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how do you test a solenoid on a golf cart

by Allison Bahringer II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Test a Golf Cart Solenoid

  • The very first thing you must do is to disable the mobility of your golf cart. ...
  • After disconnecting the solenoid, use electric tape and seal each cable end separately. ...
  • Turn on the engine of the cart and press the pedal downwards. ...
  • Use a voltmeter and engage the solenoid. ...

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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?

How to Test A Golf Cart Solenoid Diode. Some of the late model golf cart solenoids have a diode attached across the terminals. A diode allows the 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.

How to test for a bad solenoid?

With the key on and the cart in forward, step on the accelerator. If the voltmeter shows full battery voltage, and there is no click, the coil inside the solenoid has failed and will need to be replaced. If your voltmeter remains at 0, then there is a problem somewhere else in the cart.

How to install a voltage reducer on a golf cart?

Feb 11, 2022 · How do you test a 36v golf cart solenoid? Configure your voltmeter to read in ohms, then attach its probe to each of the large terminals in the circuit. It goes without saying that the reading should be zero. After that, shift the cart’s switch to the forward position, turn it on, and gently accelerate. Your solenoid should make a clicking sound.

How to properly drive a golf cart?

How Do You Test A Golf Cart Solenoid? The following steps will tell you how you can test a golf cart solenoid. You’ll need a voltmeter/multimeter, as well as a 1/2″ wrench. Disconnect any wires that may be connected to the large terminals. Cover the cable terminals in tape and keep them apart from one another.

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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.
Aug 28, 2020

How do you test a 48v solenoid?

Part of a video titled Solenoid Troubleshooting - YouTube
0:18
2:59
Troubleshooting this solenoid is actually quite simple in order to troubleshoot the solenoid we'llMoreTroubleshooting this solenoid is actually quite simple in order to troubleshoot the solenoid we'll use the continuity feature of our multimeter we can either use continuity or the resistance feature.

How do you test a solenoid on a 36 volt EZ Go golf cart?

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.

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).Mar 15, 2018

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

Press on the accelerator while the key is turned on and the cart is in forward.
  1. The solenoid needs to be replaced IF the voltmeter shows a full battery voltage without a click.
  2. If your voltmeter stays at 0, the problem stems from somewhere else in your cart.

How do you test a solenoid with a multimeter?

Part of a video titled How to use a Multimeter: Solenoid Testing - Purkeys - YouTube
0:11
1:43
We have our meter set to ohms. If. You look at the two smallest posts here that is our coil. If weMoreWe have our meter set to ohms. If. You look at the two smallest posts here that is our coil. If we put our meter across it we will check and see what the coil resistance.

How do you test a EZ Go golf cart 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.

How do you diagnose a golf cart problem?

There are a few simple problems that you can fix yourself that will not necessitate professional maintenance.
  1. Test the wall socket where you charge your cart. ...
  2. Expose your golf cart batteries. ...
  3. Test the batteries for voltage. ...
  4. Replace dead batteries. ...
  5. Expose the motor for inspection. ...
  6. Reset the motor. ...
  7. Test the cart.

Where is the reset button on a golf cart motor?

First, you'll want to reset your motor.

It should have a small reset button (Usually it will be red) located near the main battery supply. Hit the reset button and then put the cover back on the motor. The next step would be to recharge your cart and try turning it on again. If it starts up then you're in luck!
Feb 12, 2018

How can you tell if MCOR is bad?

With the cart in neutral, slowly depress the gas pedal. You should verify that the throttle moves from 0% to 100% in a smooth manner. If you see it jump around (ie. 17% up to 30% or back to 10% erratically) you have a bad MCOR.

Why is my electric golf cart jerking?

The most common reason for your golf cart jerking is often the battery terminal connections are loose and/or corroded. A poor connection prevents the correct amount of current from flowing through the set of batteries to your speed controller (or resistor coil), and ultimately to your electric motor.

How do you reset an electric golf cart?

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. Push the button to reset the motor.Jan 20, 2011

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.

How many volts does a golf cart have?

NOTE: When buying a new solenoid, be sure to buy one that matches your cart's voltage. Most golf carts are either 36 volt s or 48 volts. The voltage will usually be written on the side of the solenoid.

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.

What happens if a voltmeter shows full battery voltage?

If the voltmeter shows full battery voltage, and there is no click, the coil inside the solenoid has failed and will need to be replaced.

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 are the solenoids on a golf cart?

Most golf cart solenoids will be found under the seat with four wires connected to it. It should look like this.

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 is a solenoid relay?

Good question! 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 a gas golf cart or your electrical motor power circuit for an electric golf cart.

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 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.

How to check if solenoid is working?

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. If it jumps and displays full voltage, then the solenoid is the problem and should be replaced with a new one.

How to tell if a cart is low voltage?

Turn on the engine of the cart and press the pedal downwards. If you hear a clicking sound, then it means that the low side voltage is working. But, if there is no such sound, it means that either there is no low side voltage or there is a problem with the solenoid. Use a voltmeter and engage the solenoid.

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.

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 ...

Why does my golf cart make clicking sounds?

On a gas golf cart, the most common symptom is the starter failing to engage – so the engine doesn’t turn over – while all you hear a series of very futile clicking sounds.

Why does my solenoid wear out?

Like any switch that relies on wiring, the solenoid could also just wear out due to overheating. This might cause it to fail to retrieve the pinion gear.

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.

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