My 48V Club Car’s solenoid just won’t click, no matter what I try. I’ve tinkered around but I’m stuck. Anyone out there who can help me out?
Response
I totally feel your pain; I’ve been down that road. One thing that really helped me was meticulously checking the voltage between the small posts of the solenoid. If you have the required voltage and the solenoid still doesn’t click, it’s likely bad. Let’s dive deeper into this.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Voltage at Small Posts | 2 | Checked voltage and found the issue | $0 | 5-10 |
| Bypass the OBC | 2 | Bypassed OBC and cart started running | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check F&R Micro-Switch | 1 | Checked F&R switch and it was the issue | $0 | 5-10 |
| Test the Solenoid | 1 | Tested solenoid and replaced it | $0 | 5-10 |
Symptoms
- Solenoid not clicking
- Golf cart not moving
- No response when pressing the gas pedal
Possible Causes
- Faulty solenoid
- Bad OBC (Onboard Computer)
- Wiring issues
- Micro-switch problems
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Voltage at Small Posts
What I Did: Checked the voltage between the small posts of the solenoid when the cart wouldn’t go.
Outcome: Identified a bad solenoid.
Personal Experience: Checked the voltage and found that the solenoid was indeed bad.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the cart and ensure it is in a safe position.
- Use a multimeter set to DC voltage.
- Place the probes on the small posts of the solenoid.
- Turn the key to the “ON” position and press the gas pedal.
- Check the multimeter reading. If you have the required voltage and the solenoid doesn’t click, it’s likely bad.
Expert Tip: Always make sure the cart is in a safe position and the key is off before performing this test. Also, ensure your multimeter is set to the correct measurement type.
2. Bypass the OBC
What I Did: Bypassed the OBC by connecting a jumper wire.
Outcome: The cart started running.
Personal Experience: After bypassing the OBC, the cart was back in action.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the OBC, usually found under the seat or the rear body of the cart.
- Find the 6-pin connector attached to the OBC.
- Disconnect the connector.
- Use a jumper wire to connect the white and blue wires in the connector.
- Test the cart by turning it on.
Expert Tip: When bypassing the OBC, make sure not to let the charger run without supervision, as it will not have the OBC to shut it down. Also, this is a temporary solution; consult a professional for a permanent fix.
3. Check F&R Micro-Switch
What I Did: Checked the Forward & Reverse micro-switch.
Outcome: Found that the micro-switch was the issue.
Personal Experience: After checking the F&R switch, it was clear that it was causing the problem.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the Forward & Reverse switch, usually near the driver’s seat.
- Use a multimeter set to continuity mode.
- Place the probes on the terminals of the micro-switch.
- Toggle the F&R switch and check for continuity.
Expert Tip: Micro-switches are often overlooked but can be a common issue. Always ensure you’re using the correct type of solenoid for your specific golf cart model. If the switch is bad, it’s a relatively cheap and easy fix.
4. Test the Solenoid
What I Did: Tested the solenoid using a multimeter.
Outcome: Replaced a bad solenoid.
Personal Experience: After testing, I had to replace the solenoid.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the cart and ensure it is in a safe position.
- Use a multimeter set to continuity mode.
- Place the probes on the large terminals of the solenoid.
- Turn the key to the “ON” position and press the gas pedal.
- Check the multimeter reading. If there’s no continuity, the solenoid is bad and needs replacement.
Expert Tip: Before replacing any components, it’s crucial to test them first. A multimeter can be a handy tool for diagnosing electrical issues in a golf cart. Always remember to take safety precautions when working with electrical components.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- Club Car, 1997
- Club Car DS, 1996
- Club Car, 2003
- Club Car DS Regen 2, 1999
Safety tips
- Battery Health: Sometimes, a weak or dying battery can cause the solenoid not to click. Make sure your battery is in good health.
- Wire Integrity: Frayed or damaged wires can often be the culprit. A visual inspection can save you a lot of time.
- Safety First: Always disconnect the battery before performing any electrical work on your cart.
I hope this helps anyone facing the same issue. If you have any more solutions or experiences to share, please do!