Are Golf Cart Keys All The Same? Are They Universal?

Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Chuck Wilson

Are golf cart keys all the same? Are they universal? Yes, as long as it is the same manufacturer, such as all E-Z-Go 1982 and up. Golf cart keys come in universal sets for each golf cart manufacturer with only a few exceptions.

With all of the moving parts the golf cart has, the one item that gets removed most often is the golf cart key. This makes it prone to losing, sometimes temporarily, sometimes for good. So, unless you want to hotwire your golf cart, you’re going to have to find a replacement key.

Golf Cart Keys By Manufacturer

EZ-GO Golf Cart Keys

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Club Car golf carts

Club Car golf carts have one key that fits all DS and Precedents 1982 and up.

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Yamaha golf carts

Yamaha comes with two different keys that fit their models. Yamaha G1-G11 uses a common key, and G14-G29 uses a different common key.

Brand	Key Description	Compatible Models	Part Number
E-Z-Go	Replacement key	1976-current, except RXV Vehicles	17063G1
E-Z-Go	RXV key	2008 and up gas and electric vehicles	606993
Club Car	Universal key	DS and Precedents cart models 1982 and up	No Part Number
Club Car	Standard key	Electric models and gas models	No Part Number
Yamaha	Common key	G1-G11 models	J17-82511-20/ J17-82511-20-YY
Yamaha	Common key	G14, G16, G19, G22, G29/Drive models	1012505, 1920, ELI80-0194

How To Start A Golf Cart Without A Key

If you need to get going and cannot get the replacement golf cart keys before having to drive the cart, there are a couple of other methods to start the golf cart without a key.

You can see if a friend or golf cart owner neighbor has a cart with the same make and model, then borrow the key for a while…or…

You can try to “pick” the lock by using a flat-bladed screwdriver. You first slide the screwdriver into the lock until it meets resistance or comes up against the tumblers. jiggle the screwdriver up and down while applying light pressure turning the key in the clockwise direction. This often settles the pins into the tumbler and allows the cylinder to rotate and switch the ignition on.

While this may work in theory, it’s important to note that this method is not recommended. Attempting to pick a lock can result in damage to the lock mechanism itself, and potentially void any warranty you may have.

If these methods fail to switch on the power, then you might need to resort to hotwiring your golf cart.

Hot Wiring A Golf Cart

This is what you can do if the above tips don’t work for starting your golf cart. Caution should be exercised to prevent shock or fire. You will be connecting two points in the circuit, either by disconnecting the wires and taping them together or by jumpering them with a piece of wire and two alligator clips on either end.

Find the electrical diagram for your model cart either in the manual or on this site to verify the correct wires to jump. The above basic switch is an illustration of the two points to connect, effectively bypassing the switch altogether.

After these two points are connected, pressing the accelerator should either turn over the gasoline engine or start the electrical motor turning.

Good luck and be sure to get that key replacement ordered and in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions