how to replace a solenoid on a 2003 club car golf cart

How to troubleshoot a club car golf cart solenoid?

Troubleshooting the solenoid of your club car golf cart is very simple and involves just a few steps to be followed. Keep the car in a raised position with the rear wheels lifted from the ground and turn the vehicle on in the run mode with the accelerator pedal pushed.

How much does it cost to replace a solenoid on a golf cart?

Ok, you have determined that you need to replace the solenoid. Many places carry replacements, like Amazon and eBay and run anywhere from $12 to $57 depending on the type. When you look for a replacement online, always have the make, model and year of your golf cart handy.

Where is the starter solenoid on a golf cart?

On some models of golf carts, the starter is also the alternator and acts to charge the battery as the cart is driven. 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.

How do you change a solenoid on a Club Car golf cart?

1:305:38Replace Solenoid in Golf Cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you start by removing the bolts that actually hold the solenoid to your golf cart wherever thatMoreSo you start by removing the bolts that actually hold the solenoid to your golf cart wherever that might be. And one of the tips i also like to mention is hold up your new solenoid.

Where is the solenoid on a club golf cart?

Where is the solenoid located on a golf cart? In most cases a golf cart solenoid is positioned below the seat. It features four terminals with a wired connection for each terminal. Two of these terminals are large in size whereas the other two will be smaller.

How do you test a solenoid on a club car?

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 much does a solenoid cost for a Club Car golf cart?

Golf Carts Universe Club Car DS Electric 36v Solenoid 100amp 8016Was:$29.74 DetailsPrice:$22.95You Save:$6.79 (23%)

What happens when golf cart solenoid goes bad?

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).

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.

Where is the reset button on a Club Car golf cart?

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.

Can you bypass solenoid on 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.

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 does a solenoid resistor do?

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

How do you troubleshoot an electric club car?

2:3915:0248 Volt Club Car Diagnostics - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure your key switch is on step on the accelerator. You should get a light here.MoreMake sure your key switch is on step on the accelerator. You should get a light here.

How do you tell the year of a Club Car golf cart?

The serial number of each vehicle is printed on a bar code decal. The two letters at the beginning of the serial number "A" indicate the vehicle model. The following four digits "B" indicate the model year and production week during which the vehicle was built.

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.

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 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.

How to check if solenoid is at fault?

With the pedal depressed, check the voltage at the small terminals of the solenoid. If there is no voltage, then the solenoid is NOT at fault. If there is a click, then…proceed to the next paragraph.

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.

Which part of the solenoid becomes electromagnetic when the low voltage is applied to terminals?

Wire Coil. This is the part of the solenoid that becomes electromagnetic when the low voltage is applied to terminals #1

How to check if a golf cart solenoid is working?

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

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 ...

What happens when a starter turns over?

And it acts as a mechanical device that puts the starter pinion gear into position, so when the starter turns over it will be engaged with the flywheel just long enough for the engine to catch.

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 position does a golf cart start?

For the engine to start, the gear of a golf cart must be in the Park position . If the gear or the transmission is in a neutral position, the vehicle will not move.

What happens if the solenoid is not connected?

If the connections leading to the solenoid are not joined properly or have a faulty connection, the solenoid will not function properly. If the battery is weak or has not been charged sufficiently, the required voltage amps will not reach the solenoid and it will not function properly.

Why does my club car get hot?

The solenoid resistor on a Club Car golf cart can get hot because of a faulty speed sensor, faulty solenoid or by using batteries that are too old. Using Old batteries. Faulty speed sensor. Congested Muffler. Faulty speed sensor.

Why does my golf cart make a stuttering sound?

They are mostly found in golf carts that operate on AC motors. If the speed sensor malfunctions, the cart can slow down substantially. When the speed sensor makes a stuttering sound, you know that there is a problem with it. The speed sensor can also malfunction when the magnet inside the golf cart is damaged.

Why does my speed sensor fail on my golf cart?

The speed sensor can also malfunction when the magnet inside the golf cart is damaged.

How to tell if solenoid is bad?

One of the most common signs of a solenoid malfunctioning is the absence of a click when you operate the accelerator. The solenoid in a golf cart is designed like a relay whose main function is to shield the sensitive components like buttons and switches. These parts can get damaged easily because of various factors like high temperature in the engine.

What happens if a gas cart is not powered?

If the cart happens to be gas-powered, the engine will not start. If it is powered by electricity, the cart will not move. There could be a situation when the cart, powered by gas, would start but the starter would fail to withdraw after the engine comes to life.

What does a solenoid have on one side?

a person on the seat if it has a seat sensor, key on, direction set, foot on the accelerator. One solenoid has a yellow on one side and a red or white/black on the other side. What are you getting on those two small terminals.

What does it mean when a solenoid clicks?

If the solenoid "clicks" or engages then it's a sign it needs to be replaced. The solenoid is basically just an on/off switch designed to handle a lot of power. On the cart it is turning on/off the positive connection between the battery and controller & motor.

What voltage is on the solenoid?

You've got 48v on both sides of the solenoid. That tells us the solenoid is ok. When the key is turned on..... 48v is applied to the light blue wire. The blue/white picks up the controlled ground to close the solenoid from the speed controller.

Can a solenoid be bad?

Without 48v+ getting to the two lugs on the solenoid it rules out a simple bad solenoid as the main problem. It (the solenoid) can still be bad but that's the least of your problems. The computer can/will turn off power to the solenoid if it senses a fault. That fault can be anywhere from a short, bad sensor in the motor, motor controller fault...