The solenoid is a key component of the golf cart since it activates the electric motor. Therefore, this proves that a solenoid is an essential part of every vehicle, regardless of its brand or model. You can’t avoid the reality that a properly functioning solenoid is important for the trouble starting of your golf cart. So, you should regularly inspect the functioning of this part to avoid being stranded in the midst of your voyage.
What Exactly Is A Solenoid For A Golf Cart
The term “golf cart solenoid” is often used to refer to the relay switch used in these vehicles. This switch allows for the regulation of a high-power circuit by means of a low-power circuit. A magnetic coil is made to complete an electrical circuit by the solenoid’s pressure on a rod. Thus, it generates an electric current that drives the cart ahead. High-power circuits in electric golf carts generally consist of enough power circuits for the electric motor.
In the case of a gas-powered golf cart motor, the ignition coil is often regarded to be part of the circuit. In most circumstances, a new solenoid will consist of a steel plunger and a coil made of very fine wire. Since the solenoids are needed to switch on/off each time the cart is used, they are easily worn down by constant usage. One of the first indications that a solenoid needs replacing is if your cart won’t start.
Where Exactly Might One Locate The Solenoid On A Golf Cart
You know that the solenoid is like the golf cart’s motor beating heart, therefore it’s important that you know where it is. Thus, the golf cart’s solenoid is often found under the seat. Each of its terminals is linked to the others, and there are a total of four. It’s safe to say that two of these large terminals are quite “enormous”, while the other two will be rather little.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Bad Solenoid
There are a few signs that the solenoid in your electric or gas golf cart is faulty or malfunctioning. The sooner you see these red flags and act on them, the less damage will be done. One of the most significant warning flags that the electric golf cart solenoid is not operating correctly is when you turn on the cart’s ignition of your electric cart and observe that no electrical power is being delivered to the controller from the solenoid. If this happens, the solenoid normally connected to the ignition switch won’t make its regular on/off clicking sound.
And it’s because the solenoid can’t produce enough energy to function properly. Other possible causes include a weak battery, faulty connections, or a worn-out coil. When a faulty solenoid stops working, it might be because the contacts have deteriorated from high currents or overheating. If this issue isn’t resolved soon, it might spread to the starter, which would be a major concern. This means the starter and solenoid will need to be replaced. In addition, it is impossible to get the gas cart’s engine to turn over if the failing solenoid isn’t working properly.
Can You Bypass Solenoid On A Golf Cart
The golf cart solenoid may be disabled if the driver so desires. Nevertheless, avoiding the solenoid entirely is not a wise plan since it might cause more damage to the mechanism. Unless you have a multimeter on hand, you should never bypass a solenoid unless absolutely necessary.
How To Bypass The Solenoid On A Golf Cart
With great care, you can avoid damaging the golf cart’s solenoid. To help you out, we’ve included some standard operating practices below:
- Using the bigger terminals, connect the solenoid’s two larger wires that come from the high side of the device.
- Having completed this link, you should now try to start the golf cart. Even if it does not start, it still doesn’t establish that the solenoid is the problem; it only shows that there is a problem, maybe the ignition system.
- Our advice to you as an electric golf cart owner is to stop the inspections and call in a professional to help and figure out any solenoid problems.
- Nevertheless, if you own a gas-powered golf cart, the micro switch is also something you should investigate.
How To Perform A Solenoid Test On A Golf Cart (Simple Steps)
If you want to know whether your solenoid has to be replaced, please see the following steps below. But first and foremost, you should take care of yourself by strictly following all of the safety measures that have been outlined.
- The first thing is to disable the golf cart’s wheels so it can’t roll away. This will prevent it from moving about on its own, eliminating a major potential source of harm. Thus, it will need to disconnect the big high-side wires from their terminals.
- If the solenoid has a locking mechanism for its connections, you may require two wrenches to release it. Doing so disconnects the solenoid from the circuit’s high-voltage source.
- Reconnect the loose wire after disconnecting the solenoid and taping over each end with electrical tape. This keeps the ends from touching and creating an impromptu connection between them via the metal conductor if they were to come into contact. As an added bonus, this will prevent your vehicle from moving at any point throughout the testing phase.
- Turn on the cart’s engine and then fully depress the gas pedal to propel it. The presence of a clicking noise suggests that the small amount of voltage is operating correctly. If you don’t hear a such sound, it means the low side voltage isn’t there or the solenoid is broken as one of the possible reasons.
- Turn on the solenoid after verifying the proper voltage using a voltmeter. It’s normal to hear a click after the engaging procedure has been finished properly.
- Evaluate the solenoid’s high-side terminals for continuity using a multimeter. Before attempting to use the multimeter, make sure you are well-versed in the resistance range across which the solenoid can function.
- Connect a lead to each terminal, then set the multimeter’s display to the setting. Because of the intrinsic flaw, the solenoid must be replaced if the reading reveals an open lead or infinity.
- Solenoid replacement is recommended even if the reading is within the acceptable range since components beyond the solenoid might be damaged if the reading were to fall outside of the range. But there shouldn’t be a solenoid problem if the measured resistance is within the acceptable range.
- Be careful to double-check the solenoid’s power source. Switch on the solenoid circuit by connecting the multimeter leads to the solenoid’s small terminals after setting the multimeter’s reading to show volts. If the measurement does not correspond to the predetermined battery pack voltage, the solenoid is ok.
Conclusion
A solenoid is essential to the proper operation of any golf cart. This is a very essential part of the cart since it is used so often to start the vehicle. Routine solenoid inspections are, in our view, a crucial activity that should not be disregarded. These inspections could be useful for fixing the major problem quickly so that it doesn’t affect other parts of the system. If the solenoid is broken or not working properly, the golf cart may not gain speed, may not start, or may not work at all.
FAQs
How come my electric golf cart seems to be underpowered?
Sometimes all that’s needed to resolve the problem is to replace a damaged coil or straighten up a wayward wire. In certain cases, corrosion might be a factor. If you think your golf cart’s solenoid is broken, you should take it to a repair shop as soon as possible. A mechanic may be able to determine the cause of the problem and, if necessary, replace the solenoid.
While using an electric golf cart, why does its power gradually decrease?
In order for your batteries, for instance, to provide electrical energy, you must ensure that all of the connections connecting them are tight. Power flows might be disrupted if the connections between them are not reliable. Also, your cart’s performance may suffer as a result, losing steam and coming to a stop at inopportune moments.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jim has been an avid golfer and golf fan for over 40 years. He started a YouTube channel called Golf Plus about a year ago and it has been wildly successful. It only made sense to expand and reach more golfers with this site and social media. You can learn more about Jim and Golf Plus Media Group by visiting our About Page.
