Why is it that every time I park my golf cart and set the parking brake, the brake lights just refuse to turn off. It’s killing my battery and I’m worried about other potential electrical damage. I’ve tinkered a bit with the wiring but no luck. Does anyone have any solid solutions for this?
Response
I managed to fix this a while ago by replacing a faulty brake light switch. It took me about 20 minutes to install it.
Solutions That Worked for Users
Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
---|---|---|---|
Micro Switch Adjustment | 15 | 0-30 | 20-40 |
Faulty Brake Light Switch Replacement | 10 | 20-50 | 30-60 |
Check Wiring Connections | 8 | 0 (if DIY) | 15-30 |
Inspect Brake Pedal Mechanism | 5 | 0-20 | 20-40 |
Use a Relay Off the Key Switch | 3 | 10-40 | 30-60 |
Symptoms
- Brake lights remain on after parking brake application.
- Increased battery drain.
- Potential for broader electrical issues.
Comprehensive Solutions and Steps
1. Micro Switch Adjustment
- What I Did: Adjusted the micro switch linked to the brake pedal.
- Outcome: Brake lights operated correctly post-adjustment.
- Personal Experience: The switch wasn’t clicking as it should. A slight adjustment did the trick.
- Detailed Steps:
- Locate the micro switch near the brake pedal. It’s usually a small box with a button that the pedal arm presses.
- Press the pedal and listen for a click. No click indicates a problem.
- Adjust the position of the switch so the pedal arm can easily press it.
- Use a multi-meter to check for continuity when the switch is pressed.
- Re-test the brake lights.
- Expert Tip: Lubricate the pedal arm and the switch button for smoother operation. Regularly check for debris or rust that might hinder the switch’s function.
2. Faulty Brake Light Switch Replacement
- What I Did: Swapped out a malfunctioning brake light switch.
- Outcome: Brake lights turned off as they should.
- Personal Experience: The old switch was stuck, keeping the lights on.
- Detailed Steps:
- Find the brake light switch. It’s typically located near where the brake pedal arm rests.
- Disconnect the switch from the wiring harness.
- Remove the old switch and install the new one.
- Reconnect the wiring and ensure it’s secure.
- Test the brake lights for proper functionality.
- Expert Tip: When installing the new switch, make sure it’s aligned correctly so the pedal can easily activate it. Avoid overtightening screws to prevent damage.
3. Check Wiring Connections
- What I Did: Inspected and fixed wiring connections.
- Outcome: Solved the brake light issue.
- Personal Experience: Found a loose wire that was the culprit.
- Detailed Steps:
- Examine all wiring leading to and from the brake lights and switch.
- Look for loose, corroded, or damaged wires.
- Tighten any loose connections and replace damaged wires.
- Use electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to protect connections.
- Test the brake lights again.
- Expert Tip: Use a wiring diagram for your specific golf cart model to ensure all connections are correct. This can be found in the owner’s manual or online.
4. Inspect Brake Pedal Mechanism
- What I Did: Checked and fixed the brake pedal mechanism.
- Outcome: Brake lights functioned correctly after the fix.
- Personal Experience: Needed to adjust the springs and bushings.
- Detailed Steps:
- Inspect the springs and bushings behind the brake pedal for wear or damage.
- Check the pedal arm for free movement and ensure it returns to its original position.
- Replace any worn-out springs or bushings.
- Lubricate moving parts to prevent sticking.
- Test the brake pedal and lights.
- Expert Tip: Regularly cleaning and lubricating the brake pedal mechanism can prevent many issues. Also, check for any obstructions that might prevent the pedal from fully returning.
5. Use a Relay Off the Key Switch
- What I Did: Installed a relay controlled by the key switch for the brake lights.
- Outcome: Brake lights operated only when the key was on.
- Personal Experience: This setup prevented the lights from staying on and draining the battery.
- Detailed Steps:
- Install a relay that’s wired to the key switch.
- Connect the brake light system to this relay.
- Ensure the relay cuts power to the lights when the key is off.
- Test the setup thoroughly.
- Expert Tip: This solution is particularly useful for older golf cart models that don’t have modern electrical systems. It’s a great way to modernize the electrical system and prevent issues.
Golf Cart Models Where These Solutions Worked
- Various models including EZGO, Club Car, and Yamaha from different years.