
How to Test a Golf Cart Solenoid
- 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 ...
How to test a golf cart solenoid?
How to Test a Golf Cart Solenoid 1 The very first thing you must do is to disable the mobility of your golf cart. ... 2 After disconnecting the solenoid, use electric tape and seal each cable end separately. ... 3 Turn on the engine of the cart and press the pedal downwards. ... 4 Use a voltmeter and engage the solenoid. ... More items...
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 do you troubleshoot an EZ GO golf cart solenoid?
EZ Go golf Cart Solenoid Troubleshooting. Try out the steps listed below to help troubleshoot the solenoid found in your EZ Go golf cart: Check to confirm if all the cable connections and wires are in place, as well as secure and tight. You must disconnect the negative battery cable before taking off the controller cover.

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.
How many ohms should a golf cart solenoid have?
0 to 0.4 ohmsA measurement of 0 to 0.4 ohms should be obtained. If you get a reading higher than this, you need to replace your solenoid.
How do you test a golf cart solenoid?
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.
Does a 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.
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid in a golf cart?
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.
How do you test a EZGO 48 volt 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 test a 48v solenoid on a golf cart?
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 check if a solenoid is working?
0:441:43How to use a Multimeter: Solenoid Testing - Purkeys - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShould not get a reading so the coal resistance is inspect and also it is not a grounded coil so IMoreShould not get a reading so the coal resistance is inspect and also it is not a grounded coil so I know that part of this max which is good why is important he's a multimeter if you use a multimeter.
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.
How do you find the resistance of a solenoid coil?
0:532:53The right way for testing any solenoid coil !! How to test ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStep one set your multimeter on ohms if the multimeter is not automatic set it on 2k ohms. Step 2MoreStep one set your multimeter on ohms if the multimeter is not automatic set it on 2k ohms. Step 2 place the probes of multimeter across the pins of a solenoid coil.
Why does a solenoid need a diode?
0:000:57Why Your Solenoid Needs a Diode - Collin's Lab Notes ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 ...
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 .
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 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.
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 ...
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.
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.
