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how to test 48 volt golf cart solenoid

by Keira Rolfson IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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You can test the solenoid by simply disconnecting the main circuit high wires and by using a multimeter. Disconnect two large terminal cables and wrap the ends with electrical tape to avoid any sudden accident. Shut the key off and also put the car in no mobility neutral position.

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.

Full Answer

What is the voltage on a golf cart solenoid?

NOTE: When buying a new solenoid, be sure to buy one that matches your cart's voltage. Most golf carts are either 36 volts or 48 volts. The voltage will usually be written on the side of the solenoid.

How to tell if a golf cart solenoid has gone bad?

Sometimes, it can take up a lot of time to check if the solenoid has gone bad. The best way to do so is by jumpstarting the cart by jumping the solenoid altogether. Check the solenoid of the cart.

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.

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.

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How do you test a 48v solenoid on a golf cart?

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 do I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?

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.

How do you test a ezgo solenoid?

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 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.

What are symptoms of bad solenoid?

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...•

How do you test a solenoid on a golf cart with a multimeter?

Set your voltmeter to the ohms reading, and connect its probe to each one of the big terminals. Of course, the reading should be zero. Next, move the cart's switch to forward, turn it on, and accelerate slowly. Your solenoid should click.

How do you test a 48 volt Club Car controller?

To test a club car precedent controller, connect a voltmeter between the negative terminal of your cart's battery and the M terminal on the controller. Then push the pedal down and look for a clicking noise from the solenoid. Your batteries should read as full.

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.

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.

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.

What does the resistor do on a golf cart solenoid?

Its purpose is to maintain the capacitors within the controller at the battery pack voltage so that when the contactor closes, no arcing occurs. Resistor value is determined by battery pack voltage.

Why is my solenoid not clicking?

If you do hear clicking, the solenoid may be engaging, but not sufficiently. Hearing clicking without the starter motor moving means the solenoid is transferring the electricity, but it may not be enough. No clicking means the solenoid is not properly engaging, but this may also be due to a dead battery.

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.

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 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 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 test gold cart solenoid?

You can test the solenoid by simply disconnecting the main circuit high wires and by using a multimeter.

Where is the solenoid located on a golf cart?

The solenoid is located inside the controller box connected to it.

Why is my Ezgo golf cart not clicking?

A EZGO golf cart that is not making a clicking sound can be due to a failed solenoid. If there is no sound in the cart while igniting the switch, then the problem can be the cart’s control circuitry. This means the solenoid has stopped working. Then it is required to replace the solenoid.

Why is my solenoid overheating?

Using a higher amperage wire for a stock solenoid can cause the solenoid to get overheated. Having a low capacity solenoid in a high capacity or modified cart can be the problem as well. Maybe the wiring is lost or old. High resistance can be one of the issues causing overheating.

What to do if your solenoid is damaged?

Here the formula is simple; if one thinks that the solenoid is damaged, then jump the solenoid from the circuit and check. If the cart starts then, the problem could be the solenoid. If the cart doesn’t start even after jumping the solenoid, then the issue lies somewhere else and not in the solenoid.

Why is my cart solenoid getting hot?

If the cart solenoid is getting hot, then the problem can be with the solenoid or the circuit wiring. It is better to check the solenoid thoroughly. Use proper solenoid, which matches the amperage and voltage of the cart system. Use high-quality solenoid to avoid the heating problem.

What to do if solenoid is not working?

If the solenoid is not working after checking and testing the solenoid using a voltmeter, then it is time to replace the solenoid all together. Always be sure of the model and year of the cart. Check online to get all specifications. Compare the online picture of the new solenoid with the older one.

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.

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 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 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 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 ...

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 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 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.

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