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how to test a golf cart 36v solenoid

by Dr. Glen Corkery Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How do you test a 36v golf cart solenoid? Configure your voltmeter to read in ohms, then attach its probe to each of the large terminals in the circuit. It goes without saying that the reading should be zero. After that, shift the cart’s switch to the forward position, turn it on, and gently accelerate. Your solenoid should make a clicking sound.

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.

Full Answer

How do you test the solenoid on an electric golf cart?

With the key off, and the cart direction switch in a neutral position, set your voltmeter to ohms, and place a probe on each large terminal (see first image below). There should be no reading. 4. Now, with the cart's direction switch in the forward position, and the key on, step on the accelerator. You should hear a click coming from the solenoid.

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

Understanding what a solenoid is in a golf cart is vital for troubleshooting and repair. The common symptom of a bad solenoid is no clicks when the cart’s ignition is on and you press the accelerator. How do you test for a bad solenoid in your golf cart?

How many solenoids are used in a golf cart?

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). A good example of a solenoid bank can be seen in the illustration below:

Where is the solenoid on a EZGO RXV golf cart?

EZGO RXV solenoid location 1 The solenoid is located inside the controller box connected to it. 2 And the controller box is placed under the seat of the EZGO golf cart. 3 Lift the seat and remove the covering. 4 Next, you will see a small box connected through four wires (2 small and two large).

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How do you test a 36v solenoid with a multimeter?

1:492:58Solenoid Troubleshooting - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd will turn out our meter. Should hear a click and if it's a good solenoid will hear a beep. OkayMoreAnd will turn out our meter. Should hear a click and if it's a good solenoid will hear a beep. Okay that tells us this solenoid is good some common causes of the high amperage side of the solenoid.

How do I test my EZ GO 36v 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 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 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.

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 test a 36 volt golf cart motor?

3:5410:28Testing 36 volt golf cart motor with 12 volt battery - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou just want to connect the two together with this again a2 to s1 with this jumper cable. And youMoreYou just want to connect the two together with this again a2 to s1 with this jumper cable. And you want to take the battery box or positive cable and put it on the s2.

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 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.

What happens when a solenoid fails?

A faulty starter solenoid can exhibit several symptoms, including these: Engine doesn't crank: This is a result of the starter solenoid failing to deliver power to the starter motor. No clicking sound: This can mean either a faulty starter solenoid or starter relay.

How do you bench test a golf cart solenoid?

Set your voltmeter to measure ohms, and place a probe on each large terminal (see image below). You should have a reading of 0 to 0.4 ohms. Anything higher, and it means that the solenoid has faulty contacts and should be replaced.

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 do you jump a solenoid?

0:271:17How to Jump the Solenoid on your ATV or GoKart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're just going to put them out and then how we jump it is you could take any screwdriver PhillipsMoreWe're just going to put them out and then how we jump it is you could take any screwdriver Phillips or straight head and then we're going to connect the bolts.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

How to Test a Bad Solenoid on a Golf Cart?

Testing bad solenoids in a golf cart is relatively simple, especially for Do-It-Yourself enthusiasts.

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 ...

Where Exactly Are Solenoids Located?

Before knowing more about bad solenoids, you need to know their location. Usually, solenoids are located under the seat or just above the motor.

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.

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.

How to tell if solenoid is working?

Step on the gas and try to listen to the sound of clicking. If you hear the clicking sound, look for a reading of fewer than 0.4 ohms. If you get a higher reading, the solenoid is not working and needs to be replaced.

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.

Where is the solenoid located on a golf cart?

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

How to test gold cart solenoid?

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

How to bypass solenoid on an EZGO golf cart?

Sometimes, a person may not have a multimeter or a voltmeter with them. Therefore, to check the solenoid, you can connect the large wires into the solenoid together and see if the cart starts.

Why EZGO solenoid gets hot?

If the EZGO cart solenoid is getting hot while running, then the problem may be somewhere in the circuit or in the solenoid itself. It is better to replace the solenoid if the damage is extensive.

Why is the EZGO solenoid constantly clicking?

Then, it can be a problem related either to the solenoid or the wiring.

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.

Why is my EZGO cart not working?

But a bad solenoid can be the most common one. Always check the battery voltage and the clicking sound while pressing on the pedal.

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.

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 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]

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