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how to test a golf cart solenoid with a multimeter

by Audra Cummings Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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. ...
  • 3. 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 ...
  • 5. ...
  • 6. ...
  • 7. ...

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 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 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?

To bypass the solenoid of your golf cart, simply connect both the large side wires of terminals of the solenoid. And after making the connection, attempt to start the cart. If you fail to start, this is an indication that there is no problem with your solenoid.

What happens when golf cart solenoid goes bad?

When driving a gas golf cart with a damaged solenoid, the larger contacts may fail to release. When this happens, the starter keeps on operating, even when the ignition switch is turned off.

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 I know if my golf cart solenoid is bad?

If your golf cart fails to turn on when you turn the key on, this is the most obvious sign of solenoid failure. The solenoid clicks a little with the ignition system in regular operation; in most cases, a failing solenoid will not snap.

How do you check if a solenoid is working?

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.

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.

Can you jump a golf cart solenoid?

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 fix a faulty solenoid?

2:254:50How to Troubleshoot and Fix a Broken Solenoid Valve - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you identify that you're having a problem of your basic you want to take the whole valve apart.MoreIf you identify that you're having a problem of your basic you want to take the whole valve apart.

What causes a solenoid to fail?

Solenoid coil failure can be caused by a number of factors. Applying an incorrect voltage to the coil will cause it to fail and may cause the coil to burn out. Electrical surges or spikes may also damage the coil. Burnt out coils cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.

What causes a solenoid to stick?

Generally, the most common reason a solenoid is “stuck” open or closed is because it loses power. If there's no power to the coil or if power is interrupted, the solenoid will cease functioning and remain in whatever position it was last in.

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.

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 hotwire a golf cart?

InstructionsEnsure that power to the cart is turned on.Locate the two wires connected to the cart's ignition. ... Cut the wires and strip the ends.Touch the ends of the wires together to force the engine to turn over without turning the ignition.Secure the wires together with electrical tape.

What causes a golf cart not to start?

As the main source of power to your electric golf cart, the batteries are commonly the cause for why your electric golf cart won't start. Acid-based batteries are typically used for electric golf carts and must be recharged in order to work properly.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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