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. Secondly, the contacts could begin to wear out from overheating or exposure to high levels of current.
Full Answer
Why is the solenoid on my golf cart not working?
The solenoid clicks and works sometimes, and sometimes it doesn’t. 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 causes a golf cart battery to overheat?
Failing to create a good environment for the battery will likely cause overheating. The terminal of a golf cart battery will usually melt when connections become loose or dirty. To avoid terminals melting, ensure you use the correct size wires, and that limps, nuts and bolts are tightened securely.
What is the voltage on a golf cart solenoid?
NOTE: When buying a new solenoid, be sure to buy one that matches your cart's voltage. Most golf carts are either 36 volts or 48 volts. The voltage will usually be written on the side of the solenoid.
Why is the battery on my golf buggy not charging?
Battery Terminal Issues Open the battery compartment on your golf buggy and check that the battery terminals are tightly connected. Even slightly loose terminals can cause issues and that could be part of the problem. Give each terminal cable a firm tug where it connects to the battery terminal.
Why do my golf cart batteries get hot when charging?
If you ever notice your golf cart getting heated up as soon as you plug it for charging, it may be low on water in the battery. Lastly, take proper care of the electrical connections. If the cable connections are incredibly tight, loose, or dirty, it can cause the golf cart batteries to become hot while charging them.
What happens when golf cart solenoid goes bad?
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).
Why are my golf cart batteries so hot?
Why do golf cart batteries get hot? Loose battery connections and dirty terminals are the main reason why your golf cart battery will get too hot. A battery that feels too hot while charging usually means that the water level is too low.
Why is my solenoid on my golf cart getting 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.
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...•
Can a golf cart run without a solenoid?
Without getting too complicated, at this stage, it is responsible for transferring power to the vehicle. Without it, the golf cart will simply not function correctly if at all.
Why is the positive terminal on my 48 v Club cart getting hot?
Loose or dirty connections This results in overheating and eventually melting of the terminals. If it is a loose connection that is the problem, set the connection right by tightening it up immediately. Alternatively, if you notice dust or dirt on the terminals, wipe it off with a damp cloth and clean the terminals.
What happens if you add too much water to golf cart batteries?
Golf cart batteries produce electricity using electrolytes and water, which means you will need to occasionally add some more water. But be careful of the amount! Too much water can lead to the electrolytes overflowing. Too little water can cause sulfation, which damages the lead plates.
How hot should an electric golf cart motor get?
How hot should a Yamaha golf cart motor get? Generally, a temperature of 170ºF is considered reasonably safe for your Yamaha golf cart motor. If the temperature exceeds 250ºF this indicates a serious problem.
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.
What does a solenoid do on a golf cart?
A solenoid is integral to your golf cart's functionality, as it's the main switch that directs the battery's current to your generator, traction motor, or starter. However, because it has so much responsibility, it can break down somewhat often.
How do you test a solenoid on a EZ Go golf cart?
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Why is my cart hot after charging?
Using your cart with a dry battery will cause heat damage quickly! Maintaining optimal water levels is a must. If you find your batteries becoming hot soon after charging, it may indicate low water levels. Don’t forget to check the cable connections as well.
Why does water boil in golf cart batteries?
Why Water in Wet-Cell Batteries Keeps Boiling While Charging. There are multiple reasons for the water in wet cell batteries to boil. Sometimes, you may have more water in your golf cart batteries than what is needed. According to some studies, there should be a gap of ¼ inch above the plates.
How far should the battery be from the plate on a golf cart?
According to some studies, there should be a gap of ¼ inch above the plates. Sometimes, your golf cart batteries are old and worn out. Such batteries fail to work efficiently and will eventually die. These factors will force your charger to add more pressure on the batteries to get them completely charged.
Why do golf cart batteries melt?
Why Do Golf Cart Battery Terminals Melt. The terminal of a golf cart battery will usually melt when connections become loose or dirty. To avoid terminals melting, ensure you use the correct size wires, and that limps, nuts and bolts are tightened securely.
How much torque does a golf cart battery need?
According to the majority of the golf cart battery manufacturers, the torque required falls between 85 to 100 and 5-inch pounds.
What happens if you use a dry battery?
Remember it’s crucial that you regularly check the water level in your battery. There is a line marked on the tank that indicates how much water is needed. If the amount of water in your battery is too low, then you’re working with a dry battery. Using your cart with a dry battery will cause heat damage quickly!
What is a post on a golf cart?
The post is associated with the cell plates of the golf cart’s battery. This helps in the transferring of power from battery to the engine of the golf cart. Remember that leaving connections loose or dirty can easily lead to some resistance.
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 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 battery have?
Now, just because a battery pack displays 48 volts or more after a full charge does not mean they’re good. The real test would be to test them after they have been used for a few miles. The reason is that a deep cycle golf cart battery will not exhibit signs of needing replacement until after they are fully discharged.
How many volts does a battery pack have?
Typically, a charged battery pack will have 2-3 volts higher on a charger than its rated voltage. For example, a 48 volt system will have 51 to 52 volts after a full charge. We can test this by using a Volt Meter. Now, just because a battery pack displays 48 volts or more after a full charge does not mean they’re good.
Why is my electric golf cart not going fast?
3) Your Golf Cart does not accelerate as fast as it used to. Electric Golf Carts are known for being fast and having acceleration power. However, the day you start to feel your electric golf cart being slower to reach top speed is typically a sign of your batteries needing to be replaced. Also, another sign may be that it has trouble climbing hills ...
How far can a golf cart go on a single charge?
Most Golf Carts can travel at least 7 miles or more on a single charge. However, if you are used to playing golf with no battery charge issues, but then one day you start to notice you can barely finish nine holes without having to limp home, then this could very easily be a sign of weak batteries.
