how to tell if solenoid is bad on golf cart

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. ...

Full Answer

What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?

Different signs indicate the presence of bad solenoids in electric or gas golf carts. 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.

Where is the solenoid on a gas golf cart?

Usually, solenoids are located under the seat or just above the motor. Symptoms of a Bad Solenoid on Golf Cart Different signs indicate the presence of bad solenoids in electric or gas golf carts. For a Gas Golf Cart

Do I need a solenoid for my Yamaha golf cart?

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. What is a solenoid? What does my solenoid do exactly? Where is my solenoid? What is a solenoid? Good question! A solenoid, for our purposes, is a type of relay.

How to identify a faulty solenoid?

To determine the faulty one, you must keep the red lead of the voltmeter on the positive connector of the solenoid. Similarly, place the black lead of the voltmeter on the negative terminal of the battery and activate the system.

How do you test a solenoid on a Club Car 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.

How do you check the solenoid on an electric 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.

What causes a solenoid to go bad in a golf cart?

In some cases, this happens because the coil of the battery is worn out or is too old. It can also be a sign of a faulty battery or even loose connections within the solenoid. Additionally, you could be dealing with overheated contacts. This is an issue you need to take seriously.

How do you bypass the electric solenoid on a 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.

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 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.

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?

0:241:43How 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.

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.

Where is the reset button on 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. If it starts up then you're in luck!

How do you fix a golf cart that won't move?

When the cart won't move, you have to be sure that the batteries are sending sufficient power to the circuit. You must check the fuse. Use the voltmeter to check the voltage at the key switch. In a cart with batteries rated at 48V, it must show 48V at the key switch.

Where is the reset button on an ezgo golf cart?

Locate the motor Remove the panel so the electric motor is visible. Electric motors usually include reset buttons that can perform similar to circuit breakers. Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button.

What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?

In addition, the spring that pulls the pinion back to its resting position could wear down leaving the starter engaged continuously. (Starters are supposed to get the flywheel moving, then back out of position – disengage.)

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.

How to check ohms of a cable?

Once you’ve disconnected the cables safely – using your multimeter – use the voltmeter on the ohms setting and touch each large terminal with the probes with the key turned off. You should get a zero reading.

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 ...

Why do starter contacts wear out?

Secondly, the contacts could begin to wear out from overheating or exposure to high levels of current. This needs to be fixed right away if possible, because this causes continuous use of the starter. If not caught in time, the solenoid and the starter will both need replacement.

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.

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 Does A Solenoid In A Golf Cart Do?

In the early 1960s, a bank of solenoids was used in electric carts to redirect electrical power of different voltages, or through a resistor, to vary the speed of the electric motor. The number of single-action solenoids (4-terminal solenoids) used in each golf cart was reduced with the advent of dual-action solenoids (6-terminal solenoids).

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 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.

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.

What are Common Problems with a Golf Cart Solenoid?

We now know that a golf cart solenoid can be just as spent as the vehicle itself depending on use, so it’s to be expected that it will encounter problems along the way.

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.

How Does a Solenoid in a Golf Cart Work?

Whenever you put the pedal to the metal, you are activating not only your golf cart’s speed controls but also its solenoid.

What is a Solenoid?

Before we delve deeper into this vital part of a golf cart, let’s define first what a solenoid is.

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 won't my golf cart fire up?

After all, a solenoid is triggered every time you power on your vehicle while holding down its accelerator, that is, if it has no issues.

What is a golf cart switch?

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.

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 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.

Where is the solenoid located on a 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.

What is a golf cart solenoid?

What is a golf cart solenoid? A golf cart solenoid is a relay switch used in golf carts. This switch controls a high power circuit with the help of a low power circuit. The solenoid pushes a rod that closes a circuit with a magnetic coil. This creates an electric current which moves the cart.

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.

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.

Why does my solenoid not work?

This is because the solenoid fails to derive the required electricity for functioning because of a worn-out coil, loose connections or a weak battery.

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.

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.

Where is my solenoid?

Now that we have an idea of the solenoid’s job, it’ll be a lot easier to diagnose the solenoid in the case of no start or no go. Of course, before you get your tester out, it may be a good idea to know where the solenoid is and what it looks like.

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]