EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

I am working on two carts that I beleive are EZ Go fleet carts. One is a '97 and one is a '98 and they have somewhat different wiring setups when it comes to the direction switch and the controller. But otherwise are similar. I am replacing the fuse block on the '97 in leu of a Sea Blue setup. The cart had factory lights on it that were broken when it was flipped and the owner mentioned adding tail lights, and 12v KC lights on the roof rack and front bumper. I have a feeling the front lights from the factory were 36 volt but the main wire was detroyed whent he batteries fell out so I can't test the lead to see. Can you guys help me with this? I haven't found a wiring diagrame that includes the accessory lights and I've heard mention of 36v to 12v converters so I am afraid thats what I need to run anything 12v.

Re: EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

The factory light bar is 12v.
'97 and '98 were identical electrically, so if you have different setups perhaps one of the carts is a DCS? Does either cart have a Run/Tow switch on the controller cover? Do both carts have a steel rod running from the F/R handle to a mechanical switch under the passenger seat?

Re: EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

The '97 model has no run/tow - maintenance switch and has the long bar to the f/r switch. The controller on this cart looks more like a 12v dc to 115v ac converter.

The '98 model has a run/tow - maintenance switch and has two microswitches on either side of the f/r switch so there is no bar.

Which one would be DCS and what is DCS?

Also if the factory light bar is 12v (1 car has it and 1 car did from my understanding before it was flipped) does this mean there are already 36v to 12v converters? What do they look like and where do I find them?

Re: EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

The '98 is a DCS cart, the '97 is a Series/Fleet cart. DCS stands for Drive Control System and was E-Z-Go's first attempt at regenerative braking to control runaway carts. It uses a sepex motor and controller system, and F/R is controlled electrically inside the controller. The Series/Fleet carts use a series motor and controller system and will free-wheel on downslopes. The F/R is handled by a large mechanical switch that reverses polarity and carries the full current from the pack. This is often a weak point in a Fleet cart.
A 12v accessory can be wired across 2-6v batteries in series to achieve 12v. This would eliminate the need for a 36v-12v convertor. These 2 batteries will wear down faster if used in this manner.

Re: EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

Wow, thank you for all of the information.

I guess if it will wear the batteries down it may be a good idea to switch up which 2 batteries its connected over the life of them or just get a converter.

I had to bypass the f/r switch on the DCS cart because the microswitch was not engaging at the front position. I found that the microswitch on the left side of the cart is a safety switch and is ingaged in both forward and reverse (this is the one I bypassed with a solid connection until I can figure out why it won't property engage) and the other is only engaged when the cart is in reverse. I hope this won't cause damage on a temperary basis.

Re: EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

If you move the 12v taps around it will help, but the best thing to do is use a 12v automotive charger across those 2 batteries to equalize the charge to the other 4. Mine is setup this way, and I keep a log of battery voltages. If I see those 2 getting weak I equalize them and they balance out. I only need to do this twice a year, but your results will vary.

Re: EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

I hadn't thought about a log. When I brought the two carts in I labeled the batteries and began to test them as I went along. Seams like it would be good information to log charges and voltages over the life of the batteries.

Re: EZ GO Fuse Block for accessory lights 36v? or 12v?
 

Ya can't decide what to do unless you know what's going on, that's my motto!