Yes, you can disconnect the governor on a golf cart to increase its top speed. This process, often referred to as golf cart speed limiter removal or bypassing golf cart governor, involves adjusting or overriding the device that restricts the cart’s maximum velocity.
Why Golf Carts Have Speed Governors
Most golf carts come from the factory set at a low speed. This is for good reason. Manufacturers install a speed governor for safety and legal compliance. These carts are often used on private property, like golf courses or large resorts. Local laws usually limit how fast these carts can travel on public roads, if they are street legal at all.
The governor limits how fast the motor can spin. This keeps the cart safe for all users. It also protects the motor and batteries from overwork, which can cause them to wear out faster. When people seek increasing golf cart speed limit, they are usually looking to improve performance for private use.
Locating the Golf Cart Governor
Where the governor is located depends on the type of cart you own. Carts use electric motors or gas engines, and the restriction method differs for each. Knowing your cart’s system is the first step in golf cart performance tuning.
Electric Cart Governors
Electric golf carts usually manage speed through the electronic controller. The controller limits the power going to the motor based on programming. This limitation is often called the electronic speed setting.
- Controller Location: The controller is a black box, usually located under the seat or near the batteries.
- Restriction Type: The restriction here is almost always software-based. There is no physical, mechanical governor like in a gas engine.
For electric carts, bypassing golf cart governor usually means changing the settings on this controller. Sometimes, a simple wire needs to be moved. Other times, it requires special tools.
Gas Engine Governors
Gas-powered golf carts use a mechanical governor attached directly to the engine. This device uses centrifugal force to regulate the throttle opening. As the engine speeds up, the governor pushes back, preventing the throttle from opening further.
- Engine Location: Look on the side of the engine, often near the carburetor linkage.
- Restriction Type: This is a physical, mechanical device.
To disable this, you need to adjust or physically remove the mechanical linkage involved in disabling golf cart speed restrictor.
Methods for Electric Cart Speed Adjustment
Electric carts offer more options for golf cart velocity adjustment. These methods range from simple adjustments to more complex component changes.
The Quick Fix: Jumper Wire Adjustment
Many older or simpler electric carts use a tow/run switch or a specific wire connection to manage speed settings. Some speed settings are programmed into the controller, accessible via a small plug or switch.
- Locate the Forward/Reverse Switch Area: Sometimes, the speed setting is controlled near the main F/R switch.
- Look for the Speed Settings Plug: Many carts have a small plug with multiple wires (often colored blue, white, or yellow). Consult your cart’s manual. Different positions or shorts across specific pins change the programmed speed limit.
- Change the Setting: Moving a jumper wire or plugging a connector into a different slot can activate a higher speed profile already stored in the controller.
This is the easiest form of golf cart controller modification.
Advanced Method: Controller Reprogramming
Modern carts, especially higher-end models, require specific software for true golf cart speed limiter removal.
- Consult the Manual: Check if your controller model supports programming. Common brands include Curtis, Navitas, and Alltrax.
- Acquire Programming Tool: You might need a handheld programmer device specific to your controller brand, or a laptop with proprietary software and a communication cable.
- Access Settings: Connect the programmer to the controller’s diagnostic port. You can then manually change parameters like acceleration rate, regeneration braking, and the maximum speed setting (often called “RPM limit” or “Speed Setting”).
This advanced work is key to increasing golf cart speed limit beyond factory settings. Be careful; pushing settings too high can damage the motor or controller.
Installing a Speed Chip
For some systems, users install an aftermarket component known as a golf cart speed chip installation. This device intercepts signals between the throttle pedal and the controller, tricking the controller into thinking the pedal isn’t fully pressed when it actually is, or bypassing the internal speed lock altogether.
- Purchase the Right Chip: Ensure the chip is made for your cart’s specific controller model (e.g., E-Z-GO TXT, Club Car Precedent).
- Installation: This involves cutting and splicing wires into the main wiring harness leading to the controller. Follow the chip manufacturer’s wiring diagram precisely.
Caution: Using a speed chip voids warranties quickly. If done incorrectly, it can cause electrical shorts.
Methods for Gas Engine Speed Adjustment
Gas carts require mechanical intervention for disabling golf cart speed restrictor. This involves manipulating the linkage connected to the mechanical governor assembly.
