Just like your heart is constantly pumping to keep you going, every time you start your golf cart or press down on the pedal, your cart’s solenoid is working to transfer energy from the battery to either the starter/generator on gas powered carts, or the traction motor in an electric golf cart.
How does a solenoid work on a gas golf cart?
This activates the steel rod in your solenoid, creating a circuit between the motor and the speed controlling systems on your golf cart. Once you release the pedal, the solenoid clicks off after a predetermined amount of time, saving your battery life. A gas golf cart solenoid works in a relatively similar fashion.
What happens when a starter solenoid goes bad on a golf cart?
In a gas cart, a bad solenoid prevents the starter from being engaged and therefore results in the engine not turning over. You will hear a series of futile clicking sounds indicating that the solenoid is faulty. Can you Bypass Solenoid on a Golf Cart?
Do I need a solenoid for my Yamaha golf cart?
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. What is a solenoid? What does my solenoid do exactly? Where is my solenoid? What is a solenoid? Good question! A solenoid, for our purposes, is a type of relay.
What happens when golf cart solenoid goes bad?
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.
How does a gas 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.
Can you run a golf cart without a solenoid?
Without it, the golf cart will simply not function correctly if at all. The very nature of golf carts means that they constantly start and stop. Every time their tires move the solenoid has some serious work to do. They generally consist of a central rod encased in a coil of wire that is enameled or insulated.
What does a solenoid do?
A solenoid is a device comprised of a coil of wire, the housing and a moveable plunger (armature). When an electrical current is introduced, a magnetic field forms around the coil which draws the plunger in. More simply, a solenoid converts electrical energy into mechanical work.
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.
How do you test a gas solenoid on a golf cart?
Solenoid Testing As before, leave your black probe on the battery negative and use your red probe for testing. On the incoming large power post of the solenoid (generally the side with a wire to battery positive terminal), test for voltage. It should be very close to your battery reference voltage number.
What makes a gas golf cart start?
In a car, the engine starts when you turn the key, and it keeps running until you switch the ignition off. In a gasoline-powered golf cart, the engine starts when you step on the gas pedal, and it shuts off when you take your foot off the gas.
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.
How do you fix a gas golf cart that won't start?
2:164:39How To Fix Almost any Golf Cart that won't start - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe ground wire now jiggle that. And with your key on step on the gas just keep jiggling. It up seeMoreThe ground wire now jiggle that. And with your key on step on the gas just keep jiggling. It up see that now it's running my hand's still on the ground. Now when i let go it's just clicking. Again.
How do you know if your solenoid is bad?
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...•
Why do I need a solenoid?
Why are Solenoids Important? Solenoids are critical car components since they allow your ignition system to reach the starter motor and, in turn, cause your car to turn on in the first place. Without a solenoid, turning your key wouldn't start your car at all.
What would cause a solenoid to go bad?
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 is the solenoid on a golf cart?
Every golf cart, regardless of whether it is gas or electric, uses a small but powerful device called a solenoid. Solenoids are constantly working in your golf cart, and are what allows the electrical current from your battery to provide power to the rest of the vehicle.
Why do golf cart solenoids need to be replaced?
Because solenoids are responsible for so much, they are one of the more common parts on a golf cart that will need to be replaced. Let’s take a closer look at what exactly a solenoid is, and why it’s so integral to keeping your golf cart functioning properly.
Why won't my golf cart start?
The ability of your golf cart to function properly depends largely on the solenoid. If the solenoid is broken and not working correctly , you may notice your golf cart won't start, picking up speed, or even working at all (issues with acceleration could also be caused by a bad speed controller ).
What is a solenoid?
On the contrary, solenoids are actually pretty small devices and are made up of two main sections. First is a steel plunger, and second is a coil made up of thin wire. 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.
How many amps does a solenoid conduct?
On a day that your cart gets moderate to heavy use, your solenoid can start and stop up to 1500 times per day and will conduct about 300 amps per use (in an electric golf cart). It’s actually pretty surprising that solenoids don’t break down ...
Where are the solenoids on a golf cart?
In all golf carts, new and old, the solenoids can be found under the seat or in the engine well and are easily identifiable by the wires that lead to them. Banks of heavy duty solenoids, as in the previous illustration, are mounted on the side or back panel near the electric motor.
How to test golf cart solenoid?
A diode allows current to run in one direction, but not in the other. Testing the diode is a simple procedure. Remove the diode from the circuit and check the leads with a continuity tester.
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.
What to do if your solenoid is not zero?
If the reading is not zero, then the solenoid is stuck and needs to be replaced. If the ohmmeter does read zero, set the cart to forward travel and turn the key switch on. Press the accelerator pedal (or have a friend do it) and you should hear a click. If you don’t hear a click, measure the resistance anyway.
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.
How to tell if a golf cart won't start?
The first and most obvious symptom is the golf cart won’t start. If it is a gas-powered cart, the engine doesn’t turn over, and if it is an electric cart, the cart doesn’t move. Now, on to the next symptoms…. The engine on the gas-powered cart starts, but the starter doesn’t disengage after starting.
Is a solenoid an electromagnet?
A solenoid is NOT an electromagnet, but like an electromagnet, it IS a coil of wire, partially surrounding an iron core, that is made to move inside the coil by the magnetic field caused by current flowing through the coil. It is used to convert electrical energy to mechanical energy, as in the operation of a switch.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 does my gas cart not turn over?
In a gas cart, a bad solenoid prevents the starter from being engaged and therefore results in the engine not turning over.
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.
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 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 ...
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.
Solenoid – why do golf players use it?
Before explaining what are symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart, let’s clarify its definition and purpose for golf players.
What are the symptoms of a bad solenoid on a golf cart?
There are a few signs that a golf cart has problems because of a bad solenoid. You may have even one of these signs detected to become worried. Don’t ignore the following symptoms of a bad solenoid! Ignoring these issues will only make them worse and worse. For instance, a bad solenoid may result in buying a new starter.
How to check solenoid if you own a gas golf cart?
If you suspect the symptoms of the bad solenoid on a gas golf cart, the major problem is usually related to the failure of large contacts. The starter may continue working, even with the ignition turned off. Make sure to check the spring – it shouldn’t be worn down, to pull the pinion back to the neutral position.
How to check solenoid if you own an electric golf cart?
There are certain symptoms of the bad solenoid on an electric golf cart. The lack of any clicking noise when starting the cart’s ignition. The clicks must be heard each time when you switch on and off the ignition. If you don’t hear any clicks, then the solenoid may no longer send electric power to the golf cart.
A step-by-step guide to check a golf cart for a bad solenoid
GolfProfy.com is a website where I post articles for golf players. Every review is supported not just by experience but also includes the tips and opinions of my friends who specialize in golf equipment or techniques. For instance, my friend who is a golf cart technician for a few years wrote this instruction for checking a bad solenoid:
The simplest way to bypass solenoid on a golf cart
If you don’t have a voltmeter and you don’t intend to invest in it, there is another way how to bypass solenoid on a golf cart. Just attempt connecting two large wires of terminals of the solenoid. Then attempt to operate the cart. If it doesn’t work, the solenoid is not your problem. Test the entire ignition system.
Final thoughts
Remember that solenoid is one of the cheapest parts for replacement. Though, without checking and replacing it you risk having a malfunctioning or completely broken golf cart. Make sure to consult experts on how to bypass solenoid on a golf cart before trying it on your own.