Why does my Club Car golf cart keep burning through Solenoids?

Anyone know the reason why m Club Car Precedent golf cart keeps burning through solenoids? I’ve tried a few things, but nothing seems to work. It’s really affecting my ability to enjoy my golf rounds. Has anyone else experienced this and found a solution?

Response

I had a similar issue with my Club Car. It turned out to be a problem with the starter generator brushes. After replacing them, my cart was back to normal. You might want to check that out.

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Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Replacing Starter Generator Brushes	1	$30 – $60	45 – 90
Checking and Adjusting Solenoid Engagement	0	$0 (DIY)	30 – 60
Using High-Quality Solenoid	0	$40 – $80	30 – 60
Mounting Solenoids Correctly	0	$0 (DIY)	15 – 30
Using a Diode Across Solenoid Coil	0	$5 – $15	20 – 40

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Symptoms

• Frequent burning out of solenoids.
• Inconsistent performance of the golf cart.
• Potential overheating of solenoid area.

Possible Causes

• Use of low-quality or incorrect solenoids.
• Incorrect solenoid engagement due to throttle adjustment issues.
• Poor mounting of solenoids leading to overheating.
• Electrical issues due to lack of diode across the solenoid coil.

Solutions that Worked

1. Replacing Starter Generator Brushes

• What I Did: Replaced the worn brushes in the starter generator.
• Outcome: Resolved the issue of burning through solenoids.
• Personal Experience: Noticed improvement in cart performance after replacement.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the starter generator in the golf cart.
  2. Disconnect the power source for safety.
  3. Remove the old brushes and install new ones.
  4. Ensure they are properly aligned and secured.
  5. Reconnect power and test the cart.
• Expert Tip: Regularly inspect the starter generator brushes for wear and tear. Worn brushes can lead to electrical issues, including solenoid problems.

2. Checking and Adjusting Solenoid Engagement

• What I Did: Adjusted the throttle for proper solenoid engagement.
• Outcome: No direct confirmation of effectiveness.
• Personal Experience: Adjustment seemed to reduce solenoid overheating.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the throttle linkage and solenoid.
  2. Adjust the throttle linkage for proper engagement and release of the solenoid.
  3. Test the cart for consistent performance.
• Expert Tip: Ensure that the solenoid disengages properly when the cart is running to prevent overheating.

3. Using High-Quality Solenoid

• What I Did: Replaced the solenoid with a high-quality, continuous duty one.
• Outcome: No direct confirmation of effectiveness.
• Personal Experience: The new solenoid seemed more robust.
• Steps:
  1. Identify and purchase a high-quality solenoid suitable for golf carts.
  2. Replace the existing solenoid with the new one.
  3. Test the cart for improved performance.
• Expert Tip: Investing in a high-quality solenoid can prevent frequent replacements and improve overall cart performance.

4. Mounting Solenoids Correctly

• What I Did: Ensured the solenoid was mounted in the correct position.
• Outcome: No direct confirmation of effectiveness.
• Personal Experience: Proper mounting appeared to reduce overheating.
• Steps:
  1. Check the solenoid mounting position.
  2. Adjust the mount to ensure it is upright and secure.
  3. Test the cart for any overheating issues.
• Expert Tip: Correct mounting of the solenoid can aid in heat dissipation and reduce the risk of burning out.

5. Using a Diode Across Solenoid Coil

• What I Did: Installed a diode across the solenoid coil.
• Outcome: No direct confirmation of effectiveness.
• Personal Experience: The diode installation seemed to stabilize the electrical system.
• Steps:
  1. Locate the solenoid coil terminals.
  2. Install a diode across these terminals.
  3. Ensure the diode is correctly oriented.
  4. Test the cart for electrical stability.
• Expert Tip: A diode can prevent voltage spikes that might damage the solenoid or other electrical components.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

• Club Car Precedent models (Gas-powered, specifically 2016 and 2017 models).