Adjusting the Mechanical Governor
The governor limits engine speed by controlling the throttle plate via a linkage system. To raise the speed, you need to limit how much the governor restricts the throttle.
- Locate the Governor Assembly: Find the governor box attached to the engine. You will see rods and linkages connecting it to the carburetor.
- Identify the Limiting Stop: There is usually a physical screw or stop that dictates the maximum travel of the throttle arm.
- Adjustment: Slowly back out the limiting screw a quarter turn at a time. Test the cart’s speed between adjustments. Too much adjustment causes the engine to over-rev, which can cause catastrophic failure (thrown rods, blown gaskets).
Warning: This is risky. Over-revving a small engine designed for low-speed operation is a fast way to destroy it.
Bypassing the Linkage (Advanced/Risky)
Some enthusiasts opt for completely bypassing golf cart governor linkage by installing a fixed throttle stop or modifying the linkage rod itself. This essentially locks the throttle wide open when the pedal is pressed fully, ignoring the governor’s input.
- Pro: Maximum potential speed increase.
- Con: Zero protection against engine over-revving. This requires careful monitoring of the engine’s RPMs using an aftermarket tachometer.
The Component Swap Alternative: Controller Upgrade
If simple software changes aren’t enough, the ultimate form of golf cart controller modification is upgrading the controller entirely.
When seeking significant speed increases, the stock controller often lacks the power capacity. A high-performance controller can deliver more current (amperage) to the motor, resulting in higher torque and speed, even without altering the factory speed limit settings.
| Controller Type | Typical Max Speed (Stock) | Speed Potential After Upgrade | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock 36V/48V | 12-15 MPH | 20-25 MPH | Easy to manage speed |
| High Performance 400A+ | 18-20 MPH | 25-30+ MPH | High torque and speed |
Upgrading the controller usually requires upgrading the solenoid and potentially the wiring harness to handle the increased current flow safely. This is part of serious golf cart performance tuning.
Essential Considerations After Speed Modification
Increasing speed affects more than just the motor. Other parts of the cart must be suitable for higher velocities. Ignoring these can lead to dangerous situations.
Tire Selection and Pressure
Stock golf cart tires are designed for low speeds. They might not be rated for highway speeds.
- Tread Pattern: Off-road or ATV tires handle higher speeds better than smooth turf tires.
- PSI Rating: Check the sidewall for the maximum pressure rating. Running tires correctly inflated is crucial for stability at speed. High-speed carts benefit from higher-quality, DOT-approved tires.
Brake System Integrity
Faster speeds require better stopping power. Stock brakes are designed for 15 mph stops, not 25 mph stops.
- Hydraulic Brakes: If your cart has hydraulic disc brakes, ensure they are properly bled and pads are new.
- Drum Brakes: Inspect mechanical drum brakes for wear. Many high-speed enthusiasts upgrade to full hydraulic brake kits for safety during golf cart velocity adjustment.
Battery Health (Electric Carts)
Higher speeds demand more current (amps). If your batteries are old or weak, they cannot supply this demand efficiently.
- Voltage Sag: Weak batteries will experience severe voltage sag when demanding high amps, causing the cart to slow down quickly under load.
- Solution: New, high-quality deep-cycle batteries or lithium conversion kits provide the necessary power burst for sustained higher speeds.
Removing Speed Chips from Golf Carts
If you have installed a golf cart speed chip installation and now wish to return to stock performance (perhaps for resale or street legality), removing speed chip from golf cart is usually straightforward.
- Locate the Chip: Trace the wiring harness where you installed the chip.
- Revert Wiring: Carefully disconnect the chip harness.
- Restore Connections: Reconnect the original wires that the chip was spliced into, following your installation notes or diagram in reverse.
If you cannot recall the original wiring, you may need to reset the main controller to factory defaults. This often involves disconnecting the main battery for an extended period (up to 30 minutes) or using the programming tool to load the default settings file.
Safety and Legal Aspects of Governor Removal
The primary reason for golf cart speed limiter removal is fun or utility, but the risks are significant.
Safety Hazards
When you remove the governor, you increase kinetic energy exponentially.
- Loss of Control: Faster turning means a higher chance of rolling over on sharp corners.
