Can you remove a golf cart governor? Yes, you can remove or disable a golf cart governor to increase its top speed. This guide will show you how to perform the golf cart speed limiter removal safely and effectively for various cart types. We will cover the necessary tools, safety steps, and the process for both electric and gas-powered carts, as this is a key step in golf cart performance tuning.
Safety First: A Necessary Warning
Before starting any work on your golf cart, safety is number one. Turning off the governor means your cart will go faster. This can be dangerous if you do not drive safely.
- Check Local Laws: Laws about golf cart speeds change by area. Some places limit how fast carts can drive on public roads. Check your local rules first.
- Brake System Check: Faster speeds put more stress on your brakes. Make sure your brakes work perfectly before you try removing speed restriction golf cart controls.
- Tire Rating: Standard golf cart tires might not be rated for very high speeds. Check your tire sidewalls for the maximum speed rating.
- Disconnect Power (Electric Carts): Always disconnect the battery pack before working on wiring or electronics. This stops accidental shocks or shorts.
Fathoming Golf Cart Governors: What They Are
A golf cart governor is a device that limits how fast the cart can go. Manufacturers put them in place for safety and to meet neighborhood speed rules. If you want a golf cart top speed increase, you need to deal with this device.
Electric Carts usually use an electronic governor built into the speed controller. It limits the voltage or pulse signals sent to the motor.
Gas Carts often use a mechanical governor connected to the engine’s carburetor or throttle linkage. It physically limits the engine’s RPMs (revolutions per minute).
| Cart Type | Governor Mechanism | Common Limiter |
|---|---|---|
| Electric | Electronic Controller | Software/Wiring Limit |
| Gas | Mechanical Linkage | Physical Stop |
Preparing for Governor Modification
To begin disabling golf cart governor features, you need the right tools and the right plan for your specific cart model.
Required Tools List
Gather these items before you start:
- Basic socket set and wrenches.
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead).
- Safety glasses and gloves.
- Multimeter (for electric carts).
- Wire cutters/strippers (if splicing wires).
- Service manual for your specific golf cart model (highly recommended).
Identifying Your Cart Type
The steps vary greatly between electric and gas carts.
- Check the Power Source: Does your cart have a fuel tank (Gas) or a battery compartment (Electric)?
- Locate the Governor:
- Gas: Look near the engine, usually connected to the air intake or throttle cable.
- Electric: The governor is often inside the main speed controller box or integrated into the wiring harness leading to the motor.
The Process for Electric Golf Carts
Electric carts usually require accessing the speed controller or installing an external speed upgrade. Removing the electronic restriction is often easier than mechanical work.
Method 1: Accessing the Speed Controller Settings
Many modern electric carts allow for basic golf cart governor adjustment through the controller’s diagnostic port. This is the least invasive method.
- Locate the Controller: Find the large metal box, usually under the driver’s seat or near the batteries.
- Connect Diagnostic Tool: Some high-end controllers (like those from Curtis or Navitas) use a handheld programmer or laptop software.
- Access Parameters: Plug in the tool and navigate to the speed settings. You might find options like “Max Speed,” “Acceleration Rate,” or “Current Limits.”
- Increase Limits: Carefully raise the maximum speed setting to the controller’s highest value.
- Caution: Do not exceed the limits your motor or batteries can safely handle. This is crucial for long-term golf cart power upgrade.
Method 2: Electronic Governor Bypass (The Speed Chip Route)
If direct programming is not possible, installing a golf cart speed chip installation or bypass device is the next step. These devices interrupt the signal that tells the controller to slow down.
- Obtain the Bypass Device: Purchase a known, reliable speed chip or magnet switch designed for your brand (e.g., EZ-GO, Club Car, Yamaha).
- Locate the Speed Sensor: On many electric carts, the speed is monitored by a magnetic sensor, often located near the differential or motor shaft.
- Bypass Wiring:
- Disconnect the wiring harness leading to the speed sensor.
- Wire the bypass device into the harness, following the specific instructions provided with the chip. Often, this involves connecting the chip in line with the wires leading to the Forward/Reverse switch or the main controller inputs.
- Test: Reconnect the batteries and test the cart slowly. If successful, the cart should accelerate past its former limit. This is an example of golf cart electronic governor bypass.
Method 3: Changing the Controller (Major Upgrade)
For significant speed increases beyond basic adjustment, you may need a new, higher-amp controller. This moves beyond simple governor removal into full golf cart engine modification.
- A higher amperage controller allows more current flow to the motor, resulting in more torque and a higher top speed, provided the motor can handle it.
The Process for Gas Golf Carts
Gas carts typically use a mechanical linkage connected to the throttle cable. Removing speed restriction golf cart mechanisms here usually involves physical adjustment or removal.
Step 1: Locating the Mechanical Governor
The governor assembly is usually mounted on the side of the engine block. It connects to the carburetor linkage and often has a linkage arm that physically restricts the throttle butterfly valve from opening fully.
