Wiring turn signal to only work when key is on

[razor1]

My cart has a light/turn signal kit installed but the way the manufacturer has you wire everything doesn't make sense.

The brake switch gets power directly from the hot lead going to the switch, which means the brake switch works regardless if the key is on or off. The lights only work if the third position is engaged on the key switch, all this is good so far. The turn signal gets its power by tapping into the brake switch wiring, which means it's independent of the key switch and if you leave the turn signal engaged it will keep running.

It appears that the key switch has 4 prongs. Does anyone know a better way to wire the turn signal so it only operates when the key is on?

I usually can figure these things out, but for some reason this one has be puzzled. Maybe because I'm not exactly sure what each prong on the key switch does. Thanks

[as350pilot]

The key switch with 4 prongs is just two switches. The existing wiring should be coming from your controller to activate it when the key switch is on. The other two prongs are and on/off for lights. when the key is in the first ON position the controller will turn on. When in the second ON position it will turn the controller on and the lights ON (once you have the lights wired to it.)

On mine the 12v+ of the lights runs to the switch and the other side of the switch runs to the wiring harness of the lights.

[razor1]

How much voltage is going through the controller side of the switch? 36 volts?

My issue is if I wire the turn signal through the light side of the switch, I have no turn signals without turning on the lights. If I wire the turn signal through the controller side, and it's pulling 36 volts, I blow my turn signals.

[as350pilot]

Originally Posted by razor1

How much voltage is going through the controller side of the switch? 36 volts?

My issue is if I wire the turn signal through the light side of the switch, I have no turn signals without turning on the lights. If I wire the turn signal through the controller side, and it's pulling 36 volts, I blow my turn signals.

Should be 36v. I have mine so that the lights have to be on to use the turn signal and brake lights...

The other way to do it is to use a 36v relay and wire it so when you turn the switch on for the controller it can then apply 12v to the turn signal and brake lights, and use the second position on your key switch to turn on the lights.

[yurtle]

I'm not familiar with your light system, but I've heard folks comment that the brake light has a timer, so when you're parked, it eventually turns off. Perhaps the turn signal does too?

[razor1]

The turn signal unfortunately does not have a timer. I realized this when I thought there was a disco in my garage one night, after my wife forgot to turn them off.

The relay is great idea, if I can buy one cheap enough. I know Relays have a load and a coil voltage, right? Correct me if I'm wrong, does this means I need one rated for 36v on the coil and 12v on the load? Do they make that animal?