Electric golf cart clicks but won't go: solenoid and batteries
Share
Applies to: Club Car Precedent, Cafe Express and other electric carts
Symptoms
- Click when you press the pedal, but no movement
- Moves slowly or cuts out
- Range drops off sharply
Why it happens
A weak battery in the pack, corroded cables, or a worn solenoid that clicks but no longer passes current to the motor controller.
How to fix it
- Check total pack voltage and each battery individually.
- Clean and tighten all battery cables; look for burnt terminals.
- Check for pack voltage across the solenoid's large posts when it clicks.
- Replace the solenoid if it clicks but voltage doesn't pass through.
- Check the Tow/Run switch is in Run.
Tools and parts
- Multimeter
- Battery hydrometer
- Solenoid
What the factory service manual covers
Electrical: battery testing, solenoid test, controller wiring diagram. The full procedure, specs and wiring diagrams are in the factory service manual for your machine.