Cart started on fire, red hot coils

[Jhjelle]

We have a 1986 Club Car. Just put new tires, silenoids, and batteries in it. Then the thing started driving on it's own without a key even when you put it in gear. My husband was trying to figure out the problem. Burned his hand on the super hot coil (passenger side part of coil). The forward/reverse switch started sparking when you would put it in gear and actually caught on fire. After doing research discovered first and second silenoids muat be stuck. Bought 2 more silenoids and a new gear switch and handle.
Husband wasnt sure which silenoids were 1st and 2nd, began taking off wrong silenoid and snapped a bolt on the side. Super frustrated in in great need of some help!

[Jhjelle]

I guess 1st question is are we fixing the right thing to solve the sparking and red hot coil?
2nd can we fix it with only 4 silenoids now that we snapped a bolt and have put way too much money into this already?

[Fairtax4me]

I’m not super familiar with how the old solenoid toasters work but I’m pretty sure you have to have at least two solenoids stuck ON in order for it to move on its own. Or there is a wire problem ~ something’s been reconnected wrong.

The problems with the toaster carts are usually the reason why people get rid of the solenoid setup and convert it to solid state controller with a single main solenoid.

Check in this page and see if there is a diagram that matches your cart: https://buggiesgonewild.com/showthread.php?t=924
Make sure all of the solenoids are wired properly, and make sure the throttle speed switches are working properly.
Also make sure the back of the cart is up on jack stands, wheels off the ground, before doing any further work on it. You don’t need it running off on its own at full speed.

[scottyb]

There is a master solenoid which must be welded closed and then one of the speed solenoids as well. The master is closest to the drivers side of the cart.