Personal Plea for Help
My 2016 Club Car precedent headlights have suddenly stopped working, and I’ve tried everything I can think of. I’m desperate for some guidance. Can anyone help?
Response
I had the same issue with my Club Car golf cart, and it was driving me crazy. After a few hours of tinkering with it, I found a 12v test light which helped me fix the problem.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check Fuses Under the Seat | 4 | Checked and found a blown fuse | $0 | 5-10 |
| Use a 12V Test Light | 4 | Used a test light to find the issue | $0 | 6-12 |
| Check Voltage at Light Switch | 3 | Checked voltage and found it was off | $0 | 5-10 |
| Check for Separate Fuse for Lights | 3 | Found a separate fuse that was blown | $0 | 5-10 |
Symptoms
- Headlights not turning on
- Taillights working but headlights not
- Headlights flickering or dimming
Possible Causes
- Blown fuses
- Bad ground or wiring issues
- Faulty light switch
- Electrical system malfunction
Solutions that Worked
1. Check Fuses Under the Seat
What I Did:
Checked the fuses under the seat in the battery bay.
Outcome:
Found a blown fuse and replaced it. The headlights started working again.
Personal Experience:
I checked the fuses and found one that was blown. Replacing it solved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Lift the seat to access the battery bay.
- Locate the fuse box, usually a small plastic box with a lid.
- Open the fuse box and inspect each fuse visually.
- Use a fuse puller or needle-nose pliers to remove any fuses that look blown.
- Replace the blown fuse with a new one of the same rating.
- Close the fuse box and lower the seat.
Expert Tip:
Always keep a few spare fuses in your golf cart’s glove box. You never know when you’ll need one.
Handy Tip:
If you’re not sure which fuse is blown, use a multimeter to test each fuse’s continuity. A blown fuse will show no continuity.
2. Use a 12V Test Light
What I Did:
Used a 12V test light to trace out issues in the electrical system.
Outcome:
Identified a bad switch that was causing the issue.
Personal Experience:
I used a 12V test light and it helped me trace the issue back to a faulty switch.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Connect the 12V test light to a good ground, such as the golf cart’s frame.
- Turn on the ignition switch but keep the cart stationary.
- Use the test light to probe various points in the electrical system, starting from the light switch and moving towards the headlights.
- Watch for the test light to illuminate, indicating the presence of voltage.
- If the test light doesn’t illuminate at a certain point, you’ve likely found the issue.
Expert Tip:
A 12V test light is an essential tool for any electrical troubleshooting. It can quickly help you identify where the problem lies.
Handy Tip:
Always make sure your test light is working before you start probing. Connect it to the battery to confirm it illuminates.
3. Check Voltage at Light Switch
What I Did:
Pulled the dash and checked voltage at the light switch.
Outcome:
Found that the switch was not functioning correctly and replaced it.
Personal Experience:
I pulled the dash, checked the voltage at the light switch, and found it was off. Replacing the switch solved the problem.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Remove the screws securing the dashboard to access the light switch.
- Use a multimeter set to DC voltage to check the voltage at the switch terminals.
- If the voltage is off, disconnect the switch.
- Replace the faulty switch with a new one.
- Reattach the dashboard and secure it with screws.
Expert Tip:
Checking the voltage at the light switch can help you rule out the switch as the issue.
Handy Tip:
Label the wires connected to the switch before disconnecting them. This will make it easier to install the new switch.
4. Check for Separate Fuse for Lights
What I Did:
Checked for a separate fuse dedicated to the lights.
Outcome:
Found a blown fuse and replaced it, solving the issue.
Personal Experience:
I found a separate fuse for the lights that was blown. Replacing it solved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
5-10 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the electrical components box (ECB), usually in the engine compartment.
- Open the ECB and look for any separate fuses dedicated to the lights.
- Use a fuse puller to remove the fuse and inspect it.
- If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one of the same rating.
- Close the ECB.
Expert Tip:
Always check the fuse box for any separate fuses dedicated to the lights. A blown fuse could be the culprit.
Handy Tip:
Keep a flashlight handy. You’ll need it to see inside the ECB, especially if it’s located in a dark area.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2002 Club Car
- 2016 Club Car Precedent
- Villager 6’s and 8’s
Safety Info
- Some Club Cars have aluminum frames that may not provide a good ground, so always double-check your ground connections.
- Voltage reducers are sometimes used in golf carts to step down the voltage for accessories like lights. If your cart has one, make sure it’s functioning correctly.