Short answer: Mostly, yes. Most stock Club Car DS (early 1980s on), Precedent (2004 on) and standard-key Tempo and Onward carts take the same Club Car key, which aftermarket listings cross-reference to OEM 1012505. The exceptions are lithium Onward and Tempo models and 2014–2023 Carryalls (a different "1B" key family), carts fitted with an uncommon-key switch, rekeyed fleet carts, and keyless conversions.
That shared key is convenient when you lose one, and it is also why a standard Club Car key may start your neighbor's cart. Below is how to work out which key and which switch your cart actually uses.
The standard Club Car key
For decades Club Car fitted its carts with a common factory key. Replacement listings describe the same key as fitting DS carts from 1982 (some say mid-1983) onward and Precedent carts from 2004 onward. One independent guide adds Onward from 2017 and Tempo from 2018. Our Red Hawk KEY-CC1 keys and the CartClan 25-pack are both listed against that 1012505 reference.
The key is shared, but the switch is not. Gas and electric carts use different key switches, and the DS changed switches in 1996. If your key turns but nothing happens, or the switch is loose or cracked, you need a switch, not a key.
Where "same key" stops being true
- Lithium Onward and Tempo, and 2014–2023 Carryall. Parts suppliers list OEM 105068002, described as an "uncommon padded 1B" key, for all Onward and Tempo Lithium vehicles and for gas or electric Carryalls from 2014 to 2023. Aftermarket sets are sold as 1A, 1B and 1C keys. Look for the stamp on your existing key and match it exactly, for example with the LikeLion 1A/1B/1C set.
- Uncommon-key switches. Owners who want their cart to ignore everyone else's standard key fit a switch that comes with its own keys, such as the Huskey uncommon key switch for gas DS and Precedent. A standard key will not turn it.
- Rental, resort and fleet carts. These may have been rekeyed, so a used fleet cart can arrive with a non-standard switch.
- Keyless conversions. PIN-pad and push-button kits replace the key entirely. Our JTCMOJS keyless PIN pad lists DS and Precedent fitment on 36V and 48V carts.
- Other brands. A Club Car key is not a cross-brand key. EZGO and Yamaha use their own keys and switches.
Key and switch by model and year
This table pairs the key each model normally takes with the switch notes from the replacement listings we stock. OEM numbers are the references the listings give. Confirm them against your old part before ordering.
| Model / years | Stock key | Key switch (as listed) | Our replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| DS, 1983–1995 | Standard Club Car key | Earlier switch; listing cross-references 1012415 | WMPHE switch with 2 keys |
| DS electric, 1996+ | Standard Club Car key | 2-terminal, 36V/48V; references 101826201 | 10L0L DS electric switch |
| DS gas, 1996+ | Standard Club Car key | 4-terminal, 12V; references 101826301 | CartClan DS gas switch |
| Precedent electric, 2004+ | Standard Club Car key | 2-terminal; references 102508601 | 10L0L Precedent switch |
| Precedent and Onward gas, 2004+ | Standard Club Car key | 4-terminal on/off rotary | Mixopoly gas switch |
| Onward (2017+) and Tempo (2018+), standard-key versions | Standard Club Car key | Check the terminal count on your switch | Club Car keys and switches |
| Onward and Tempo Lithium; Carryall 2014–2023 | "1B" uncommon padded key (105068002); sold as 1A/1B/1C | Match the stamp on your existing key | Seacses 1A/1B/1C set |
Not sure whether you have a DS or a Precedent? Our DS vs Precedent guide shows the quick visual checks, and your serial number plate confirms the year.
Key or switch? How to tell what you need
- Lost key, switch fine: buy the key that matches your switch. On a stock DS or Precedent that is the standard Club Car key. On lithium Onward and Tempo models, match the 1A/1B/1C stamp.
- Key turns but the cart is dead, or the switch is loose: the switch is the likely fault. Pull it and count the terminals (2 or 4), and note whether the cart is gas or electric.
- Want a key only you can use: fit an uncommon-key switch, or go keyless.
- Bought a used fleet cart: try a standard key first. If it won't turn, the switch has probably been changed.
How to choose: a quick checklist
- Confirm the model (DS, Precedent, Onward, Tempo) and whether it is gas, electric or lithium.
- Read any stamp on your current key (1A, 1B, 1C).
- For a switch, match the powertrain and the terminal count, and check the OEM reference on the old part.
- Keep spare keys somewhere other than the cart. Club Car's Onward owner's manual also tells drivers to turn the key switch OFF and remove the key whenever they leave the vehicle, which is a good habit when so many carts share one key.
- Check your owner's manual or a Club Car dealer if your cart has been modified.
Browse everything in golf cart keys and ignition switches, Club Car keys and switches and Club Car DS keys and switches, or start from our golf cart parts hub.
Shop what this guide covers
- Golf cart keys and ignition switches
- Club Car keys and ignition switches
- Club Car DS keys and ignition switches
- Club Car golf cart parts
Frequently asked questions
Do all Club Car golf carts use the same key?
Most stock DS, Precedent and standard-key Tempo and Onward carts do. Lithium Onward and Tempo models and 2014–2023 Carryalls use a different "1B" key family, and carts with uncommon-key switches, rekeyed fleet switches or keyless kits are exceptions.
Will a Club Car key start an EZGO or Yamaha cart?
No. EZGO and Yamaha use their own keys and key switches, so a Club Car key is not a cross-brand key.
What do 1A, 1B and 1C mean on a Club Car key?
They are different key cuts sold for newer Club Car vehicles, such as lithium Onward and Tempo models and 2014–2023 Carryalls. Read the stamp on your existing key and buy the same code.
Is the key switch the same on gas and electric Club Cars?
No. Replacement listings show 2-terminal switches for 1996+ DS electric and 2004+ Precedent electric carts, and 4-terminal switches for gas DS, Precedent and Onward carts. Match the powertrain and terminal count.
Sources
- Golf Cart Search: "Are Golf Cart Keys Universal? Brand Guide (2026)" (standard Club Car key coverage and exceptions)
- ISParts: 105068002 Club Car key, uncommon padded 1B (Onward and Tempo Lithium, Carryall 2014–2023)
- Golf Cart Garage: Club Car DS gas 4-terminal key switch, 1996+ (OEM 101826301)
- Club Car Onward owner's manual (two-position OFF/ON key switch; remove the key when leaving the vehicle)
- Golfavero product listings for the keys and switches linked above (fitment and OEM references as listed on 2 October 2026)
Last verified: 2 October 2026. Specifications and fitment can change; if you spot an error, tell us and we will correct it.