Yes, you can remove a golf cart governor to increase its speed. Removing the governor is one of the most common ways people look into golf cart modification for speed. This guide will show you how to do it safely for various cart types.
Why Golf Carts Have Governors
Governors are small devices installed by manufacturers. They limit how fast your cart can go. Why do they do this? Safety is the main reason. Golf carts are not built for high speeds. Also, local laws often set maximum speeds for these vehicles. These limits protect the motor, batteries, and the cart frame.
Deciphering The Governor Types
Not all golf carts use the same speed limiting system. Golf cart speed limiter removal depends heavily on what kind of governor your cart has. There are three main types you will find:
- Mechanical Governors: These use physical parts, often linked to the engine or transmission. They are common on gas-powered carts.
- Electronic Governors: These are found on electric carts. They work by telling the speed controller to stop sending power after a certain speed is reached.
- Software/Speed Chip Governors: Modern carts, especially newer electric models, might have speed limits set inside the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) software. Sometimes people look into removing speed chip from golf cart components, though usually, it’s a software adjustment.
| Governor Type | Common Cart Type | Removal Difficulty | Key Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Gas Carts (e.g., older Club Car, EZ-GO) | Medium | Physical adjustment or removal of a linkage. |
| Electronic | Electric Carts (most modern carts) | Easy to Medium | Adjusting settings in the controller or installing a golf cart performance chip installation. |
| Software Locked | Newer Electric Carts | Harder | Requires special programming tools or specific bypass methods. |
Removing A Mechanical Governor (Gas Carts)
If you have an older gas cart, like a two-stroke or early four-stroke model, you likely have a mechanical governor. This system physically restricts the throttle linkage or the carburetor’s butterfly valve opening.
Locating the Governor Assembly
The governor assembly sits near the engine. It usually connects to the carburetor linkage via a rod or cable. Look for a small box or housing connected by cables leading to the gas pedal and the engine.
Steps for Bypassing Golf Cart Governor (Mechanical)
Safety first! Always turn the engine off and let it cool down before working on any engine parts.
- Identify Linkage: Trace the cable coming from the gas pedal. It connects to the governor unit. Another cable connects the governor unit to the carburetor.
- Adjusting the Stop Point: Some governors have an adjustment screw. Tightening this screw can sometimes slightly increase speed. However, full removal is often better for maximum gains.
- Disconnecting the Restrictor: The most effective way is disabling golf cart speed restriction by manipulating the linkage. You need to allow the throttle cable to open the carburetor fully, bypassing the governor’s control.
- You might need to remove the governor arm completely or simply adjust the linkage rod so that the carburetor opens fully when the pedal is pressed all the way down.
- Be cautious not to pull any wires or cables loose that control the engine timing or fuel supply.
- Testing: Start the engine and slowly test the throttle. If done correctly, the engine should rev higher than before.
Warning: Removing a mechanical governor can cause the engine to over-rev, leading to serious engine damage, especially if the engine lacks a built-in high-RPM limiter. Proceed with caution when increasing golf cart top speed this way.
Golf Cart Speed Limiter Removal on Electric Carts
Electric carts rely on the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) to manage power delivery to the motor. Golf cart performance chip installation or controller settings are the keys here.
1. Adjusting the Speed Controller Settings
Many modern electric carts (like E-Z-GO TXT, Club Car DS/Precedent, Yamaha Drive) allow for golf cart speed controller adjustment. This is often the cleanest method.
- Access: You usually need to access the controller, often found under the seat or a floor panel. Look for an easily accessible cover.
- Program Cards/Key Switches: Some manufacturers use special programming cards or specific sequences (like running the key switch through ON-OFF multiple times) to enter a programming mode. Consult your cart’s specific service manual for the exact sequence for your model.
- Speed Settings: Once in programming mode, you can usually adjust the speed setting (often labeled as “Speed Setting,” “Maximum Speed,” or “Tire Size Compensation”). Raising this value directly increases the programmed top speed.
