G16 wiring question

[sahbnh]

I installed a 12V battery meter directly to the battery of my 99 G16. Only problem is that it pulls constantly and will eventually wear down the battery. Was wondering if I could hook this up to the key switch, so it only works when the key is on? If so where is the best place to tap into the key switch? Also, would I just take the power cable from the positive battery post and tap into the key switch? Thanks in advance!

[technoid]

Originally Posted by sahbnh

I installed a 12V battery meter directly to the battery of my 99 G16. Only problem is that it pulls constantly and will eventually wear down the battery. Was wondering if I could hook this up to the key switch, so it only works when the key is on? If so where is the best place to tap into the key switch? Also, would I just take the power cable from the positive battery post and tap into the key switch? Thanks in advance!

If you don't have a good understanding of electrical wiring I would not attempt to make any changes to the electrcal system of your cart. What I have done with mine was to wiring in a set of 20 amp relays powered off the main key switch. When the key is off. Everything is off. Including the back up buzzer. I have installed head lights and tail lights on my G16 that work off one of the relays. The key switch is wired to operate the coil of a main power relay. This relay in turn sends power to a terminal buss. From there all the other relays that power things like the lights, volt meter, radio etc get the power from the buss. In your case the meter that you are using is a low impedance analog meter. Meters like that draw to much power. You need a high impedance meter. The digital kind. For now you can pick the power for the meter (you have) off the switch leg side of your main key switch. Take your voltmeter and touch one side to the bat neg. And the other to your main switch. Turn the key off. The side that does not read 12v is the side you want your meter to be on.

[Mike Mac]

Nother good one Noid!

Just don't understand why people want to hook up stuff that draws power from a cart that has very little power to start with.

[sahbnh]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

Nother good one Noid!

Just don't understand why people want to hook up stuff that draws power from a cart that has very little power to start with.

So hooking up a voltage meter to the battery will affect the power? The only reason I installed it was to cover a hole that was on the body.

[technoid]

Originally Posted by sahbnh

So hooking up a voltage meter to the battery will affect the power? The only reason I installed it was to cover a hole that was on the body.

The meter you have is analog. It will draw only a few miliamps. If you don't run your cart for many weeks with the meter direct to the battery, yes it will run down the battery. And if your battery is old with a weak cell it will run it down sooner.

[technoid]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

Nother good one Noid!

Just don't understand why people want to hook up stuff that draws power from a cart that has very little power to start with.

The generator puts out 15 amps max. Running lights, radio, etc won't effect it unless you put something on it that's heavy on current like an 12v heater. I run a pair of 55 watt head lights with red and yellow led marker lights. A radio draws very little. I don't have any problems keep the charge up.

[Mike Mac]

No, I just ment, putting all kinds of stuff on a low HP/ low amperage type car will only sap strength from it. I am the type that always thinks that "less is always better"- there's some things you just really don't need to know! Good luck!!

Every time Noid posts, I enjoy learning something from him. (and I always do)!! Just the way he explains things!!

[technoid]

Originally Posted by Mike Mac

No, I just ment, putting all kinds of stuff on a low HP/ low amperage type car will only sap strength from it. I am the type that always thinks that "less is always better"- there's some things you just really don't need to know! Good luck!!

Every time Noid posts, I enjoy learning something from him. (and I always do)!! Just the way he explains things!!

Well if its taking power away I have not noticed it. I'm into nice easy slow rides. Not speed or power. The wife and I love taking it out for a spin on a cool evening. And coming home in the dark. Lots of fun in the country. Take care guys and enjoy the nice spring weather!

[Mike Mac]

I guess thats where we differ buddy, cause Speed and Performance is the only reason I do it at all.