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how to bench test a golf cart 36 volt solenoid

by Curtis Kris Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How do you bench test a 36v solenoid?

We could just connect the solenoid to 36 volts and see if it “clicks”. While in a “clicked” position you should read continuity across the large terminals or lugs. If not the contacts are worn out.

How do you test a 36v golf cart solenoid?

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.

How do you test a 36v ezgo 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 club car solenoid?

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 I know if my electric golf cart solenoid is bad?

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 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 I test my EZ GO 36 volt controller?

Check Power Output From the 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.

Why won't my golf cart go forward or reverse?

Check the Forward/Reverse switch of your golf cart for loose connections. If the connections are intact, interchange the top and bottom wires at the rear. If the cart now goes in reverse but not forward, the problem is with the switch. You have to just change the switch in this case.

How do you test a ignition switch on a golf cart?

Testing a Club Car Ignition SwitchFind the back and red wires on the back of your battery pack.Connect the black wire to the negative terminal and the red to the positive.Keep the cart turned off while you work on it.Check the wires with a probe meter while the cart is off – only one wire should have a charge.More items...

How do you test a solenoid with a voltmeter?

0:111:43How to use a Multimeter: Solenoid Testing - Purkeys - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe 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.

What does the resistor do on a golf cart solenoid?

Prevents arcing across your solenoid terminals and keeps your electrical system safe.

Why does my electric golf cart have no power?

If you're lucky, the problem could be as simple as a loose wire or a broken coil. In some cases, corrosion can also be a factor. If you suspect a faulty solenoid, your best bet is to take your cart to a repair shop. A mechanic can diagnose the problem and replace the solenoid if necessary.

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.

What is a solenoid relay?

A solenoid, contactor, relay or whatever you want to call it is nothing more than an electrical on/off switch. When you flip your light switch on at your home that is a switch. A mechanical switch activated by physical force. When you turn a key switch on your automobile to the start position you are sending a voltage signal to the car’s solenoid. You are electrically activating a solenoid to start your car. Solenoids have all sorts of configurations, all sorts of voltages and sizes. But they all do the same thing they make and break an electrical circuit for a on or off mode.

What happens if no problems are seen with the bench testing?

If no problems are seen with the bench testing the problem is in the car.

What is footprint in bench testing?

Small terminals are used for solenoid activation. Footprint just means the size and shape of the mounting area or size.

How to check solenoid on a cart?

Therefore, to check the solenoid, you can connect the large wires into the solenoid together and see if the cart starts .

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 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.

Why is my EZGO cart not working?

But a bad solenoid can be the most common one. Always check the battery voltage and the clicking sound while pressing on the pedal.

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.

How to test golf cart motor?

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 to check if electric golf cart is running?

It sounds absurd, but if your electric golf cart is not running, the very first thing I would check is the reset button on the side of the motor, if your cart is so equipped. Check around the outside of the motor and see if you can find a small button to press. This is usually a safeguard against overheating.

What is a series motor?

A series motor has field and armature windings that have the power fed to them from the same source, either in series or parallel. A SePex motor, as the name indicates, is a motor that has a separately excited field and armature windings. These two motor functions are sent to the PDS or DCS giving greater control over the motor.

What is wrong with my electric golf cart?

Electric golf carts are usually trouble-free and do their job efficiently and with no fuss, but sometimes you suspect your golf cart is experiencing a problem. 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, ...

Why is it important to test a motor before replacing a controller?

This is an important test to do on your motor before replacing the controller because a short could damage the new controller irreparably. Please note that this test will not find a short in the armature. Note that continuity testing is not directional, so it doesn’t matter if the red and black are reversed.

When did golf carts start having separate excited motors?

In 1999, some golf cart manufacturers started offering Separately Excited Motors. Sepex (Regenerative) Motor carts have a toggle switch F&R device as opposed to the lever-action. In addition to this identifier, they have a tow/run or tow/maintenance switch which cuts power to the controller. Most of the modern-day carts are equipped ...

What is a golf cart?

Golf carts are also known as golf cars. The term "cart", in its purest sense, refers to a vehicle that does not travel under its own power. Golf cars, however, are most commonly referred to as golf... link to Club Car DS Wiring Diagrams 1981 To 2002.

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 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.

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