
Testing A Gas Golf Cart Solenoid
- First, disconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Next, locate the solenoid on your golf cart.
- Once you’ve found it, remove the wires from the solenoid terminals that run to the starter.
- Now, set your multimeter to Ohms mode and touch one lead to each of the solenoid’s large terminals.
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
- Safety first. The first step that you should undertake, which should be ingrained into your memory, is taking the right safety precautions before beginning.
- Equip yourself. The next step is to have the appropriate tools with yourself that you’ll be using. ...
- Read the manual. ...
- Raise the vehicle. ...
- Locate the plugs. ...
- Activate the voltmeter. ...
- Grab the black wire. ...
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. ...
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. ...

How do I know if my solenoid is bad on my golf cart?
4 Signs of a Bad Starter SolenoidEngine 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. ... Test the Starter Solenoid Itself.
How do you bypass a solenoid on a gas 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
How do you bypass the solenoid on a EZ Go golf cart?
Steps to bypass the solenoid in EZGO golf cart:Take the controller cover after disconnecting the negative terminals of the battery.Now, disconnect the larger wires from the solenoid.After this, connect the high side wires and large wires terminals bypassing the solenoid.Try starting the cart.More items...
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 gas golf cart that won't start?
Fuel Issues As you can imagine, lack of fuel is the most common reason that gasoline golf carts don't start. This issue is incredibly simple to fix in most cases – just add fuel to the cart and it will start again.
How do you troubleshoot a gas golf cart?
InstructionsCheck the gas tank to make sure there is enough fuel for operation. ... Remove the oil dipstick and check that the oil level is at or just above the add or fill maker. ... Inspect the battery of the golf cart. ... Examine the wiring and switches. ... Remove the air filter from the engine to access the carburetor.
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 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 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 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.
