltmeter to measure ohms, and place a probe on each large terminal (see image below). You should have a reading of 0 to 0.4 ohms.
Full Answer
How to test a golf cart motor for a short?
How To Test Your Golf Cart Motor For A Short Begin by labeling the cables going to your electric motor and put a corresponding label on the motor itself if it does not already have one. Assuming that we’re using a multimeter and not just a continuity tester, set your tester to the continuity setting and if it doesn’t have one, set it for ohms.
How do I know if my golf cart motor is bad?
If the speed seems to be off, or your cart gives off a burning wire smell, your golf cart motor might have a problem. Using a multimeter, a jumper wire, and a 12-24 volt power source, you can test the condition and functions of your golf cart motor without removing it from the cart.
How do you test a golf cart coil with a voltmeter?
Attach the red lead to the positive terminal. Select the "Ohm" setting on your volt/ohm meter and read the display. The golf cart coil should register as more than 3.7 ohms, but less than 5.2 ohms. If the coil registers outside this range, replace the coil with a new unit.
How many ohms should a golf cart Coil have?
The golf cart coil should register as more than 3.7 ohms, but less than 5.2 ohms. If the coil registers outside this range, replace the coil with a new unit. They are not repairable. Not all golf carts utilize the same type of coils.
How do you test a potentiometer on a golf cart?
Use an ohmmeter to test across those two wires, either at the controller or at the potentiometer. If you have a 0-5K ohms golf cart potentiometer, you would expect for the reading to be at zero and slowly progress to 5,000 ohms at pedal down position.
How do I test my golf cart batteries with a multimeter?
1:244:08Golf Cart Power Testing | ASK DAVE | Golf Cart Garage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPositive and the black lead to the negative terminal on the last battery. Or test each batteryMorePositive and the black lead to the negative terminal on the last battery. Or test each battery individually. This will give us surface charge readings meaning the charge the batteries.
How do I test my EZGO golf cart?
Take a digital multimeter and set it to the volts reading. Place the positive probe of the meter on the white wire terminal of the ITS. Release the accelerator pedal slowly. The reading should be in the 0.45V to 0.53V range when the micro-switch gets activated.
How do you read a golf cart battery charger?
1:564:02How Do I Read My Golf Cart Charger? | ASK DAVE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMost will flash or blink during charging and present a solid green light when finished.MoreMost will flash or blink during charging and present a solid green light when finished.
What should golf cart batteries read?
Healthy batteries will indicate about 50 to 52 volts on the voltmeter. Most battery packs hold around 48 volts. Keep in mind that the high number doesn't mean that the batteries are instantly good.
What should a 12 volt battery read fully charged?
A fully charged battery will typically display a voltmeter reading of about 12.6 to 12.8 volts. If your voltmeter is showing a voltage anywhere between 12.4 and 12.8, that means your battery is in good shape. Any voltage above 12.9 volts is a good indicator that your battery has excessive voltage.
How do you change the speed on a EZGO electric golf cart?
Tighten the governor spring located in the engine of most golf carts to adjust your cart's top speed. 90% of EZ Go Carts have simple springs which limit the speed of the engine. To raise the top speed of your golf cart, all you need to do is locate this spring and tighten it slightly.
Where is the reset button on a ezgo golf cart?
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 I test my EZGO TXT controller?
Connect the negative probe to the controller's M terminal and positive probe to the B+ terminal. Press the accelerator and watch to see if the voltage increases. It should increase from a reading of 0 to the full voltage of the battery. If the motor is not turning, the problem may be in the directional switch or motor.
What should the amp meter read on a golf cart charger?
The ammeter on a 36-volt charger should show at least 15+ amps when the charger is plugged into the golf car, even if the batteries have not been used for a short while. A 15+ amp reading shows that the charger is actually charging, not just humming (humming is NOT an indication that the charger actually works).
Can you leave golf cart charger plugged in all the time?
Manufacturers suggest leaving your golf cart plugged in all of the time while using an auto battery charger, as it will keep the batteries fully charged and always available. If batteries are not charged for prolonged storage, they may damage over time and deliver less capacity.
Can you use a trickle charger on golf cart batteries?
If you tend to use the golf cart during the warmer months and store it during the winter, pick a trickle charger to make the battery last longer. These chargers connect to the battery over weeks or months at a time. They provide enough power to the battery to keep it charged but without harming the internal components.
What does it mean when a golf cart has a bad coil?
Testing the coils on a golf cart engine is an easy procedure and can indicate to you whether an electrical problem on your golf cart is being caused by a bad ignition coil or a problem deeper in the engine. Coils are not a part of the electrical system of electric golf carts, but rather are part of gasoline-powered carts ...
What is a golf cart coil?
It is black and cylindrical with a metal heat sink on each side and will have a single, thin wire coming out of one end and a thicker wire coming out of the other end.
Do electric golf carts have coils?
Coils are not a part of the electrical system of electric golf carts, but rather are part of gasoline-powered carts and their ignition system for firing the spark plugs. It's a good idea to have your golf cart's owner's manual open to the section on troubleshooting electrical components for information specific to your particular golf cart.
