It only takes a small amount of current to keep the Controller ready to roll, so the voltage drop across the resistor is small, but it DOES exist. Typically, before the Solenoid is energized, you would read B+, of around 38 volts or so, on the B+ terminal and only about 37.5 volts or even a little less on the other side.
Full Answer
How to start a golf cart with a solenoid?
1 Connect the two high side large wires to the large terminals of the solenoid. 2 Try to start the golf cart after establishing this connection. ... 3 In the case of an electric golf cart, I advise that you stop your checking at the key switch and take the assistance of a mechanic to sort out things ... More items...
How do I know if my electric golf cart solenoid is bad?
In an electric cart, one of the key signs of a faulty solenoid is when you turn your cart’s ignition on, and find no electricity is being transferred to the controller from the solenoid. When this occurs the usual solenoid click on and off associated with the ignition switch will not take place.
How do you troubleshoot an EZ GO golf cart solenoid?
EZ Go golf Cart Solenoid Troubleshooting. Try out the steps listed below to help troubleshoot the solenoid found in your EZ Go golf cart: Check to confirm if all the cable connections and wires are in place, as well as secure and tight. You must disconnect the negative battery cable before taking off the controller cover.
What is an Abad solenoid on a golf cart?
A solenoid is one of the main components in a golf cart that allows it to move. Whether electric or gas, you will find a solenoid in your golf cart. Every golf cart needs a proper solenoid to operate. Here, we’ll discuss the symptoms of abad solenoid on a golf cart.
What should a golf cart solenoid read?
A measurement of 0 to 0.4 ohms should be obtained. If you get a reading higher than this, you need to replace your solenoid.
How do you test a solenoid on a golf cart with a multimeter?
Set your voltmeter to the ohms reading, and connect its probe to each one of the big terminals. Of course, the reading should be zero. Next, move the cart's switch to forward, turn it on, and accelerate slowly. Your solenoid should click.
Does a golf cart solenoid need a resistor?
If you do have a heavy duty solenoid you will not only need this resistor, but you will need the upgraded Diode as well. Fits the Following Cart(s): All 48 Volt Golf Carts with a Heavy Duty 200 Amp Solenoid.
How many volts does it take to run a golf cart?
The standard electric golf cart will have four, six, or eight batteries in total. The voltage will be either 36 volts or 48 volts. These batteries will be contained in a single system, that looks a bit like a large block/box.
How do you test a electric solenoid on a golf cart?
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 do you check if a solenoid is working?
Do your best to listen for a “click” noise. If the click is strong and loud, it most likely means the solenoid has enough power and is working properly. If the clicking you are hearing is quiet or repetitive, it may be that your solenoid is not strong enough or does not have enough power from the battery.
What is the purpose of a diode on a golf cart solenoid?
A diode acts as a one way valve for electricity. In normal operation the electric current can't flow through the diode, so it flows through the solenoid coil.
Why does a solenoid need a diode?
0:000:57Why Your Solenoid Needs a Diode - Collin's Lab Notes ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's where the diode comes into play adding a diode across the solenoid's leads prevents theMoreThat's where the diode comes into play adding a diode across the solenoid's leads prevents the voltage from getting too high directing it away from the power rails keeping our circuit nice.
What does a golf cart resistor do?
Resistor Coils battery voltage as heat allowing just a portion of available battery voltage to actually get to the motor. As the accelerator pedal is depressed further a portion of the resistor coil array is dropped out of the power circuit thereby allowing more voltage to get to the motor.
How many amps does a golf cart need?
On average, electric golf motors operate at 36 or 48 volts and draw between 50-70 amps of current while cruising at about 15 miles per hour. Keep in mind that the current draw during acceleration or while going up a hill is much higher.
How many amps should a golf cart charger put out?
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).
How many amps does a golf cart battery charger draw?
1 x 100 = 10 amp charge rate. 6 volt golf cart batteries are typically 200 to 225 amp hours, and 8 volt batteries about 150 amp hours. It is important to know the ah rating of your battery, if you aren't replacing an existing charger, or to check if the existing charger is sized correctly.
How do I test a ezgo golf cart 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 bypass the electric solenoid on a golf cart?
To bypass the solenoid of your golf cart, simply connect both the large side wires of terminals of the solenoid. And after making the connection, attempt to start the cart. If you fail to start, this is an indication that there is no problem with your solenoid.
How do you troubleshoot a solenoid?
Check if the power supply is correct and the coil can dissipate heat by ventilation. Install a new coil and never power the coil when not mounted on the valve. Check for moisture within and replace if necessary. Replace any damaged or bent armatures as well, and check media compatibility with your valve.
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.
What Does A Solenoid In A Golf Cart Do?
In the early 1960s, a bank of solenoids was used in electric carts to redirect electrical power of different voltages, or through a resistor, to vary the speed of the electric motor. The number of single-action solenoids (4-terminal solenoids) used in each golf cart was reduced with the advent of dual-action solenoids (6-terminal solenoids).
What to test before testing golf cart solenoid?
BEFORE testing the golf cart solenoid, test both the accelerator micro switch and the key switch. These components are both wired into the control circuit of the solenoid and if they are faulty, the solenoid will not operate.
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.
What happens if the solenoid is not zero?
There should be zero ohms. If the reading is not zero, then the solenoid is stuck and needs to be replaced.
