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. If your voltmeter remains at 0, then there is a problem somewhere else in the cart. NOTE: When buying a new solenoid, be sure to buy one that matches your cart's voltage.
Full Answer
What causes ignition coils to go bad on a golf cart?
The main cause of golf cart ignition coils going bad is the wearing out due to a bad spark plug ignition cable. When a bad plug is inserted, it will have a much higher resistance value. During such high resistance a high amount of voltage gets generated from the secondary wiring of the ignition coil.
Why do you need to test the coil on a golf cart?
Testing the coil on a golf cart is required due to a bad ignition coil or a problem that may run deep in the engine. Coils are intrinsic to every golf cart and the ignition system powers the spark plugs.
Why does the solenoid resistor on a club car golf cart 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. A normal club car in good condition is expected to move at a speed ranging from 12 to 15 mph.
How many ohms should a golf cart Coil have?
The golf cart coil should register as more than 3.7 ohms, but less than 5.2 ohms. If the coil registers outside this range, replace the coil with a new unit. They are not repairable. Not all golf carts utilize the same type of coils.
What does a resistor coil do on a golf cart?
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.
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 36 Volt Golf Carts with a Heavy Duty 400 Amp Solenoid.
What is a pre charge resistor on golf cart?
This type of resistor is placed across the large power terminals of your solenoid. This resistor pre-charges the filter capacitors in your electronic speed controller which will minimizes the voltage surge across the contacts on your high amp solenoid to reduce arcing off the contacts as they close.
How do you know if your electric golf cart is bad?
You have enough going on in your life without your golf car refusing to start when you turn the key in the ignition. If your golf car won't start, is slower than it used to be, or is experiencing other technical problems, you could have a bad motor on your hands.
Why does a solenoid need a diode?
0:000:57Why Your Solenoid Needs a Diode - Collin's Lab Notes #adafruit ...YouTubeStart 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 causes an electric golf cart to lose 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.
What would cause an electric golf cart not to move?
Solenoid Wear When there is a disruption in the flow of the electrical current, your cart will not operate. A common reason for current disruption is solenoid wear. Each time the solenoid activates as you press down on the gas pedal, the solenoid compounds down onto a thin metal contact plate.
Where is the reset button on an electric golf cart?
First, you'll want to reset your motor. 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.
Why do you need to test a golf cart coil?
Testing the coil on a golf cart is required due to a bad ignition coil or a problem that may run deep in the engine. Coils are intrinsic to every golf cart and the ignition system powers the spark plugs.
Why does my golf cart ignition go bad?
The main cause of golf cart ignition coils going bad is the wearing out due to a bad spark plug ignition cable. When a bad plug is inserted, it will have a much higher resistance value. During such high resistance a high amount of voltage gets generated from the secondary wiring of the ignition coil. The excess amount of voltage ends up creating ...
Why does my ignition coil mat fail?
The ignition coil mat fail due to voltage supply being cut down or overload of the ignition control unit. It can also be due to any sort of mechanical damage to the ignition wires due to a faulty valve cover gasket or oil leakages.
What is the purpose of an ignition coil?
One of the major objectives of an ignition coil is to let a high voltage be induced from a low voltage. There is a laminated iron core which has the task of getting the magnetic field amplified. The primary wiring is connected to the secondary wiring via a connection to the terminal.
Why is my golf cart not starting?
Golf Cart not starting in one go: If you experience that the Golf Cart is not starting in one or two goes, then it is an indication that there may be a failure in ignition coil.
How to keep water out of coil plug?
Put grease on the coil plug as it will keep water out of the reach of the connection. Get the coil slide so that the boot clicks into the spark plug. Get the electrical connection reattached. Move to the next unit till the other coils are replaced.
What is the most important thing about a golf cart?
Engine performance issue remains one of the most important concerns. The ignition coils are one of the most important components of an engine of a golf cart. Such issue can compromise the spark which can downgrade the performance of the golf cart.
Why is my golf cart not starting?
A bad solenoid could be one of the possible reasons behind a golf cart not starting. If the cart happens to be gas-powered, the engine will not start. If it is powered by electricity, the cart will not move.
Why do golf cart solenoids get damaged?
These parts can get damaged easily because of various factors like high temperature in the engine. It is imperative to check the pack voltage that is present at the two posts surrounding the solenoid.
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 is my golf cart muffler so congested?
The congestion, apart from making the muffler malfunction, creates several long-term issues. To correct this problem, remove the muffler and heat the inside.
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.
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.
How fast does a golf cart go?
A normal club car in good condition is expected to move at a speed ranging from 12 to 15 mph. When your car runs at a speed slower than 8 or 7 mph, you should know that it has a problem that needs to be addressed. Using weak batteries over a prolonged period can result in long-term issues to the engine of your golf cart.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 ...
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 ...
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 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.