There is no voltage to my EZGO key switch

My trusty EZGO golf cart is giving me a major headache. There’s absolutely no voltage at the key switch, and I’m clueless about what to do next. It’s like the cart’s completely dead when I turn the key.

Response

I had a similar scare with my cart. For me, it turned out to be a simple fix – the reed switch in the charger receptacle was the culprit. Replacing it resolved the issue.

Solutions that Worked for Users

Solution	Users Who Found Success	Approx. Cost (USD)	Approx. Time Needed (Minutes)
Blown Reed Switch in Battery Charger Receptacle	2	$20 – $50	30 – 60
Bypassing the Micro Switch	1	$0 – $10	15 – 30
Checking for Broken Wires in the Harness	1	$0 – $20	30 – 60

Symptoms

• Complete lack of voltage at the key switch.
• Golf cart unresponsive to key turns.

Possible Causes

• A malfunctioning reed switch in the charger receptacle.
• A faulty micro switch.
• Damaged or disconnected wires in the harness.

Detailed Solutions that Worked

1. Blown Reed Switch in Battery Charger Receptacle

• What I Did: Replaced a faulty reed switch in the charger receptacle.
• Outcome: This restored the power flow to the key switch, and the cart started up.
• Personal Experience: I was baffled by the lack of voltage at the key switch. A closer look at the charger receptacle revealed a blown reed switch. Swapping it out solved the problem.
• Estimated Cost: $20 – $50
• Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Safety First: Disconnect the battery to prevent any electrical hazards.
  2. Locate the Charger Receptacle: This is typically near the cart’s charging port.
  3. Inspect the Reed Switch: Look for a small, tube-like component within the receptacle.
  4. Test for Continuity: Use a multimeter to check if the reed switch is functioning.
  5. Replace if Necessary: If the reed switch is faulty, carefully remove it and install a new one.
  6. Reassemble and Test: Put everything back together and reconnect the battery. Turn the key to see if the issue is resolved.
• Handy Tips: Keep a spare reed switch handy in your toolkit. They’re relatively inexpensive and can be a quick fix for such issues.
• Expert Insight: Regularly cleaning the charger receptacle can prevent debris from damaging the reed switch.

2. Bypassing the Micro Switch

• What I Did: Temporarily connected the wires of the micro switch to diagnose the issue.
• Outcome: This helped determine if the micro switch was faulty.
• Personal Experience: Bypassing the micro switch was a quick way to pinpoint the problem.
• Estimated Cost: $0 – $10
• Time Needed: 15 – 30 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Identify the Micro Switch: Usually located near the forward and reverse switch.
  2. Disconnect the Wires: Carefully remove the wires attached to the micro switch.
  3. Bypass the Switch: Temporarily connect these wires together.
  4. Test the Key Switch: Check if bypassing the micro switch restores voltage.
  5. Replace if Needed: If the test is successful, replace the micro switch with a new one.
• Handy Tips: Label the wires before disconnecting to avoid confusion during reassembly.
• Expert Insight: Regularly testing the micro switch with a multimeter can help catch issues early.

3. Checking for Broken Wires in the Harness

• What I Did: Conducted a thorough inspection of the wiring harness.
• Outcome: Found and fixed a broken wire, which restored the key switch voltage.
• Personal Experience: A meticulous check of the harness revealed a hidden broken wire.
• Estimated Cost: $0 – $20
• Time Needed: 30 – 60 minutes
• Detailed Steps:
  1. Inspect the Harness: Look for signs of wear, tear, or damage in the wiring.
  2. Test for Continuity: Use a multimeter to check each wire in the harness.
  3. Repair Damaged Wires: Solder or use wire connectors to fix any broken wires.
  4. Secure the Harness: Ensure all wires are properly insulated and secured.
  5. Recheck the Key Switch: Test the voltage at the key switch after repairs.
• Handy Tips: Use cable ties to organize wires and prevent them from getting damaged.
• Expert Insight: Regular inspections of the wiring harness can prevent many electrical issues in golf carts.

Golf Cart Models Where This Worked

• These solutions are generally applicable to various EZGO golf carts, though specific models and years were not consistently mentioned.