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how to test a golf cart solenoid is getting power

by Chad Cruickshank Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • The very first thing you must do is to disable the mobility of your golf cart. ...
  • After disconnecting the solenoid, use electric tape and seal each cable end separately. ...
  • 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. ...
  • Use a voltmeter and engage the solenoid. You should hear a click sound when the engaging is done properly.
  • Check for continuity between the two high side terminals on the solenoid using a multimeter. ...
  • Set the multimeter reading to ohms and place a lead on each of the two terminals. ...
  • Check the power getting delivered to the solenoid. Set the multimeter reading to volts and activate the solenoid circuit by connecting the multimeter leads to the small terminals of the ...

Press on the accelerator while the key is turned on and the cart is in forward.
  1. The solenoid needs to be replaced IF the voltmeter shows a full battery voltage without a click.
  2. If your voltmeter stays at 0, the problem stems from somewhere else in your cart.

Full Answer

How to check your golf cart for a bad solenoid?

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. ...

How to test for a bad solenoid?

Testing the solenoid

  1. Safety first. The first step that you should undertake, which should be ingrained into your memory, is taking the right safety precautions before beginning.
  2. Equip yourself. The next step is to have the appropriate tools with yourself that you’ll be using. ...
  3. Read the manual. ...
  4. Raise the vehicle. ...
  5. Locate the plugs. ...
  6. Activate the voltmeter. ...
  7. Grab the black wire. ...

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How to install a voltage reducer on a golf cart?

  • Park the golf cart on a level, hard surface and activate the parking brake. ...
  • Keep a jack below the frame at the back of the golf cart. ...
  • Lift the golf cart seat upwards until the batteries are exposed.
  • Turn on the voltmeter and set the reading to 20 volts. ...
  • Check the voltage reading on the voltmeter. ...

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How to properly drive a golf cart?

  • When you go for your backswing, you should shift your weight backward. This will give your swing more power.
  • A lot of times your instinct might be to have a fast backswing thinking that it will give you more power to crush the ball. ...
  • Stay flat. ...
  • Take a steady backswing and pause at the top to reset before begin your downswing. ...

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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.

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 I know if my ezgo 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 solenoid with a voltmeter?

0:111:43How 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.

Why does my electric golf cart have no 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 does the resistor do on a golf cart solenoid?

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

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

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.

What are the signs of a 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...•

Will a bad solenoid click?

Our Expert Agrees: If your starter solenoid is bad, you may hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, or your vehicle may not have any power at all. Check the battery. If your starter is failing to engage, it may be because the battery does not have sufficient energy to power it.

How do I know if my solenoid has power?

2:163:42How to Test a Starter Solenoid - Summit Racing QuickFlicksYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow the way to do that is again we're going to use our multimeter I'm going to take the multimeterMoreNow the way to do that is again we're going to use our multimeter I'm going to take the multimeter lead put it on the outside of my positive I'm going to take my negative multimeter.

How do you know if a solenoid is bad on a multimeter?

How to Test a Solenoid Coil?Set your multimeter on ohms. If the multimeter is not automatic, set it on 2k ohms. ... Place the probes of multimeter across the pins of a solenoid coil. If you find 3 pins there, one of them is a flat pin which is connected to the ground. ... Read the number on the multimeter.

How many ohms should a solenoid have?

For irrigation applications, a solenoid is considered to be good if its resistance is between 20 - 60 ohms. It is best to compare resistance measurements to that of a new solenoid. Example, if a solenoid measures 44 ohms, it would be considered good because it is between 20 - 60 ohms.

How do you test a EZ GO pedal?

Put the key in the “On” position in your Run/Tow switch on the cart. Switch the F/R switch into a forward position to test your cart. Place your voltimeter testing pins on the throttle pins to see how much voltage you get. When the cart is running with no throttle, you should get about 10 volts here.

How do I reset my ezgo golf cart?

Look in the area where several electrical wires enter the motor and locate a small red button. This is the reset button. Push the button to reset the motor.

