Make sure a golf cart is off and neutral; Unplug all cables from two major solenoid’s terminals, wrapping up the connections with the tape; Turn on the voltmeter to Ohms reading. Connect every probe to every large terminal.
Full Answer
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. ...
What are the symptoms of a bad golf cart solenoid?
What are Common Problems with a Golf Cart Solenoid?
- Deterioration of the Plate. This can be due to the high amperage generated while the solenoid is in use, which may cause curving of the plate over time.
- Insufficient Battery Voltage. The voltage may fluctuate due to a low battery such that it will not be enough to reach the terminals.
- Busted Wires and Micro Switch Failure. ...
- Frozen Studs and Plates. ...
Where is solenoid in electric golf cart?
Safety First
- Raise the rear wheels off the ground using the proper support stands BEFORE you begin your solenoid testing.
- Get a fire extinguisher and keep it handy. ...
- Higher voltage cars can cause severe burns and can occur by accidentally shorting out connections with metal objects.
How do you replace coil on club cart golf cart?
Three things can indicate that your golf cart clutch is going bad:
- Your cart’s initial acceleration is jerky
- It feels as if power is slipping while your cart is climbing incline terrain/hills
- Your cart has varying top-end speed (alternating between fast and slow)
How do you put a solenoid on a golf cart?
2:115:38Replace Solenoid in Golf Cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is um once you disconnect a wire from your old solenoid immediately connect it to the newMoreThis is um once you disconnect a wire from your old solenoid immediately connect it to the new solenoid. That way you know you're putting it in the right place.
Is there a positive and negative on a golf cart solenoid?
In a 2002 EZGO TXT PDS golf cart, the yellow wire is connected to the positive side small terminal of the solenoid. The blue wire is connected to the negative side small terminal of the solenoid. The red wire connection is done to the large terminal post that is closer to the battery.
How do you hook up a 36 volt golf cart solenoid?
3:418:12How to Replace Golf Cart Solenoid Coil | Install - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGoing back across the two small terminals. So what you'll do is we'll hook on one side bring itMoreGoing back across the two small terminals. So what you'll do is we'll hook on one side bring it around and using your needlenose. Just hook it around the terminal.
Can a golf cart run without a solenoid?
Without it, the golf cart will simply not function correctly if at all. The very nature of golf carts means that they constantly start and stop. Every time their tires move the solenoid has some serious work to do. They generally consist of a central rod encased in a coil of wire that is enameled or insulated.
How many wires are connected to a solenoid?
A solenoid consists of a single electrical component, namely its coil. The coil requires only the connection of two wires running to the live and neutral points of the power supply in the case of an alternating current (AC) solenoid or the positive and negative points of a direct current (DC) example.
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 are the 4 terminals on a golf cart motor?
If you're unsure if it is working, it is simple to test. There are four terminals on a solenoid: usually two large and two small. The small terminals are connected to the battery, and the large terminals are connected to the motor. Disconnect all wires from the two large terminals.
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.
How do you check a 36 volt 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.
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid in a golf cart?
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.
Can a golf cart solenoid click and still be bad?
Usually, you'll be able to hear the solenoid clicking both on and off whenever you switch your ignition. But if you don't hear anything? It's likely that the solenoid can no longer send electricity out to power the golf cart. In some cases, this happens because the coil of the battery is worn out or is too old.
Can you bypass a solenoid?
5:037:29Solenoid Bypass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll you have to do to bypass the solenoid. And make the starter turn is basically connect this hardMoreAll you have to do to bypass the solenoid. And make the starter turn is basically connect this hard copper wire to this point on the battery. Then you're not doing anything with the solenoid.
What is a solenoid on a golf cart?
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 ...
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
Is a solenoid an electromagnet?
A solenoid is NOT an electromagnet, but like an electromagnet, it IS a coil of wire, partially surrounding an iron core, that is made to move inside the coil by the magnetic field caused by current flowing through the coil. It is used to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, as in the operation of a switch.
Solenoid – why do golf players use it?
Before explaining what are symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart, let’s clarify its definition and purpose for golf players.
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.
How to check solenoid if you own a gas golf cart?
If you suspect the symptoms of the bad solenoid on a gas golf cart, the major problem is usually related to the failure of large contacts. 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.
How to check solenoid if you own an electric golf cart?
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.
A step-by-step guide to check a golf cart for a bad solenoid
GolfProfy.com is a website where I post articles for golf players. Every review is supported not just by experience but also includes the tips and opinions of my friends who specialize in golf equipment or techniques. For instance, my friend who is a golf cart technician for a few years wrote this instruction for checking a bad solenoid:
The simplest way to bypass solenoid on a golf cart
If you don’t have a voltmeter and you don’t intend to invest in it, there is another way how to bypass solenoid on a golf cart. Just attempt connecting two large wires of terminals of the solenoid. Then attempt to operate the cart. If it doesn’t work, the solenoid is not your problem. Test the entire ignition system.
Final thoughts
Remember that solenoid is one of the cheapest parts for replacement. Though, without checking and replacing it you risk having a malfunctioning or completely broken golf cart. Make sure to consult experts on how to bypass solenoid on a golf cart before trying it on your own.
What is a solenoid on a golf cart?
The solenoid on a golf cart, be it gas or electric, is a simple yet critical component, It is often appropriately referred to as the heart of the golf cart. Without getting too complicated, at this stage, it is responsible for transferring power to the vehicle.
Why does my golf cart solenoid not move?
It could be faulty, worn out, or have a loose connection. The contacts could have overheated which not only causes problems and damage but is also a potential danger. If you find that the golf cart solenoid just clicks but does not move it could be one of several issues and more diagnostics will be necessary.
Why is a golf cart important?
A golf cart makes the game more enjoyable and speeds up play. It also allows older people to enjoy the game even if they do not have the fitness to walk the distance. One of the most important components of the cart is the solenoid. It also happens to be the part most likely to give you issues. We take a look at the importance ...
How many times does a solenoid kick in?
An average round could see the solenoid kick in more than 1500 times. We will take you through the signs to look out for if you expect a solenoid issue, how to test the component, how to bypass it if necessary, and other related information that can help you avoid or fix solenoid issues.
Why does my gas cart not engage?
This is often the result of the contacts not releasing. What it does is cause the starter to operate continuously, even when the ignition is in the off position.
Can a golf solenoid cause a golf cart to not work?
It is important to look out for these symptoms and take corrective action when necessary. A faulty solenoid could not only leave you without a functioning golf cart but poses a safety risk.
Do electric golf carts have solenoid issues?
Electric golf carts are also prone to solenoid issues although they are slightly less prevalent than with gas models. When you use the ignition, you expect to hear a click sound. If you do not hear this sound when using the ignition, it is quite likely to be an issue with the solenoid.