Do all golf carts have the same coils?
Not all golf carts utilize the same type of coils. Read your owner's manual thoroughly and check with your golf cart manufacturer to make certain the coil is not reading in the correct range. Don Kress began writing professionally in 2006, specializing in automotive technology for various websites.
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 ...
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 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 ...
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.
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 .
Can a golf cart be powered by gas?
This applies to golf carts that are powered by electricity or gas, although there is a minor difference in terms of the activated device. This would be the microswitch for gas-powered carts, which sends the solenoid into its low setting compared to electric golf carts that trigger a throttle sensor instead.
How to test a speed sensor on a golf cart?
Two methods of testing your speed sensor are the following: Activate the Run/Tow switch of the golf cart by keeping it in Run position and try to push the cart.
Why does my golf cart stutter?
Your golf cart may move very slowly as if it’s creeping along or it may move at an erratic speed. You may experience stuttering in your golf cart like when you have a bad battery or there is a low voltage problem. A broken or damaged magnet on the motor can result in a bad speed sensor.
What happens if a cart sensor is bad?
If the sensor is bad, your cart will start rolling. Remember that if the switch is in Tow position, the cart will definitely roll. Ensure that the 3-pin plug from the sensor is connected and place a wire-piercing probe on the output green wire.
Why does my golf cart roll off?
Roll-away protection is essential for the safety of the golf cart. If the parking brake is not activated, the golf cart tends to roll off when it is in a neutral position and stopped in an incline. Please note that rolling will occur in neutral only at a predetermined speed.
What happens if a motor magnet is broken?
A broken or damaged magnet on the motor can result in a bad speed sensor. If this is replaced with a new magnet, the speed sensor will begin to function properly. Alternatively, the magnet could have just come loose. If so, all that you have to do is to tighten the magnet.
Can a golf cart go fast?
Your golf cart may go fast initially and slow down drastically on its own after some time. This will happen repeatedly in a cyclic pattern. In such a situation, the car is said to be in limp-mode. You can do a roll-away test to check your golf cart speed sensor.
Can you fix a golf cart on your own?
Under NO circumstances should you attempt to fix your golf cart on your own. Doing so is dangerous and could result in serious bodily harm. The information on this website has not been verified for accuracy and should only be used for general information purposes only. Use this information at your own risk. The author (s) and owner of of golfstorageguide.com are NOT trained electricians, mechanics or technicians. The webmaster of golfstorageguide.com and the author (s) is not responsible for any loss in damages, financial loss, personal injury, or death. By using the content on this website, you agree to the terms outlined in this disclaimer.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
How to tell if a golf cart won't start?
The first and most obvious symptom is the golf cart won’t start. If it is a gas-powered cart, the engine doesn’t turn over, and if it is an electric cart, the cart doesn’t move. Now, on to the next symptoms…. The engine on the gas-powered cart starts, but the starter doesn’t disengage after starting.
How to test golf cart solenoid?
A diode allows current to run in one direction, but not in the other. Testing the diode is a simple procedure. Remove the diode from the circuit and check the leads with a continuity tester.
Why doesn't my golf cart solenoid click?
This can be a faulty wire connection, but can also mean the solenoid is beginning to fail. The golf cart solenoid doesn’t click when the accelerator is pressed. This again can be faulty wiring or a failed solenoid.
How to check if a battery is low?
First, follow these steps: Step 1 – Check the battery voltage from the positive connection to the battery negative. A solenoid uses 12-18volts and low voltage will not activate the solenoid. Step 2 – If the voltage is low, check the cable ends for corrosion. Clean and charge the battery.
How to tell if solenoid is bad on golf cart?
The common symptom of a bad solenoid is no clicks when the cart’s ignition is on and you press the accelerator.
Where are the solenoids on a golf cart?
In all golf carts, new and old, the solenoids can be found under the seat or in the engine well and are easily identifiable by the wires that lead to them. Banks of heavy duty solenoids, as in the previous illustration, are mounted on the side or back panel near the electric motor.
What to do if your solenoid is not zero?
If the reading is not zero, then the solenoid is stuck and needs to be replaced. If the ohmmeter does read zero, set the cart to forward travel and turn the key switch on. Press the accelerator pedal (or have a friend do it) and you should hear a click. If you don’t hear a click, measure the resistance anyway.
How much horsepower does a golf cart need?
These vehicles will have motors with 5 to 10 horsepower, and controllers that can deliver 300 to 600 AMPS.
What is the most important part of a golf cart?
Even though the speed controller is probably one of the most important parts on your golf cart, not many people understand how they work or what they do. In this guide, we breakdown the speed controller so you have a complete understanding of their functions, and hopefully come out with the knowledge to make an educated decision on the type ...
Do AC motors require a sensor?
Device Support on SPF ( Speed of Position Feedback): AC motors can require a sensor in order for the controller to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Can you run a golf cart without a speed controller?
If your golf cart is running an AC or Brushless DC motor , you won’t be going anywhere without a speed controller. In these specific types of motors, electrical signals fire back and forth which reverse in direction at different times. This must stay consistent, and has to be timed precisely with the motors rotation.