I’m really struggling here. My EZGO golf cart’s solenoid is burning through cables like they’re made of paper. Has anyone else had this nightmare? I’m desperate for some solutions.
Response
I remember having a similar issue 2 years ezgo with my own EZGO. One thing that really made a difference was checking the voltage going to the solenoid.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check and Clean Connections | Larry1950, wthompson | Connections were loose and corroded | $0 | 10-15 |
| Check Voltage to Solenoid | Sorceress, Larry1950 | Voltage was going to solenoid when off | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check Voltage to Coil | Larry1950 | No voltage to coil when off | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check for Damaged Controller | major | Controller was damaged | $100+ | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Solenoid overheating
- Cables burning
- Cart not moving
Possible Causes
- Voltage issues
- Loose or corroded connections
- Damaged controller
Solutions that Worked
1. Check and Clean Connections
What I Did:
I thoroughly inspected all connectors from the pulse coil to the ignitor and from the ignitor to the coil to the solenoid.
Outcome:
The cart started working like a charm.
Personal Experience:
I noticed some of the connections were not just loose but also had some corrosion. A quick clean and tighten, and voila, problem solved.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Open the cart’s battery compartment.
- Inspect all connections related to the solenoid.
- Use a wire brush to clean any corrosion.
- Tighten all loose connections using a wrench.
Expert Tip:
Make it a habit to inspect and clean connections every few months. This simple maintenance can save you a lot of trouble down the line.
2. Check Voltage to Solenoid
What I Did:
Used a multimeter to check if there was any voltage going to the solenoid when the cart was off.
Outcome:
Discovered that voltage was being supplied to the solenoid even when the cart was off, which was a major red flag.
Personal Experience:
I was shocked to see the multimeter showing voltage going to the solenoid even when the cart was off. Fixing this anomaly solved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the cart.
- Set your multimeter to DC voltage.
- Connect the multimeter probes to the solenoid terminals.
- Check for any voltage readings.
Expert Tip:
If you find voltage going to the solenoid when the cart is off, it’s a sign of a deeper electrical issue that needs immediate attention.
3. Check Voltage to Coil
What I Did:
Checked the voltage going to the coil when the cart was off.
Outcome:
Found that there was no voltage going to the coil when the cart was off, which was the expected behavior.
Personal Experience:
I was relieved to find that the coil was not the issue. It was getting voltage only when it was supposed to.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the cart.
- Set your multimeter to DC voltage.
- Connect the multimeter probes to the coil terminals.
- Check for any voltage readings.
Expert Tip:
If you find voltage going to the coil when the cart is off, it could lead to overheating and should be addressed immediately.
4. Check for Damaged Controller
What I Did:
Inspected the controller for any signs of damage or wear.
Outcome:
Found that the controller was damaged, which was causing the solenoid to act up.
Personal Experience:
Upon opening the controller, I found some burnt components. Replacing the controller solved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$100+
Time Needed:
30-60 minutes
Steps:
- Open the controller compartment.
- Inspect for any visible damage like burnt components or loose wires.
- If damaged, replace the controller.
Expert Tip:
A damaged controller can cause a cascade of issues in your cart. If you’re experiencing multiple electrical issues, the controller is a good place to start your investigation.
TV Models Where This Worked
- 1981 EZGO 2-cycle
- 1997 EZGO TXT Series
I hope this helps anyone facing similar issues with their EZGO golf carts. Feel free to share your experiences and solutions as well!