Correct Solenoid Diode Position

[Joel]

On the small diode bridging the two terminals on a 48 volt system solenoid, does it matter which end of the diode goes to which terminal? If so, what would the effect be if it was installed backwards? Thanks!

 

[HotRodCarts]

Yes it does. The stripe on the diode must aim at the terminal with the wires that carry the incoming power to the solenoid on the small terminal.

 

[Joel]

Thank you! What effect could I expect if the direction was reversed do you think?

 

[HotRodCarts]

On a EZGO it will take out the micro switch on throttle. I'm not sure about a Club Car though.
Are you having a specific problem with the cart?

 

[Joel]

Yes, to say the least. As I posted on the 26th, I accidently arced/sparked the two main terminals on the motor, and the solendoid diode heated up and smoked. Cart then became inop. Before I replace the controller, which may or may not be fried, I went ahead and replaced the solendoid/diode, and cart now goes only in reverse when switch is in either F or R. Wonder if a backwards diode would cause that condition. A local tech said that if the cart moves in ANY direction, the controller is probably okay, and that the burned diode stopped the volage spike from getting to the controller. If the diode IS installed backwards, I suppose turning it around and seeing what happens is the next step....thanks.

 

[harddrive4x4]

It will take it out on the club car also. I did it twice. Made me feel dumb!