2013 48V acting dead unless tow switch is hit?

[OMRebels123]

Hey guys. First time posting here but I recently acquired a 2013 G29 electric cart that had solenoid/computer/new battery replaced at around $1200 cost of the previous owner(other 5 batteries from 2017). The cart runs fine most the time, but sometimes it wants to act like it’s completely dead unless I flip the tow switch. Earlier today I had to do so about 5 or 6 times before I could make it back to the house, charged the batteries (in run), turned the key and no “click” or anything. Then, I hit the tow switch and issue resolved, seems to be no problems for now. Does anyone know why this has to be activated so atleast once a day? I’m debating on carrying it to get looked at but I wanted to post here first. Thanks in advance!!

[cgtech]

Does it die while your driving, or only when stopped?

[OMRebels123]

Primarily when stopped (turning cart on for first time in the day). Yesterday it did it after driving it around the neighborhood after 15 min or so, but that’s been the lone occurrence of it happening while driving. That’s what concerned me.. I charged the batteries and had to flip the tow switch again to get it to start, but it’s been fine ever since. Idk if one battery being new and the others being 3 years old has anything to do with; they appear to be in decent shape but it’s not my area of expertise, either.

[cgtech]

Hmm, if one battery failed, I dont have much confidence in the others. BUT, I have seen the bigger black plastic tow/run switch fail too.

[cgtech]

This style has been more reliable.

[cgtech]

This style has been less reliable.

[cgtech]

Both were used by yamaha over the years.

Neither were actual pictures of genuine yamaha parts, just a representation of the styles of switches used.

[cgtech]

I think the first one was better because it was a "top notch" switch with silver contacts (and that's why it should be replaced with a top-notch switch). I think the second one was a cheaper "cop-out" by the bean counters to save money. The reason a top notch switch is needed is that it has to handle a large inrush of current when its flipped on, to fill the capacitors in the controller, which can absorb power at a high instantaneous rate.

[OMRebels123]

Originally Posted by cgtech

This style has been less reliable.

This is the switch on the cart, so it could very well be the reason why. It’s been running just fine ever since, so it may just be a situation where the switch needs flipped/flipped back to run every now and then. If so, suppose I’ll just go with it and cross my fingers!