How to Test a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart?
- Step 1: Get the Right Tools. First, get a couple of tools, including a voltmeter, a wrench, gloves, electrical tape, and safety glasses.
- Step 2: Disconnect the Solenoid Cables. Disconnect the cable attached with solenoid terminals from the starter or controller. Make sure to use ...
- Step 3: Check Each Terminal. Take the voltmeter on the ohms setting and touch each large terminal with the probes with the key turned off. You need to ...
- Step 4 (gas cart): Press the Accelerator and Listen for Clicking.
- The solenoid needs to be replaced IF the voltmeter shows a full battery voltage without a click.
- If your voltmeter stays at 0, the problem stems from somewhere else in your cart.
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 test for a bad solenoid?
Testing the solenoid
- Safety first. The first step that you should undertake, which should be ingrained into your memory, is taking the right safety precautions before beginning.
- Equip yourself. The next step is to have the appropriate tools with yourself that you’ll be using. ...
- Read the manual. ...
- Raise the vehicle. ...
- Locate the plugs. ...
- Activate the voltmeter. ...
- Grab the black wire. ...
How to install a voltage reducer on a golf cart?
- Park the golf cart on a level, hard surface and activate the parking brake. ...
- Keep a jack below the frame at the back of the golf cart. ...
- Lift the golf cart seat upwards until the batteries are exposed.
- Turn on the voltmeter and set the reading to 20 volts. ...
- Check the voltage reading on the voltmeter. ...
How to properly drive a golf cart?
- When you go for your backswing, you should shift your weight backward. This will give your swing more power.
- A lot of times your instinct might be to have a fast backswing thinking that it will give you more power to crush the ball. ...
- Stay flat. ...
- Take a steady backswing and pause at the top to reset before begin your downswing. ...
How do you test a starter 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.
What happens when golf cart solenoid goes bad?
When driving a gas golf cart with a damaged solenoid, the larger contacts may fail to release. When this happens, the starter keeps on operating, even when the ignition switch is turned off.
Can you bypass solenoid on 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 know if your solenoid is bad?
As a result, the common signs of a bad starter solenoid include:Engine 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.More items...•
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.
How do you check if a solenoid is working?
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.
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.
How do you jump a solenoid?
0:271:17How to Jump the Solenoid on your ATV or GoKart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're just going to put them out and then how we jump it is you could take any screwdriver PhillipsMoreWe're just going to put them out and then how we jump it is you could take any screwdriver Phillips or straight head and then we're going to connect the bolts.
How do you jump a starter solenoid with a screwdriver?
0:535:14How 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.
What would cause a solenoid to go bad?
Solenoid coil failure can be caused by a number of factors. Applying an incorrect voltage to the coil will cause it to fail and may cause the coil to burn out. Electrical surges or spikes may also damage the coil. Burnt out coils cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.
What does a bad starter solenoid sound like?
A bad starter's tell-tale noise is loud clicking. It can either have a fast tempo, click-click-click-click-click-click-click-click or a slower lilt of click, click, click, click. No other part makes these noises when they fail, so if you hear either, you're likely going to be on the hook for a brand-new starter.
How many ohms should a solenoid have?
For irrigation applications, a solenoid is considered to be good if its resistance is between 20 - 60 ohms. It is best to compare resistance measurements to that of a new solenoid. Example, if a solenoid measures 44 ohms, it would be considered good because it is between 20 - 60 ohms.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 .
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 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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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 tell if your solenoid is faulty?
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.
What is a solenoid wiring diagram?
A solenoid wiring diagram can be very helpful in guiding you about the various connections made to and from the solenoid. This can come in handy when you set out to troubleshoot a problem in your cart on your own. The solenoid wiring diagram is generally very simple, straightforward and self-explanatory.
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.
How often do solenoids work?
Since solenoids need to work very frequently; turning on and off each time you use the cart, they are prone to wear and tear easily. This is not surprising as they can switch on and off as much as 1,500 times a day). One of the first indications that a solenoid is faulty is when your cart fails to start.
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.