I want my lights to turn off when my key switch is off.

Superman51

Hey Guys,
Now that I am waiting on a new controller I am finishing up some of the cosmetics. I’ve tried to fine the answer to this but I can’t.

I want to wire all my lights so that they can only turn on if the key switch is in the on position. This way if they are accidently left on or bumped on, and the key switch is in the off position, they will not come on. They will be running of an additional 12V battery. Thanks.

BGW

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turkeyshooter

Seems like you would just have to run your wire from your light switch over to the on position side of the ignition/on/off switch, so that your light switch only has juice when your key switch is on. Remember electricity is like running water in a sense and all a switch is is the *** or breaker. You are just putting a break in the circuit. Have your hot wire for the lights come from your on key switch connection. I may get corrected on this, but seems like it would work. Then again it may not with the extra battery.

wizardket

NO! Don't do that. That has pack voltage and on a series cart, only in forward or reverse! you could take negative from 1 battery back (Neg on 5, Pos on 6) but again, only in F or R. The 3 position switches are wired differently, it has a 12v side.

wizardket

I was thinking of wiring mine so the interlock lead went to the key first then back to the F&R and using a relay to isolate the lights but not sure the wisdom of that move. I am very comfortable with electric wiring and can easily plan on the different paths current can flow so as not to cause a short. Still not sure I would step someone else through it. It adds to later problems where the wrong wire crossed could put 24, 36 or 48v to the wrong thing. It also creates issues later with troubleshooting.

Superman51

So there really isn’t any good way to do it?

wizardket

I can write up the procedure for use with the simple on off switch and with or without a 12v relay. I would like to hear from some of the seniors (old guys ). I have read that you should use the middle two batteries in the pack (assuming 6v battery) and not the last or first two. My method could use any set or a separate battery for the load and the last two just to power the relay.

This would change how the micro switches are hooked up. That is why I would like the input.

gornoman

Superman51, you want a 3-position keyswitch. I think they are about $15 or so.

wizardket

For me I do not anything to work with the switch off, no Horn, Brake Light or Turn Signals. The 3 position switch only operates lights. My plan was to put the relay before a fuse block to stop all.

gornoman

The 3 position switch can be the MAIN for your entire 12v system if you wire it that way.

wizardket

So in on position 1 it has 12v available or only in position 2? If the later, then you still need the headlight switch.