7 Symptoms Of A Bad Micro Switch On The Golf Cart

A golf cart is essential on the golf course as such care must be taken to ensure no problems develop with it. A golf cart enables a golfer to navigate the golf course with relative ease without the need to carry heavy golf clubs, as such it is important to always trouble shoot the golf cart components to ensure they do not develop any problems and particularly the micro switch since it plays a crucial role in the functioning of the golf cart.

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Micro Switch Build

Micro switches are used in many golf cart applications, for example, they are used on the accelerator pedal to provide the signal to the solenoid that one has depressed the pedal and is ready to go. Micro switches are also used as part of the forward and reverse direction selector switches on many golf carts. In this application they can provide a signal to indicate which direction the switch is in, or to activate a reverse buzzer. Micro switches are usually very reliable and work for a very long time without the need for repair or replacement. However, they can develop problems which need to be attended too. The micro switch can go bad and care is needed to observe the several symptoms of a bad micro switch that may be observed.

1. Stuck Mechanical Switch

The mechanical switch of a golf cart can get stuck and fail to turn over when charged as such the golf cart will not respond as intended, for example one symptom of a bad micro switch is when the forward/ reverse switch is put in the forward position but does not result in the trolley moving forward. It is therefore crucial to inspect the micro switch to ensure it does not get stuck and hence hindering the performance of the golf cart.

2. Bad Wiring

The wiring in a golf cart micro switch can get frayed or damaged as such resulting in shorting or null connections. The micro controller will fail to transmit the electrical signals and the golf cart will fail to respond as intended. Ensure the wiring is properly put in place. Visible symptoms of a bad micro switch with faulty connection wires will be observed through the failure of the overall structure that affects power flow resulting in a golf cart that does not work as intended.

3. Dislocations Of The Micro Switch

Dislocations of the micro switch from its standard position can also occur and visible symptoms of a bad micro switch, especially on the forward reverse switch is a moving switch that is not rigid and makes rattling sounds as such always check the switch to ensure it is securely fixed.

4. Inappropriate Voltage Readings

One symptom of a bad golf cart micro switch is inappropriate voltage readings on the voltmeter. To test the voltage supply set the voltmeter to continuity or OHMS as both read a similar flow of power. The next step is to identify the 36-volt side of the switch. It should be labeled directly on the body of the switch. This is usually the input side. Identify the negative and positive connections of the micro switch and tape the positive to the side of the golf cart or a grounded part to avoid power flow. Treat the negative terminal also in a similar way and put the voltmeter probes on the proper terminals. The voltmeter should read continuity meaning electricity is flowing through it.  A symptom of a bad micro switch is one where the voltmeter does not read continuity. Check the mechanical switch- a small metal part- and flick it to its other position, this should set the micro switch back to continuity.

5. No Starting Action

The micro switch is used on many golf carts like the EZGO golf cart on the accelerator pedal to power the solenoid. One symptom of a bad micro switch is a golf cart that stops responding to the accelerator pedal and as result the cart will fail to pick up the desired speed or fail to move off, if it was stationary. When this occurs, the micro switch needs troubleshooting to ensure it is restored to its proper working condition. This problem can be caused by damaged connections as such these need to be repaired or replaced. The micro switch may also need to be reset.

6. Uncontrolled Speed Changes

Particular golf carts like the EZGO golf carts, including the RXV and EZGO TXT can have bad micro switches. One symptom of this bad micro switch is uncontrolled speed changes and failure to drive at constant speed. If these symptoms are observed, it is advisable to inspect the micro switch of the accelerator pedal to ensure it is functioning as intended and fix any problems that may have developed.

7. Stopping And Starting

One obvious symptom of a bad micro switch on a golf cart and particularly the EZGO golf cart, is the tendance of the golf cart to stop and start while running. If such a case arises the first thing to do, to solve the problem, is to test the micro switches in the golf cart and have them fixed if broken. It is recommended to check the voltage continuity using a voltmeter and also checking for any damaged connections. One way to test the micro switch of a golf cart is to bypass the micro switch. This is done by using a jumper wire to jump the power from the 48V positive terminal to the small positive terminal on the solenoid. The next step is turning the key to the on position and pressing the accelerator causing the wheels to spin. This should be done when the golf cart is set to the service mode and the rear wheels lifted to access the underside of the golf cart. When jumped, the starter should turn when the key switch is turned to the Forward or Reverse positions, hence showing the problem was with the micro switch.

Conclusion

In conclusion the micro switch is an essential component of the golf cart particularly with electric golf carts. Without the micro switch the accelerator pedal and the forward/reverse switch will not produce the required results, as such always inspect the micro switch to ensure it produces the required results. Check for any burnt, old and damaged connections that may affect its operation. The symptoms of a bad micro switch can usually be observed when the golf cart fails to start, fails to accelerate or the golf cart fails to go forward or reverse when the forward/reverse switch is operated. As such troubleshooting the switch is essential to ensure it performs as intended.