Solenoid makes a clicking noise when pedal is pressed on my golf cart

Hey everyone, I’m at my wit’s end here. My golf cart’s solenoid makes a clicking sound when I press the pedal, but the darn thing won’t budge. I’ve tried a couple of fixes but no luck so far. Has anyone figured out how to fix this?

Response

I found that the micro switches under the brake and accelerator pedals were the reason for the clicking noise.

Solutions that worked for users

SolutionUsers Who Found SuccessPersonal ExperienceEstimated Cost (USD)Time Needed (Minutes)
Check Micro Switches Under Brake/Accelerator1Checked and cleaned the micro switches$010-15
Replace Incorrectly Installed Solenoid1Replaced with the correct solenoid$20-$5020-30

Symptoms

  • Solenoid clicks but no movement
  • Motor remains silent
  • Cart unresponsive even with a fully charged battery

Possible Causes

  • Faulty or dirty micro switches
  • Incorrectly installed or incompatible solenoid
  • Electrical wiring issues
  • Battery or terminal corrosion

Solutions that Worked

1. Check Micro Switches Under Brake/Accelerator Pedals

What I Did:

I inspected and cleaned the micro switches located under the brake and accelerator pedals.

Outcome:

The golf cart started moving again, as if by magic!

Personal Experience:

Once I cleaned those pesky micro switches, my cart was back in action.

Estimated Cost:

$0

Time Needed:

10-15 minutes

Steps:

  1. Locate the Micro Switches: They are usually situated under the brake and accelerator pedals.
  2. Safety First: Turn off the golf cart and remove the key from the ignition.
  3. Inspect the Switches: Look for any visible dirt, corrosion, or wear and tear.
  4. Clean the Switches: Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove any debris.
  5. Test the Switches: Use a multimeter to check for electrical continuity.
  6. Reassemble and Test: Put everything back together and test the cart.

Expert Tip:

Regular maintenance of the micro switches can prevent this issue. Also, consider using a silicone-based lubricant for smoother operation.

2. Replace Incorrectly Installed Solenoid

What I Did:

I replaced an incorrectly installed solenoid with the correct model for my golf cart.

Outcome:

The cart started moving again, no more annoying clicks without action!

Personal Experience:

I had initially installed the wrong solenoid. Swapping it out for the correct one did the trick.

Estimated Cost:

$20-$50

Time Needed:

20-30 minutes

Steps:

  1. Safety First: Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical components.
  2. Identify the Old Solenoid: Locate the solenoid that needs to be replaced.
  3. Remove Old Solenoid: Unscrew and carefully remove the old solenoid.
  4. Check Compatibility: Make sure the new solenoid is compatible with your golf cart model.
  5. Install New Solenoid: Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation.
  6. Reconnect Battery and Test: Reconnect the battery and test the cart to ensure the new solenoid is functioning correctly.

Expert Tip:

Always double-check the compatibility of replacement parts like solenoids. Also, consider taking a photo of the old setup before removing it, so you have a reference for installing the new one.

Extra tips

  • Battery Health: Sometimes, a weak battery can cause the solenoid to click but not provide enough power to move the cart. Always check your battery health.
  • Wire Connections: Loose or corroded wire connections can also lead to this issue. A quick inspection and tightening of all connections can sometimes solve the problem.
  • Firmware Updates: Believe it or not, some modern golf carts may require firmware updates. Check the manufacturer’s website for any updates that might resolve electrical issues.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

  • Club Cab Precendent 2004
  • 2000 EZ-GO (36 volt)

Ernie

Ernie loves documenting interesting facts about golf.

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