How do you fix a solenoid on a golf cart?

0:095:38Replace Solenoid in Golf Cart - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you want i'm going to make another video on how to test your solenoid. So that you don't justMoreIf you want i'm going to make another video on how to test your solenoid. So that you don't just replace it blindly because your golf cart doesn't go because it's not always the issue.

How does an electric golf cart solenoid work?

Solenoids are Simple, But Powerful Every time you turn your cart on or press the pedal, a small amount of voltage passes along the wire coil and triggers the steel plunger to close. This process allows energy from the battery to directly contact your golf cart's motor so that it can run properly.

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.

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.

How to Tell if a Golf Cart Solenoid is Bad

Many golf cart owners had solenoid problems and delay as a result of them. To examine and repair a golf cart, you must first know what a solenoid is.

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.

Can You Replace The Solenoid On A Golf Cart?

Changing the solenoid on your golf cart is normally easy, but you need a few types of equipment and a basic understanding of how the system operates. The ignition circuit connects to the solenoid, in the engine bay. When turning the key, the solenoid acts as a switch, energizing the ignition coil and igniting the fuel-air mixture.

How Often Does A Golf Cart Solenoid Go Bad?

Your solenoid is prone to overheating as a result of its regular use. As a result, you may notice irregular operation after a while — it may work one time, but not the next. Loose cables or dusty interiors could cause your cart’s inability to start.

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 Golf Cart Solenoid, And What Does It Do?

A golf cart solenoid is a device that can make mechanical energy out of electrical power. It uses a magnetic field to create linear motion with electric current help. The device comes in the form of an electromagnet coil wire, with one of its main applications being powering a switch, the way a starter applies in any vehicle.

How a Golf Solenoid Works

If you are using an electric golf cart, the inductive throttle sensor gives a signal that activates the cruise control and solenoid valve the minute you step on the pedal.

The Symptoms of a Failed Solenoid in a Golf Cart

You will know firsthand when you have a bad solenoid on your golf cart. Just like a dying a dying golf cart battery, the signs are worrying. The presence of a bad solenoid could only mean that you have a damaged solenoid coil. Ignoring the symptoms could lead to even worse issues that include the magnetic switch becoming defective.

How to Test Defective Solenoid Valves on Golf Carts

It is relatively easy to check the solenoid valve failure on the golf cart, especially for DIY enthusiasts.

What Are The Causes Solenoid Failure?

The high current generated can cause arcing at the circuit board connection points inside the solenoid. As a result, over time, the plate or wire wears out, sometimes even breaking. A click made by the solenoid valve is the surest way to recognize this.

How To Bypass Solenoid On Golf Cart

Not every golf cart owner owns a voltmeter/multimeter, and some are not even willing to invest in one because they do not come too cheaply. It is completely fine if you do not have one because you can bypass solenoid via other methods.

Where In The Golf Cart Are Solenoids Located?

Before testing and bypassing the solenoid, you need to know beforehand where to locate it on your golf cart. Solenoid comes with four-wire connections, referred to as terminals, and its location is under the seat of your golf cart. The four wires are made up of two large and two small wires.

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.

How to tell if your solenoid is faulty?

In an electric cart, one of the key signs of a faulty solenoid is when you turn your cart’s ignition on, and find no electricity is being transferred to the controller from the solenoid. When this occurs the usual solenoid click on and off associated with the ignition switch will not take place.

What is a solenoid wiring diagram?

A solenoid wiring diagram can be very helpful in guiding you about the various connections made to and from the solenoid. This can come in handy when you set out to troubleshoot a problem in your cart on your own. The solenoid wiring diagram is generally very simple, straightforward and self-explanatory.

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.

How often do solenoids work?

Since solenoids need to work very frequently; turning on and off each time you use the cart, they are prone to wear and tear easily. This is not surprising as they can switch on and off as much as 1,500 times a day). One of the first indications that a solenoid is faulty is when your cart fails to start.

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.

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.

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