2. Using a Golf Cart Performance Chip Installation (or Activator Key)
For some models, especially older ones where software access is difficult, third-party devices can override the factory limits.
- These chips or modules plug directly into the wiring harness connected to the speed controller.
- They trick the controller into thinking the cart is capable of higher speeds or bypass the limiting function altogether.
- This is often the quickest way to achieve golf cart modification for speed without deep programming knowledge.
3. Bypassing Golf Cart Governor Via F/R Selector Switch (Common on EZGO PDS Carts)
Some older PDS (Precision Drive System) carts have a speed limiter that can be bypassed simply by changing the Forward/Reverse switch settings.
- Turn the key to the OFF position.
- Set the direction selector switch (F-R) to REVERSE.
- Turn the key to the ON position.
- Set the switch back to FORWARD.
- Turn the key OFF, then ON again.
This “re-flashes” the controller’s memory to the high-speed setting if it was previously limited. This effectively removes the speed restriction programmatically.
Removing Speed Limits on Advanced Controllers (Curtis, Danaher, Navitas)
Newer, higher-performance carts often use advanced controllers like Curtis or aftermarket controllers like Navitas. Optimizing golf cart speed settings on these requires software.
Required Tools
You will need a laptop and the specific diagnostic software provided by the controller manufacturer (or provided by the aftermarket supplier).
- Curtis: Requires the Curtis Programming Tool and the relevant software package.
- Navitas: Often uses a Bluetooth module and a smartphone app for easy adjustment.
The Process
- Connect: Plug the programming tool into the controller’s diagnostic port. This port might be hidden near the controller itself.
- Access Parameters: Open the software and connect to the controller.
- Adjust Throttle Mapping: You will see parameters like “Max Throttle Position” or “Speed Reduction Factor.”
- Increase Speed: Adjust the percentage limits upwards. For example, if the speed limit is set to 85% of maximum, change it to 100%.
- Save and Test: Save the new settings to the controller. Disconnect the tool and test the cart. This is the professional way of disabling golf cart speed restriction.
The Golf Cart Power Limiter Bypass for Maximum Performance
Simply removing the governor only lets the motor spin faster. To truly see gains, you must also address power delivery. This involves upgrading components that limit power output, which is essentially a golf cart power limiter bypass.
Motor and Controller Synergy
The controller limits how much current (Amps) flows to the motor. A stock controller might be limited to 25-35 Amps.
- Controller Upgrade: To get speeds significantly higher than stock, you often need a higher-rated controller (e.g., 300A or 400A). This component is the real golf cart speed controller adjustment mechanism for power.
- Motor Upgrade: A stock motor might burn out quickly if fed excessive power from a new high-amp controller. If you are chasing top speed, upgrading the motor to one rated for higher RPM and current is essential.
Battery Health
More speed means higher power draw. Weak or old batteries will sag under load, negating any gains you get from increasing golf cart top speed. Ensure your batteries are new and fully charged, using the correct voltage setup (48V, 72V, etc.).
Safety Concerns After Removing Speed Chip From Golf Cart or Governor
When you override factory limits, you introduce risks. It is vital to recognize these dangers before proceeding with golf cart modification for speed.
Mechanical Failures
Stock components are rated for specific speeds:
- Tires: Stock golf cart tires are not designed for speeds over 15-20 MPH. At higher speeds, they can wear out fast or even fail dangerously.
- Suspension and Brakes: The braking system might not stop a cart traveling at 25+ MPH as quickly as you expect. Suspension components are also basic and can lead to instability on rough terrain.
Electrical Overheating (Electric Carts)
If you increase amperage without upgrading the controller and motor properly, you risk:
- Controller Burnout: Excessive current will cause the controller’s internal electronics to overheat and fail permanently.
- Motor Damage: Overheating the motor windings can lead to immediate failure or drastically reduce its lifespan.
