
Symptoms of a Failing Ignition Key Switch
Before ordering parts, confirm the machine's symptoms point to the key switch and not a deeper electrical problem. Here’s what to look for:
- Machine is completely dead: You turn the key and get nothing—no display, no contactor click—even with a fully charged battery pack.
- Intermittent power to controls: The machine might power up, but functions die when you try to lift or drive. Wiggling the key sometimes restores power temporarily. This is a classic sign of worn internal contacts.
- Machine shuts down during use: Vibration from driving or operating the lift causes the faulty switch to lose connection, killing all power.
- Fault Code 18 is displayed: This code specifically means the ECU is seeing an invalid voltage from the key switch circuit. It's a direct confirmation of the failure.

Tools Required
This is a fast job if you have the right gear.
- Digital Multimeter: Non-negotiable for testing continuity and voltage.
- 7mm or 8mm socket/nut driver: For the control box cover bolts.
- Needle-nose pliers: For carefully unplugging the harness connector.
- Adjustable wrench or pliers: To remove the switch's retaining nut.
- Service Manual: For the wiring diagram to be 100% sure you're testing the correct pins.
Safety Warning
Disconnect the main negative battery terminal before opening the control box. Working on a live electrical system is a fast way to fry the ECU or cause personal injury. Chock the wheels and ensure the platform is fully lowered before starting any work.

The Technical Guide: Finding the Right Part
Nothing kills a job faster than hunting through parts manuals. This guide is your direct cross-reference for matching the right ignition switch to your Sinoboom lift so you can get an in-stock equivalent overnight instead of waiting weeks on a dealer.
How to Identify Your Switch
Before checking the table, verify these details on your old switch to avoid ordering the wrong part:
- Key Blade Type: Is it single-sided or double-sided?
- Switch Barrel Diameter: Ensure the threaded body will fit the hole in your control box.
- Pin Count and Connector Shape: This is critical. Most modern Sinobooms use a 3-pin connector. An older machine might have a 2-pin. Mismatching this will prevent the switch from working and could damage the machine's controller.
Sinoboom Ignition Key Cross-Reference Matrix
This matrix is built for speed. Find your model, confirm the OEM part number, and identify the correct aftermarket replacement. The good news is Sinoboom standardized the 203060000066 ignition switch across most of its popular electric and diesel models. You can find more details in the official Sinoboom maintenance manuals.
| Sinoboom Model | Model Year Range | OEM Key Part Number | Aftermarket Cross-Reference | Notes (Blade Type, Pins) | | :------------------------- | :--------------- | :------------------ | :-------------------------- | :--------------------------- | | GTJZ Series | 2015 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTJZ0612 | 2015 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTJZ0812 | 2015 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTJZ1012 | 2015 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTJZ1212 | 2016 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTJZ1412 | 2016 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTZZ Series (Articulating) | | | | | | GTZZ15J | 2017 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTZZ18J | 2017 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | GTZZ25J (Diesel) | 2018 - Present | 203060000066 | CLS-UNIV-KEY-01 | Standard Double-Sided, 3-Pin | | Older/Legacy Models | | | | | | GTJZ0408 | Pre-2015 | 203060000045 | Contact for match | Single-Sided Blade, 2-Pin | | GTJZ0608 | Pre-2015 | 203060000045 | Contact for match | Single-Sided Blade, 2-Pin |
Note: Components may vary by Gen 1 vs Gen 2 series. Verify with your parts manual or by visually inspecting the connector if you're unsure.
The Part You Need
The biggest enemy of a mechanic is downtime caused by dealer lead times. Waiting 6-8 weeks for a common part like an ignition switch from China is unacceptable. The universal switch (CLS-UNIV-KEY-01) is a direct, OEM-compatible replacement for Sinoboom part 203060000066. It has the correct 3-pin connector and fits dozens of Sinoboom models, plus many Dingli lifts.
China Lift Supply stocks this universal ignition switch in the US, so you can turn a month-long problem into an overnight fix. Explore more Sinoboom parts and other aerial lift parts to avoid downtime.
<iframe width="100%" style="aspect-ratio: 16 / 9;" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LKxb56jZInc" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>How to Test and Replace the Ignition Switch
Don't replace a part without proving it's bad. A quick multimeter test confirms the fault.
Testing the Old Switch
- Disconnect the battery. Open the control box.
- Unplug the harness from the back of the ignition switch.
- Set your multimeter to continuity (beep setting).
- Test the 'Off' position: Probe the terminals. There should be no beep. If it beeps, the switch is shorted internally.
- Test the 'On' position: Insert and turn the key. Probe the power input and output terminals. You must hear a solid beep. No beep means the contacts are shot.
Step-by-Step Replacement
- Confirm the battery is disconnected.
- Unplug the harness connector from the old switch.
- Remove the retaining nut from the front of the switch.
- Push the old switch out from the back of the control panel.
- Install the new switch, seating any alignment tabs correctly.
- Tighten the retaining nut. Be careful not to overtighten and crack the plastic panel. Refer to your specific service manual for torque values—do not overtighten.
- Reconnect the harness, then the battery terminal. Test for power before closing the control box.
Troubleshooting Beyond the Key Switch
If a new switch doesn't fix it, the problem is elsewhere in the starting circuit. Check these next.
Emergency Stop Button
The E-stop is the next most common failure point. Vibration and moisture cause it to fail internally. Test it with your multimeter on the continuity setting. It should have no continuity when pushed in and full continuity (a solid beep) when pulled out. No beep when it's pulled out means it's bad.
Main Contactor
The main contactor is the heavy-duty relay that powers the whole machine. A classic symptom of failure is hearing a faint "click" when you turn the key, but getting no power. The click is the coil trying to close, but the main contacts are too pitted or burnt to pass voltage. Visually inspect for arcing or carbon buildup. For more, see our Sinoboom troubleshooting guides.
Wiring Harness Connector
Don't overlook the simple stuff. Pull the connector off the back of the ignition switch and inspect the pins. Look for green/white corrosion or any pins that have been pushed back into the plastic housing. A single loose pin will create an open circuit.
Common Questions from the Field
Can I use a JLG or Genie key in my Sinoboom?
No. While a key blade might physically fit, the ignition switch it's designed for will have a different pin configuration. Using the wrong switch can send voltage to the wrong circuit and fry the ECU. Stick to a verified cross-reference part.
What does Sinoboom Fault Code 18 mean?
Fault Code 18 is a key switch input error. The ECU is not seeing the correct voltage when the key is turned on. This is a direct confirmation that the ignition switch has failed internally.
How do I know my control box generation?
- Gen 1 (Pre-2015): Typically have metal control boxes and may use an older 2-pin ignition switch.
- Gen 2 (Post-2015): Use molded plastic control boxes with a digital display. These almost always use the standard 3-pin ignition switch (OEM 203060000066).
Can't wait 6 weeks for this part? We have it on the shelf in Kansas. Check the price and availability here: https://www.chinaliftsupply.com.



