Some of the late model golf cart solenoids have a diode attached across the terminals. 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.
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.
How do I know if my electric golf cart solenoid is bad?
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.
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.
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.
How do you test a golf cart diode?
Before closing up the charger case test your work. Plug in the charger to the wall and then into the golf car. If the meter jumps up above ½ way then the repair has been successful.
What is the purpose of a resistor on a 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.
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.
Does a golf cart 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. Fits the Following Cart(s): All 36 Volt Golf Carts with a Heavy Duty 400 Amp Solenoid.
What does the resistor do on a golf cart?
Prevents arcing across your solenoid terminals and keeps your electrical system safe.
Can you bypass solenoid on 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.
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 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.
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.
Why do you need a quenching diode?
Quenching Diodes: Anytime that a relay coil is driven by a circuit that is not specifically designed to drive a relay, you should use a quenching/suppression diode connected in parallel with the relay coil. Initially, you may think the diode serves no purpose because the voltage applied to the relay cannot pass through the diode.
What happens when power is removed from a relay coil?
When power is removed, the magnetic field collapses causing a reverse voltage to be generated (it's called inductive kickback or back EMF).
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.
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 ...
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.
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 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 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 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.
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 ...
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.
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.