- Component Failure: Stock suspension, steering components, and brakes may fail under stress.
Legal Implications
In many jurisdictions, golf carts are restricted to low speeds (usually 15-20 mph). If you modify your cart beyond these limits, it may no longer be street legal, even if it was previously permitted.
- Insurance: An illegally modified vehicle may not be covered by your insurance in the event of an accident.
- Fines: Local law enforcement can issue tickets if they determine your cart exceeds posted neighborhood speed limits. Always check local ordinances before making modifications for golf cart velocity adjustment.
For those specifically interested in golf cart electronic governor bypass, the legal scrutiny can be less visible than with mechanical modifications, but the speed restrictions still apply if you drive on public streets.
Comprehending Controller Programming Terminology
When engaging in golf cart controller modification, you will encounter specific terms during programming. Knowing these terms helps you safely increase speed.
| Term | Meaning in Speed Tuning | Impact of Increasing Setting |
|---|---|---|
| RPM Limit | The maximum rotational speed the controller allows the motor to achieve. | Direct increase in top speed. |
| Field Current Limit (FC) | Controls how strongly the motor magnetic fields are energized. | Affects torque, especially at lower speeds. |
| Throttle Rate | How quickly the motor responds to pedal input. | Affects perceived acceleration (feels faster). |
| Regeneration Braking | How much power is sent back to the batteries when slowing down. | Reducing this can feel slightly faster coasting. |
Effective golf cart performance tuning balances the RPM Limit with adequate power delivery from the battery system.
Gas Engine Governor Bypass Terminology
For mechanical systems, the terms relate to linkage and physical stops.
- Throttle Stop: The physical point that limits the carburetor butterfly valve opening. Modifying this stops the governor from closing the throttle.
- Linkage Rod: The mechanical arm connecting the governor output to the throttle input. Bypassing golf cart governor often means inserting a spacer or replacing this rod with a fixed-length unit.
Always remember that disabling golf cart speed restrictor on a gas engine means you are completely relying on your right foot and engine durability.
Summary of Methods for Speed Increase
If your goal is raising the speed, here is a quick comparison of the common paths to increasing golf cart speed limit:
- Simple Wire Move (Electric): Fastest, easiest, lowest speed gain (usually 2-4 mph).
- Controller Reprogramming (Electric): Moderate to high speed gain, requires specific tools, good control over settings.
- Speed Chip Installation (Electric): High speed gain, easy installation (if you can splice wires), voids warranty.
- Mechanical Adjustment (Gas): Moderate speed gain, high risk of engine damage.
- Controller Upgrade (Electric): Highest speed and torque potential, highest cost.
No matter the method chosen, whether it is golf cart electronic governor bypass or mechanical removal, proceed with caution and prioritize safety checks on brakes and tires afterward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does removing the governor hurt my golf cart motor?
Yes, it can. Factory motors are designed to run within specific RPM limits. Constantly running the motor at or near its physical maximum RPM without proper cooling or current handling capacity from the controller will shorten the motor’s lifespan significantly through excessive heat and mechanical stress.
Can I increase the speed of my new lithium-powered golf cart?
Newer carts with high-end controllers (like Navitas or similar models) are easier to adjust using handheld programmers. Lithium batteries can handle the increased current draw better than older lead-acid packs, making speed upgrades safer and more effective, provided the controller allows programming access for golf cart velocity adjustment.
How much speed can I expect after bypassing golf cart governor?
This varies greatly. A typical stock 36V electric cart might go from 12 mph to 17-19 mph after a simple setting change. A fully upgraded 48V system with a new controller and motor might achieve 25-30 mph, depending on the cart chassis and tire size.
What is the easiest way to perform golf cart speed limiter removal on a Club Car DS?
For older Club Car DS models (pre-2001), the speed setting is often controlled by jumpers on the forward/reverse switch or near the controller. For newer models, using a handheld programmer to access the speed setting in the controller is the standard method for golf cart controller modification.
Will changing speed affect my cart’s hill-climbing ability?
If you increase speed by only changing the RPM limit (via reprogramming), your torque might suffer slightly because you are running the motor outside its optimal efficiency curve. If you increase speed by upgrading the controller to one that outputs more amperage, your torque and hill-climbing ability will likely improve significantly.