Engine Damage (Gas Carts)
If you bypass a mechanical governor and the engine runs too fast, the valve springs might not keep up. This can lead to “valve float,” where the valves lag, collide with the pistons, and cause catastrophic engine failure.
Legal and Warranty Implications
Before you begin golf cart modification for speed, consider these factors:
- Warranty Voidance: Any significant modification, especially altering the controller programming or physically removing engine parts, will almost certainly void any remaining manufacturer warranty.
- Insurance: If you modify your cart significantly beyond street-legal speeds (if applicable in your area), your insurance provider might deny a claim if you are involved in an accident.
- Local Regulations: Many planned communities or private roads have strict rules about cart speed. Operating an illegally fast cart can result in fines or being banned from using golf cart paths.
Summary of Golf Cart Performance Chip Installation vs. Software Adjustment
| Method | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Removal | Older Gas Carts | Permanent, physical change. | Risk of engine over-revving. |
| Controller Programming | Modern Electric Carts | Cleanest method; easily reversible. | Requires specific software/tools. |
| Performance Chip/Activator | Older PDS/Specific Models | Simple plug-and-play installation. | May not work on all systems; chip quality varies. |
| Golf Cart Speed Controller Adjustment (Software) | Advanced Controllers | Full control over all parameters. | Most complex and expensive setup. |
Fine-Tuning After Governor Removal
Once you have achieved disabling golf cart speed restriction, the job isn’t quite done. You need to verify and adjust for optimal use.
Tire Size Compensation
If you install larger tires (a common upgrade alongside speed mods), the cart’s speedometer (if it has one) and controller programming will be inaccurate.
- Why it matters: If the controller thinks it has 18-inch tires but you installed 22-inch tires, it will cut power too early because it thinks the cart is already going faster than it is.
- Solution: Use the programming tools (see Advanced Controllers section) to input the correct tire size into the controller. This allows for true optimizing golf cart speed settings.
Monitoring Temperatures
After increasing golf cart top speed, always monitor heat. Drive the cart hard for 10-15 minutes. Pull over and carefully feel the controller casing and the motor casing. If they are too hot to touch comfortably, you are drawing too much current for the components, and you need to reduce the amperage setting in the controller programming or consider further component upgrades.
Final Thoughts on Golf Cart Modification for Speed
Removing the governor is a popular path for enthusiasts wanting more from their carts. Whether you are looking at golf cart speed limiter removal on an electric model or tackling a mechanical linkage on a gas engine, preparation and safety are key. Always start with the least invasive method (software adjustment) before moving to physical modifications. Remember that speed gains require a holistic approach; power components like the controller and motor must match the desired performance to ensure reliability and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will removing the governor affect my cart’s reverse speed?
A: On electric carts, if you adjust the main speed setting via programming, it usually affects both forward and reverse speeds equally. On gas carts, if you adjust the mechanical linkage, reverse speed is usually unaffected unless the linkage also controls reverse gear engagement limits.
Q: Can I just cut the wires related to the governor?
A: On electric carts, cutting wires connected to the speed sensor or controller can lead to error codes, erratic behavior, or complete shutdown rather than increased speed. It is much better to use the proper programming method or look into golf cart performance chip installation.
Q: How much faster can I expect my cart to go after removing the governor?
A: This varies widely. Stock carts often top out at 12-15 MPH. With just a simple governor removal or software adjustment, you might see speeds reach 18-22 MPH. To go much faster than 25 MPH, you will need substantial upgrades, including a high-amp controller and motor, essentially moving beyond simple golf cart speed controller adjustment.
Q: Is it legal to increase the speed of my golf cart?
A: This depends entirely on where you drive it. On private property, you are generally free to modify it as you wish. However, if you plan to use it on public streets, many jurisdictions require golf carts to remain at low, pre-set speeds (often 15-20 MPH) and may require specific safety equipment (lights, mirrors) to be street legal. Check your local laws before increasing golf cart top speed.