Your kid jumps in their 12V Jeep. They stomp on the pedal. You hear a “CLICK.” And… nothing.
The headlights are on. The radio is playing “Baby Shark.” The battery is fully charged. But the car is dead.
Most parents assume the motor is blown or the battery is bad. They are usually wrong.
If you hear a distinct “Click” when the pedal is pressed, your motors and battery are likely fine. The problem is a $5 part hidden under the foot pedal called the Plunger Switch.
Here is how to clean it and get the car running again in 10 minutes (for free).
The Diagnosis: Is it the Switch?
Before you unscrew anything, do this 30-second test:
-
Turn the Car On. Turn on the lights/radio.
-
Lift the Rear Wheels: Put the car on a bucket so the wheels are in the air.
-
Press the Pedal with your Hand: Listen closely near the back wheels.
-
Do you hear a faint “Click”? That means power is trying to get to the motors, but the connection is dirty. Proceed to Step 1.
-
Is it totally silent? You likely have a blown fuse or a disconnected wire.
-
Step 1: Locate the Plunger Switch
The “Gas Pedal” isn’t a computer chip. It is just a simple spring-loaded switch that jams two pieces of copper together to complete the circuit.
-
Remove the Pedal: usually held in by 1 or 2 Phillips screws.
-
Pull it Out: Gently lift the pedal assembly out of the floorboard. You will see wires connected to a black or white plastic box (the switch).
-
Unplug the Wires: (Take a photo first so you know which wire goes where!).
Step 2: The “Sandpaper” Trick (The Fix)
Over time, dirt, sand, and “electrical arcing” create a layer of black carbon on the copper contacts inside the switch. This black layer blocks the electricity.
-
Open the Switch: Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pry open the plastic clips on the side of the switch box.
-
Warning: There is a spring inside! Don’t let it fly across the room.
-
-
Find the Copper: Inside, you will see a copper “See-Saw” plate and two metal contact points.
-
Check for Black Spots: Are the contact points black or pitted? That is your problem.
-
Scrub It: Use a piece of sandpaper (or even a nail file) to scrub the black soot off until the copper is shiny and gold again.
-
Reassemble: Put the spring back, snap the case shut, and plug the wires back in.
Test it: Press the pedal. The wheels should spin instantly. You just saved $50.
Step 3: What if the Motors are Dead?
If you cleaned the switch and it still just clicks, one of your motors might be seized.
-
Disconnect One Motor: Unplug the wire going to the Left motor. Try the pedal.
-
Swap: Plug Left back in, unplug Right. Try the pedal.
-
Result: If the car runs (in circles) with only one motor plugged in, the other motor is dead and shorting out the system. You need a replacement 550 Gearbox.
When to Buy a New Switch?
If the switch was melted, cracked, or full of rust, cleaning won’t last long.
-
Search Amazon for: “6 Pin Power Wheels Shifter Switch” or “Plunger Foot Switch Ride On.”
-
They cost about $8 for a pack of two.
Disclaimer: Always disconnect the battery before working on wiring. This guide covers standard 12V ride-on cars (Best Choice Products, Kid Trax, generic). Name-brand “Power Wheels” may have different connectors.
