Recently, my EZGO RXV golf cart’s USB port stopped working. I’ve tried everything I can think of, but I’m stumped. Can anyone help?
Response
I’ve been down the same road with my EZGO RXV’s USB port not working. After some serious sleuthing, I found a few solutions that worked for me and others. These solutions range from checking the fuse to bypassing the charging port.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check for Blown Fuse in Charging Port | 2 | Replaced the 30-amp fuse | $5 | 7-10 |
| Bypass Charging Port Directly to Battery Pack | 1 | Ran the charger directly to the battery pack | $0 | 10-15 |
| Check the DC-DC Converter | 1 | Checked the converter’s input and output voltages | $0 | 10-15 |
Symptoms
- USB port not charging devices
- USB port not recognizing devices
- Charging port not working
Possible Causes
- Blown fuse
- Faulty wiring
- Bad DC-DC converter
Solutions that Worked
1. Check for Blown Fuse in Charging Port
What I Did: Checked the fuse in the charging port.
Outcome: The USB port started working again.
Personal Experience: I found that the 30-amp fuse was blown and replaced it.
Estimated Cost: $5
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the charging port fuse, usually found near the charging port itself.
- Use a multimeter set to continuity mode to check if the fuse is blown.
- If the fuse is blown, carefully remove it.
- Insert a new 30-amp fuse into the slot.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart to test.
Expert Tip: Always keep a set of spare fuses in your toolkit. A blown fuse is a common issue and having a spare can save you a lot of trouble. Also, consider using a fuse puller to make the process easier and safer.
2. Bypass Charging Port Directly to Battery Pack
What I Did: Bypassed the charging port and ran the charger directly to the battery pack.
Outcome: The USB port started working again.
Personal Experience: I ran the charger directly to the battery pack positive terminal.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the charging port wires, usually red and black.
- Disconnect them from the charging port.
- Use electrical tape to insulate the exposed wire ends.
- Connect them directly to the battery pack, matching the wire colors to the battery terminals.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart to test.
Expert Tip: This is a temporary fix. Always resolve the root cause to prevent future issues. Also, make sure to use high-quality electrical tape to prevent any short circuits.
3. Check the DC-DC Converter
What I Did: Checked the DC-DC converter’s input and output voltages.
Outcome: Found that the converter was faulty.
Personal Experience: The converter was getting 48V but not putting out 12V.
Estimated Cost: $0
Time Needed: 10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the DC-DC converter, usually found under the seat or dashboard.
- Use a multimeter to check the input voltage, which should be around 48V.
- Check the output voltage, which should be around 12V.
- If the output voltage is not correct, replace the DC-DC converter.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart to test.
Expert Tip: Always use a multimeter to check the input and output voltages of your DC-DC converter. If it’s not converting as it should, it’s time for a replacement. Also, consider using a converter with a higher amperage rating for better performance.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2008 RXV
- 2017 RXV
Safety tips
- Fuse Ratings: Always use a fuse with the correct amperage rating. Using a higher-rated fuse can cause damage.
- Wire Connectors: Use proper wire connectors when connecting wires directly to the battery pack to ensure a secure connection.
- Safety First: Always wear insulated gloves when working with electrical components to prevent accidental shocks.