Hey community. My EZGO golf cart’s brake lights are giving me a hard time and I think its the brake light relay thats the issue. My brakes either stay on when they shouldn’t or don’t come on at all. Anyone else had this issue?
Response
Hi! I do understand your frustration as I had a similar issue with my 2009 EZGO RXV. I ended up replacing the existing relay with a 24V Hella Relay, and it worked like a charm.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using a 24V Hella Relay | 1 | Replaced the relay, and it worked | $20 | 20-30 |
| Using a Timer Control | 1 | Installed a timer control | $15 | 15-25 |
| Using Factory Relay | 1 | Used a factory relay with part 604110 | $25 | 20-30 |
Symptoms
- Brake lights stay on when the parking brake is set
- Brake lights don’t come on when the brake pedal is pressed
- Brake lights flicker intermittently
Possible Causes
- Faulty relay
- Wiring issues
- Timer control malfunction
- Controller output problems
Solutions that Worked
1. Using a 24V Hella Relay
What I Did:
Replaced the existing relay with a 24V Hella Relay.
Outcome:
The brake lights started functioning correctly.
Personal Experience:
After replacing the relay, the brake lights worked as expected.
Estimated Cost:
$20
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery for safety.
- Locate the existing relay in your golf cart, usually found under the seat or dashboard.
- Use a screwdriver to remove any screws securing the old relay.
- Disconnect the old relay by unplugging the connectors.
- Connect the 24V Hella Relay, making sure to match the wire colors.
- Secure the new relay with screws if necessary.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the brake lights to ensure they are working correctly.
Expert Tip:
Always disconnect the battery before working on electrical components to avoid any accidental short circuits. Also, make sure to wear insulated gloves for extra safety.
2. Using a Timer Control
What I Did:
Installed a timer control connected to the brake switch and relay socket.
Outcome:
The brake lights turned off when the parking brake was set.
Personal Experience:
The timer control solved the issue of brake lights staying on.
Estimated Cost:
$15
Time Needed:
15-25 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the brake switch and relay socket, usually found under the dashboard.
- Open the timer control package and read the installation instructions carefully.
- Connect the timer control according to the wiring diagram provided.
- Use zip ties or electrical tape to secure any loose wires.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the brake lights to ensure they are working correctly.
Expert Tip:
Make sure to understand the wiring schematics thoroughly before installing a timer control. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, consider hiring a professional.
3. Using Factory Relay
What I Did:
Replaced the existing relay with a factory relay with part number 604110.
Outcome:
The brake lights started functioning correctly.
Personal Experience:
Using a factory relay solved the issue.
Estimated Cost:
$25
Time Needed:
20-30 minutes
Steps:
- Turn off the golf cart and disconnect the battery.
- Locate the existing relay in your golf cart.
- Use a wrench or screwdriver to remove any fasteners holding the old relay.
- Disconnect the old relay by unplugging the connectors.
- Connect the factory relay with part number 604110, ensuring the connectors are secure.
- Re-fasten the new relay using the original fasteners.
- Reconnect the battery and turn on the golf cart.
- Test the brake lights to ensure they are working correctly.
Expert Tip:
When dealing with electrical components like relays, it’s always safer to stick to factory parts to avoid damaging the controller. Also, keep the old relay as a backup in case of emergencies.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2009 EZGO RXV
- 2010 EZGO RXV
- 2008.3 Club Car Precedent
Extra tips
- If you’re still facing issues after trying these solutions, it might be a good idea to check the brake pedal switch. Sometimes, a faulty switch can cause the brake lights to malfunction.
- Always keep a multimeter handy. It’s a great tool for diagnosing electrical issues and can save you a lot of time and guesswork.