What happens if a battery goes bad?
Batteries that are going bad will expand and have bulges on the battery cases themselves. Also, batteries will be prone to leaking acid out of the case when they are on their last leg.
Is it good to test a battery pack?
So once the batteries are fully discharged (used for several miles of driving), it is good to test the total battery voltage and each individual battery. A weak battery pack can sometimes be indicative of one individual battery being bad.
Do batteries hold a charge?
As the batteries age, they will not hold a charge as well as they used to. Unfortunately the charger will not know that, so the charger will continue to charge the batteries thinking they will eventually get to a full charge which means it will take longer to charge the batteries than normal.
Why does my golf cart battery melt?
The main reason why golf cart battery cables will melt is because of too much current passing through the jumper cable; resulting in overheating and melting. A poor contact connection or a missing ground strap between the chassis and the engine may also result in the melting of your golf cart battery cables. Alternatively, corrosion of either of ...
What happens if a golf cart battery leaks?
If you have a leaking battery, then corrosion is inevitable and it will affect the battery terminals. This will eventually seep into the posts and melt them. Check out for a battery terminal protector from your golf cart parts store. This is usually available in the form of a spray.
What causes a cable to overheat?
Excessive internal resistance. The internal resistance of the cables used to connect to the terminals may be very high, leading to overheating followed by melting. Check the resistance of the cables with the help of an ohmmeter. The resistance between both ends should ideally be zero or as negligible as possible.
What causes a battery to melt down?
A stalled motor can cause the terminals of a battery to have a meltdown. It happens when a motor receives enough power to get started but it fails to turn. This is common when the cart is over a steep incline or a curb. It may be time to charge your battery and replace the melted terminals with new ones.
Why do the bolts on my cable terminals melt?
The bolts on the terminals often melt because of excess heat and even tend to break. When this happens, the terminals are also affected. One main reason for the heat generation is a corroded connection. This corrosion increases the cable resistance and thereby the heat, which leads to melting.
What happens when two cables touch each other?
Short circuit or fused connection. Two cable ends that accidentally happen to touch each other can result in a short circuit or a fused connection. Remove the shorted cables and use new cables to reestablish the proper connection between the terminals.
How thick should a golf cart cable be?
When you replace a heated high current cable, you can consider replacing all such cables with at least 4 Gauge thickness.
How long do golf cart batteries last?
At the very least, your golf cart battery should easily last you for 18 holes. Most batteries last even longer than this, with some lasting for as long as 36 holes, and more.
Do deep cycle batteries charge?
Deep-cycle batteries are designed to go through regular cycles of discharging and charging. For the most part, the amount of time it takes to fully charge your batteries will be consistent, assuming that you always use the same charger. Over time, however, the constant charging will inevitably take its toll on the chemical processes of the batteries, causing them to charge up slower than before.
Can a golf cart battery go bad?
When not in use, golf cart batteries will naturally discharge – slowly. If a battery is going bad, then this may start to happen faster than it should. This would create problems when, say, you leave your cart unplugged overnight, and then come to use it in the morning, only to find that the battery has fully discharged.
Can you abandon a golf cart battery?
Pushing it all the way to the parking lot wouldn’t really be an option, and you can’t just abandon it – so you’d have to arrange for it to be towed. This would be annoying, expensive, and, let’s face it, embarrassing.
Who is Nick Lomas?
Nick Lomas is the founder of GolfSpan, an avid golfer, not quite a pro but has over 15-years of experience playing and coaching golfers from all over the world. His mission is to bring the golfing community a better experience then it comes to choosing the right golf gear, and finding the right set up for your game.
How to tell if golf cart battery is bad?
1. Charging Issues. First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out.
How to check if golf cart is charging?
First, check to ensure that your golf cart was charged before you took it out. Plug it back into the charger and follow the instructions. Just in case the charger is the issue, check that the battery charger is turned on. There should be an indicator light to show that it is charging the batteries. In the morning, disconnect ...
What hole does a golf cart stop dead?
It’s a real hassle if your golf cart stops dead and you’re only at the 15 th hole of play. Not only is this an embarrassing event, but it’s a major pain to have to arrange for the cart to be towed back to the parking lot.
Why won't my cart fire up?
But more often than not, your cart suddenly refused to fire up and go due to a dead or bad battery.
Can you top up golf cart batteries?
Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries. If this is the case, you will notice how several individual batteries have been “daisy-chained” together to form one large battery. 4.
Can you top up a golf cart battery with distilled water?
You need to leave enough room for expansion, so the acid should only be filled to just above the lead cells inside. Only top up your golf cart batteries using distilled water. Also, it is common for golf carts to be powered by multiple batteries.
Do golf cart batteries last forever?
Golf cart batteries won’t last forever. In fact, each year they age a little bit closer towards their final use. If your battery is close to its warranty end date you may want to consider simply making the upgrade now.
Overview of Golf Cart Battery Charging
If you are wondering about why golf cart batteries smell while charging then we are here with an answer! Golf cart batteries smell due to the gas emitted from certain chemicals present in the batteries while charging them. The chemicals present in the golf cart batteries are hydrogen sulfide, a product of heavy charging batteries.
Kinds of Odors Discharged By Golf Cart Batteries While Charging
The hydrogen sulfide gas which is released while charging the batteries gives a foul smell. The bad smell usually lasts for about the first 10 charges, but that does not mean that no smelly gas will be discharged in the subsequent charges. A typical golf cart also contains different acids, due to which a foul smell may be discharged.
Conclusion
All sorts of odors discharged by golf cart batteries are caused due to some gases, chemicals, and acids. The article has mentioned all the reasons for batteries smelling bad while charging. Now that you know about the significant reasons for that awful foul smell, it is suggested that the batteries used must be replaced.