Solenoid clicks key turned on

[Jrobeau]

New guys and have a problem with a 1998 ezgo.. Kids were riding and stopped all of a sudden. When you turn key on I can hear the solenoid click. From reading I have heard it may be at the pedal.. Popped cover under mat.. I see ITS but looks like the guy I bought it from took micro switch out.. Any ideas of what to check..

[cgtech]

The cart should not have been running at all without the microswitch. First, you need to look up a diagram for it, and find out what abnormal mods have been made by the previous owner. Its incredibly difficult for us to help you without knowing what non-stock electrical stuff is currently going on.

[yurtle]

He said when he turns on the key the solenoid clicks, so I suspect the microswitch has simply been jumpered out.

[HiTechRedNeck]

Originally Posted by yurtle

He said when he turns on the key the solenoid clicks, so I suspect the microswitch has simply been jumpered out.

I agree, but we still need more info to be safe with troubleshooting.

[yurtle]

Agreed. Also, did they make Sepex buggies in 98? My 98 is a series. Need more.

[JohnnieB]

Originally Posted by yurtle

Agreed. Also, did they make Sepex buggies in 98? My 98 is a series. Need more.

EZGO started building Sepex drive carts in 1995.

@ Jrobeau: Use attached chart to determine what drive system your cart has.

Whatever the the cause of the cart not running, a pedal microswitch need to be installed. It is a safety device and should most definitely be functioning when kids are driving the cart.

[CCFanatic]

Originally Posted by yurtle

Agreed. Also, did they make Sepex buggies in 98? My 98 is a series. Need more.

Yes, the DCS model which will be replaced by the newer PDS model in 2000(?)

[Jrobeau]

By looking at that picture supplied it's series. F/R looks just like pic and no tow switch. I think I found a diagram on this site. When the guy bypassed the microswith at the pedal, its sending voltage (36V) to solenoid as soon as I turn the key. By reading some of the post here I'm thinking I either have a faulty ITS or solenoid. Any easy way to check both or do you guys think I'm looking in the wrong place?

[DaveTM]

Originally Posted by Jrobeau

By looking at that picture supplied it's series. F/R looks just like pic and no tow switch. I think I found a diagram on this site. When the guy bypassed the microswith at the pedal, its sending voltage (36V) to solenoid as soon as I turn the key. By reading some of the post here I'm thinking I either have a faulty ITS or solenoid. Any easy way to check both or do you guys think I'm looking in the wrong place?

I think if the guy bypassed the microswitch, then you need to get a new microswitch and install it. If your solenoid is "clicking" when you turn your key, then it appears it's working. However, it's not suppose to "click" or engage until you press the peddle. So, get a new microswitch and install it.

Now....that's likely not going to make your cart run, so we need to look at the usual suspects. When your kids were driving it did they say the smelled anything burning? Like an electrical smell or a burning rubber smell?

[JohnnieB]

If the solenoid is clicking, the problem is in the high current circuit.

Attached is a schematic of a series drive with the high current circuit highlighted.

Jack rear tires off ground and put on jackstands so the half ton cart doesn't take off unexpectedly and run over someone or something.

Measure and remember the pack voltage.
Connect your DVM between the M- and B- terminals on top of controller.

When solenoid clicks, you should measure full pack voltage.

If not, use the attached schematic and your voltmeter to find the missing voltage.

The F/R switch contact or a bad cable or connection are the likely suspects.

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If you do get the pack voltage, push pedal to floor and the voltage should decrease to near Zero.
If not, it is most likely a bad controller or the ITS.