Why does my solenoid stop working?
A common cause of failure in a solenoid is an improper loosening and tightening of the terminals. You must use TWO 1/2″ wrenches when attaching the cable on the large terminal posts…one to hold the nut closest to the solenoid body to prevent it from twisting inside the unit and the other to turn the outside nut.
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.
What is a golf cart solenoid?
What is a golf cart solenoid? A golf cart solenoid is a relay switch used in golf carts. This switch controls a high power circuit with the help of a low power circuit. The solenoid pushes a rod that closes a circuit with a magnetic coil. This creates an electric current which moves the cart.
What is a solenoid in a golf cart?
A golf cart solenoid is one of the major components of any golf cart. This part is essential regardless whether you own an electric or gas golf cart because both types primarily rely on a solenoid for their movement. What this means is whichever brand or model you choose for your cart, a solenoid is truly an indispensable part of the vehicle.
How to get a golf cart going without a glitch?
To get your golf cart going without a glitch, you most definitely need the solenoid of your cart to be functioning properly. Thus, it goes without saying that you must check this component occasionally to monitor its performance so that you don’t get stranded mid-way.
What does the inductive throttle sensor do on a golf cart?
When you push down the pedal of the golf cart downwards, the inductive throttle sensor sends out the first low power signal to activate the solenoid on its low side and the speed controller. The low side is the steel rod of the solenoid.
Why is my golf cart not clicking?
This may be because the safety reed switch is not working properly in the charger socket. There could be a loose connection of the MOLEX plug.
Why does my solenoid not work?
This is because the solenoid fails to derive the required electricity for functioning because of a worn-out coil, loose connections or a weak battery.
Why does my gas cart not turn over?
In a gas cart, a bad solenoid prevents the starter from being engaged and therefore results in the engine not turning over.
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 Test a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart?
Testing bad solenoids in a golf cart is relatively simple, especially for Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts.
Where Exactly Are Solenoids Located?
Before knowing more about bad solenoids, you need to know their location. Usually, solenoids are located under the seat or just above the motor.
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 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.
How to tell if solenoid is working?
Step on the gas and try to listen to the sound of clicking. If you hear the clicking sound, look for a reading of fewer than 0.4 ohms. If you get a higher reading, the solenoid is not working and needs to be replaced.
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.
How many volts does a golf cart solenoid have?
Important notice: buy a new solenoid that is fully compatible with the golf cart’s voltage. You are to opt for the solenoid with a 36-volt and 48-volt option. Usually, the voltage is written on the side of a solenoid. Check the old solenoid’s voltage if you have doubts.
How to check solenoid if you own a gas golf cart?
The starter may continue working, even with the ignition turned off. Make sure to check the spring – it shouldn’t be worn down, to pull the pinion back to the neutral position. Otherwise, the starter may not disengage and work all the time.
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?
There are a few signs that a golf cart has problems because of a bad solenoid. You may have even one of these signs detected to become worried. Don’t ignore the following symptoms of a bad solenoid! Ignoring these issues will only make them worse and worse. For instance, a bad solenoid may result in buying a new starter.
Why does my golf cart solenoid click?
The reason is the burned contacts or contacts not connecting. Not enough voltage is also a common reason due to a low battery;
How to tell if a golf cart solenoid is bad?
There are certain symptoms of the bad solenoid on an electric golf cart. The lack of any clicking noise when starting the cart’ s ignition. The clicks must be heard each time when you switch on and off the ignition. If you don’t hear any clicks, then the solenoid may no longer send electric power to the golf cart.
How many posts does a solenoid have?
1. A standard solenoid has four posts – terminals (two large and two small ones). The battery voltage is connected to 2 small terminals. They activate the solenoid that is a switch for 2 large terminals working together. Sometimes 2 large terminals fail to work, causing a malfunction due to a bad solenoid. There is a place where you need to start checking a solenoid.
Why is a solenoid important?
A solenoid is important, that is why when it gets broken, serious problems must be expected. Especially, if you use a battery-powered golf cart, a bad solenoid break downs frequently.
What are the two sides of a solenoid?
This “Coil”, when supplied current, provides a strong magnetic field. This field then pulls on a “plunger” that forces two surfaces together on its “contact” side. So, we have two sides of the Solenoid: a Coil side and a Contact side . Because the current required to create the magnetic field is very small compared to the current required to run the motor, the amounts of energy used on the Coil side and on the Contact side are referred to as the Low Energy and High Energy side respectively.
Can a solenoid go bad?
That brings up another thing that is worth talking about. It is very possible for a Solenoid to go bad in such a fashion that it goes “clunk” as it should, but it still isn’t working. If the surfaces that provide the current flow on the Contact side of the Solenoid don’t make GOOD contact, you can be fooled into thinking the Solenoid is good when it isn’t.
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?
In addition, the spring that pulls the pinion back to its resting position could wear down leaving the starter engaged continuously. (Starters are supposed to get the flywheel moving, then back out of position – disengage.)
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.
How to check ohms of a cable?
Once you’ve disconnected the cables safely – using your multimeter – use the voltmeter on the ohms setting and touch each large terminal with the probes with the key turned off. You should get a zero reading.
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 ...
What is the reading for a solenoid?
If you get a clicking sound, look for a reading of less than 0.4 ohms. If the reading is higher, the solenoid is not working and needs to be replaced.