Step 2: Inspecting the Linkage Stop
- Identify the Stop: Look for a small screw, bolt, or tab that physically limits how far the throttle linkage can move when the accelerator pedal is pushed all the way down.
- Adjusting the Limit (The Safer Approach): If your governor has an adjustment screw, carefully turning it slightly outward can increase the throttle opening. Document the original setting before making adjustments. Small adjustments are better for golf cart performance tuning.
- Bypassing the Stop: If the stop is a fixed tab, you might need to slightly bend or modify the linkage if you plan on keeping the governor mechanism installed but disabled.
Step 3: Full Governor Removal (Advanced Modification)
For complete removal, you must bypass the governor’s control over the carburetor.
- Disconnect Linkage: Carefully detach the linkage rod connecting the governor mechanism to the throttle arm on the carburetor. Label or photograph where it connects.
- Manual Throttle Connection: Connect the accelerator cable directly to the carburetor throttle arm. Ensure the cable allows the throttle to open fully when the pedal is pressed and closes completely when released.
- Securing the Governor: If you fully remove the governor assembly, you might need to cap off any vacuum lines or oil feed lines it used. In most standard golf cart engines, simply disconnecting the linkage is sufficient, leaving the governor unit in place but inactive, or you can remove the entire unit and plug the mounting holes.
- Safety Check: Manually move the throttle linkage through its full range of motion to ensure it does not stick. Test the engine’s idle speed before taking the cart for a high-speed run.
Fine-Tuning and Testing After Governor Removal
Once the governor is disabled or removed, you must test the cart carefully. This phase is crucial for safe golf cart performance tuning.
Initial Low-Speed Test
- Drive the cart slowly in a safe, open area, like your driveway or a private lot.
- Check that the throttle responds smoothly across its entire range.
- Listen for any strange noises from the engine (gas) or feel for jerky motion (electric).
Top Speed Testing
If the initial low-speed test is good, move to a wide-open, safe space for a top-speed run.
- Monitor Heat (Gas Carts): Running the engine at higher RPMs generates more heat. Watch the temperature gauge if you have one, or listen carefully for signs of overheating.
- Monitor Motor Load (Electric Carts): If you installed a speed chip or new controller, monitor how quickly the batteries drain and if the motor or controller gets excessively hot to the touch. Excessive heat means your golf cart modification is pushing the components too hard.
If the cart feels unstable at higher speeds, you might need to look into golf cart tire upgrades or suspension adjustments.
Why Electric Carts Resist Speed Upgrades
Electric golf carts are tightly controlled by their controllers for battery longevity and safety. Simply bypassing the governor might give you a short burst of speed, but the controller often compensates.
Controller Programming vs. Hardware Limits
For many modern electric carts, the limitation is not a simple mechanical switch; it is programmed deep within the controller’s firmware.
- Software Locks: Manufacturers often use proprietary software that resists unauthorized changes. This is why simple magnet switches might only provide a marginal bump, forcing users toward a golf cart speed chip installation or controller replacement for a true increase.
- Battery Voltage: The maximum speed is often directly tied to the battery pack voltage. If you have a 36V system, hitting 40V through speed tricks may damage components not rated for that load. Golf cart power upgrade usually involves upgrading batteries to 48V first.
The Role of Reduction Gears
A common limitation in electric carts is the final drive ratio (the reduction gears). Even if you unlock the motor speed, the gear ratio might keep the wheels spinning relatively slowly. True high-speed golf cart engine modification on electric models sometimes requires swapping the differential or reduction gears entirely, which is complex and expensive.
FAQ Section
Q: Will removing the governor void my golf cart warranty?
A: Yes, nearly all manufacturer warranties will be voided if you perform unauthorized modifications like golf cart speed limiter removal or physical governor alteration.
Q: Is it possible to adjust the governor on a new electric golf cart without buying a chip?
A: On newer models with advanced controllers, it is often possible using the manufacturer’s diagnostic tools for minor golf cart governor adjustment. However, for major increases, physical bypassing or a chip is usually required.
Q: How much faster will my cart go after removing the governor?
A: This varies greatly. Gas carts might see a 5–10 MPH increase initially. Electric carts might see anywhere from 3 MPH (with a simple magnet trick) up to 10–15 MPH if you install a high-performance controller and complete a full golf cart power upgrade.
Q: What is the safest way to increase speed on a gas cart?
A: The safest way is often a slight golf cart governor adjustment rather than complete removal. This keeps the safety features active while giving a slight boost, which is preferable to full removal if you drive on mixed terrain.
Q: Can I install a speed chip if I have a lifted golf cart?
A: Yes, the lift kit and the governor removal are separate modifications. However, if you lift the cart, you might also need to upgrade your tires and potentially your suspension to handle the increased speed safely after removing speed restriction golf cart controls.