ICON Charger Interlock

ICON vehicles are equipped with a built-in safety feature called the charger interlock. This system prevents the vehicle from moving while it is plugged into the charger, helping ensure no one accidentally drives away while still connected.

While this is a useful safety feature, it is not required for vehicle operation. The vehicle is configured from the factory to use it, and some higher-quality lithium battery manufacturers provide provisions to retain the function. However, many lower-cost replacement lithium battery options—especially those commonly found on Amazon—do not include support for maintaining the charger interlock.

If the interlock is not disabled or bypassed, the vehicle will power up normally but will not move forward or backward.

If your new battery system does not support the interlock, there are several ways to disable or bypass it so the vehicle can be used normally.

Options to Disable or Bypass the Charger Interlock

1. Disable via programming (ICON controller – ICONLive software)
If you have the ICON controller programming cable, you can disable the charger interlock in the controller settings.

  • Under tab 03 – “Vehicle Settings”
  • Locate parameter 03.07.02 “Charge Link Logic”
  • Change the value in the “Running” column from “0” to “1”
  • Save the changes

Programming cables available here: http://icon.cartcables.com


2. Disable via programming (NEOS controller – NEOS Tune software)
The interlock can also be disabled through NEOS Tune software using the appropriate programming cable.

  • Under the first section “Switch” then “Other Switch Settings”
  • Locate parameter 5 “Charging Safety Lockout Logic”
  • Change the value in the “NEW” column from “1” to “0.” (On some vehicles, it may be the opposite—whatever value is currently set, change it to the other: 1 → 0 or 0 → 1.)
  • Save the changes

Programming cables available here: http://icon.cartcables.com


3. Use an interlock jumper (plug-and-play)
An inexpensive charger interlock jumper can be installed without modifying the wiring. This is a simple plug-and-play solution.

Plug and play jumper available here:
https://www.cartcables.com/products/icon-charger-interlock-jumper

 

4. Cut and splice the factory connectors
You can remove the connector and splice the wires together using a butt connector. The interlock cable uses a 2-pin, “T”-shaped connector.

  • Disconnect battery before cutting into wires on your vehicle harness!
  • To avoid cutting the vehicle harness, cut the connector on the charger side and splice those wires to create a jumper like the one suggested above.
  • If you don’t mind cutting your vehicle harness and or you plan on trying to resell your OEM charger, you can also cut and splice on the cart side.

Factory chargers generally have low resale value, so modifying the charger side is typically the better option.


5. Leave the original charger installed (least desirable option)
For reasons unknown, some owners choose to leave the factory charger in the vehicle but disconnected. In this case, you can simply reconnect the charger’s 2-pin interlock connector to the vehicle harness and leave it in place unused.