Club Car Golf Cart Solenoid Not Clicking! What Am I Missing?

The solenoind on my 2001 Club Car golf cart just won’t click. I’ve tried a bunch of things but nothing’s working. Can anyone help me out?

Personal Response

Hey, I totally get your frustration. I was in the same boat until I checked the microswitch in the pot box.

Solutions that worked for users

SolutionUsers Who Found SuccessPersonal ExperienceEstimated Cost (USD)Time Needed (Minutes)
Check Microswitch in Pot Box4Checked the microswitch and it worked$05-15
Check for V-glide4Found the V-glide and fixed it$010-20
Tighten All Connections3Tightened all connections$010-20

Symptoms

  • Solenoid not clicking
  • Cart not moving
  • No response when the pedal is depressed

Possible Causes

  • Faulty microswitch
  • Missing or malfunctioning V-glide
  • Loose connections
  • Battery issues
  • Controller malfunctions

Solutions that Worked

1. Check Microswitch in Pot Box

What I Did:

Checked the microswitch in the pot box.

Outcome:

The solenoid started clicking, and the cart began to move.

Personal Experience:

I checked the microswitch in the pot box, and it turned out to be faulty. Replacing it solved the issue.

Estimated Cost:

$0

Time Needed:

5-15 minutes

Steps:

  1. Turn off the cart and disconnect the battery.
  2. Locate the pot box, usually found under the seat.
  3. Use a multimeter to check the microswitch for continuity.
  4. If faulty, unscrew the old microswitch.
  5. Install the new microswitch and reconnect the battery.
  6. Test the cart to see if the issue is resolved.

Expert Tip:

Always use a multimeter to check the functionality of the microswitch. A faulty one can prevent the solenoid from clicking. Also, make sure to disconnect the battery before starting any electrical work to avoid shocks.

2. Check for V-glide

What I Did:

Looked for the V-glide under the driver’s seat, between the batteries.

Outcome:

Found the V-glide and fixed it.

Personal Experience:

I initially thought my cart had a pot box, but it turned out to have a V-glide. Fixing it solved the issue.

Estimated Cost:

$0

Time Needed:

10-20 minutes

Steps:

  1. Turn off the cart and disconnect the battery.
  2. Locate the V-glide under the driver’s seat, between the batteries.
  3. Check for any visible damage or wear.
  4. If damaged, unscrew the old V-glide.
  5. Install the new V-glide and reconnect the battery.
  6. Test the cart to see if the issue is resolved.

Expert Tip:

The V-glide is a critical component in older Club Car models. Make sure it’s in good condition to ensure the solenoid clicks as it should. Also, always disconnect the battery before starting any work.

3. Tighten All Connections

What I Did:

Tightened all connections, including those on the controller, batteries, and solenoid.

Outcome:

The solenoid started clicking, and the cart began to move.

Personal Experience:

I found some loose connections and tightened them. It solved the issue.

Estimated Cost:

$0

Time Needed:

10-20 minutes

Steps:

  1. Turn off the cart and disconnect the battery.
  2. Inspect all electrical connections on the controller, batteries, and solenoid.
  3. Use a wrench to tighten any loose connections.
  4. Reconnect the battery.
  5. Test the cart to see if the issue is resolved.

Expert Tip:

Loose connections can cause a range of issues, including the solenoid not clicking. Always ensure all connections are secure. A torque wrench can be particularly useful for this.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

  • 1991 Club Car 36V
  • 2001 Club Car series
  • Club Car Precedent with Alltrax controller and MZJ-400 amp solenoid

Safety Tips

  • Always disconnect the battery before performing any electrical work.
  • Use a torque wrench for precise tightening of connections.
  • Keep a multimeter handy for electrical troubleshooting.
  • Some carts may have aftermarket controllers that could also affect the solenoid. Make sure to check compatibility.
  • Battery issues can sometimes mimic solenoid problems. Always check your battery’s health.
  • If all else fails, consult a professional. Sometimes the issue might be more complex than it appears.

Ernie

Ernie loves documenting interesting facts about golf.

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