Speed Hack: How Do You Take The Governor Off A Golf Cart Safely

You can take the governor off a golf cart to make it go faster. This often means adjusting or removing a device that limits the cart’s speed. Removing the governor can increase golf cart top speed. However, it also changes how the cart works. This can be risky. You must know the steps and dangers. This guide helps you learn how to make golf cart faster while staying safe. It covers golf cart speed limiter removal for different types of carts.

How Do You Take The Governor Off A Golf Cart
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What is a Golf Cart Governor?

A golf cart governor is a device. It keeps your cart from going too fast. Think of it as a speed cop for your cart. It makes sure the cart does not go over a set speed. This helps keep people safe. It also helps the cart last longer.

Governors come in a few forms:

Mechanical Governors: These are common on gas golf carts. They use springs, cables, and rods. They link to the engine’s throttle. When the engine spins too fast, the governor pulls back. It reduces fuel flow. This slows the cart down. It stops the engine from over-revving.
Electronic Governors (Speed Controllers): Electric golf carts have these. They are part of the cart’s brain. This brain is called the controller. It tells the motor how much power to use. It controls the speed. These controllers often have a setting. This setting limits the top speed.
RPM Limiters: Some gas carts also have these. They limit how fast the engine can spin. This is a safety feature for the engine. It stops damage from too much speed.

The main job of any governor is simple. It keeps the cart’s speed in check. This protects the driver. It protects the passengers. It also protects the cart itself.

Why Do People Adjust or Remove the Governor?

People want to increase golf cart top speed for many reasons. Your golf cart might feel slow. It might struggle on hills. Or you might want it to keep up with other carts.

Common reasons include:

More Speed: The most common reason. Many golf carts go 12-15 MPH. Some people want more. They want to go 20 MPH or even faster.
Better Hill Climbing: A cart with a governor can slow down a lot on hills. Removing the governor can give more power. This helps it climb better.
Faster Travel: If you use your cart on large properties or for long trips, more speed is good. It cuts down travel time.
Performance Upgrade: For some, it is about making the cart better. It is part of a golf cart performance upgrade. This can mean new tires, lifted kits, and more.

Adjusting the governor is a common DIY golf cart governor adjustment. It is often the first step in making a cart faster.

Safety First: Important Warnings and Risks

Before you bypass golf cart governor, you must know the risks. Taking off the governor can be dangerous. It can hurt you or your cart.

Here are major concerns:

Loss of Control: Faster speeds mean less control. Golf carts are not cars. They have a high center of gravity. They can tip over easily at high speeds. This is very true when turning.
Braking Issues: The brakes on golf carts are made for slower speeds. They might not stop you fast enough at higher speeds. This can lead to crashes.
Tire Problems: Golf cart tires are not made for high speeds. They can wear out fast. They can also blow out. This can cause you to lose control.
Damage to the Cart: The engine, motor, or other parts can wear out fast. Running at higher RPMs or speeds puts a lot of stress on them. This can lead to costly repairs. This includes engine damage, motor burnout, or controller failure.
Warranty Void: Most golf cart makers will void your warranty. If you change the governor, they might not fix things for free.
Legal Issues: Check your local laws. Some places have speed limits for golf carts. Going over these limits can lead to fines. It can also cause problems with your insurance.
Insurance Risks: Your insurance might not cover you in a crash. This is true if you changed the cart’s speed limits.

Always think safety first. If you are not sure, do not do it. Hire a pro. They know how to work on carts. They can make changes safely.

Before You Begin: Pre-Checks and Tools

Before you start any golf cart speed limiter removal, do some checks. Get your tools ready. This makes the job easier and safer.

Pre-Checks:

Know Your Cart: Find out the make, model, and year. Is it gas or electric? This helps you find the right governor type.
Read Your Manual: Your cart’s owner’s manual has good info. It shows where parts are. It might even talk about speed settings.
Check Condition:
- Brakes: Are they working well? Do they stop the cart quickly?
- Tires: Are they in good shape? Do they have enough air? Are they rated for higher speeds?
- Steering: Does the steering feel tight? Is there any play?
- Suspension: Is it in good order? A bouncy suspension is bad for fast speeds.
Work Area: Choose a flat, safe place. Make sure it is well lit.
Safety Gear: Wear gloves. Wear safety glasses.

Tools You Might Need:

The tools depend on your cart. Here are common ones:

Tool Category	Specific Tools (Examples)	Purpose
Basic Hand Tools	Socket set, wrench set (open-end, box-end), screwdrivers	For loosening/tightening bolts, screws.
Specialty Tools	Wire cutters, pliers, multimeter (for electric carts)	For cutting wires, gripping, checking voltage/current.
Safety Gear	Safety glasses, work gloves, jack stands	Protect eyes and hands. Secure cart when lifting.
Cleaning Supplies	Rags, degreaser	Keep parts clean.

Ways to Adjust Golf Cart Speed Settings

The method to increase golf cart top speed depends on your cart type. Gas and electric carts are very different.

Gas Golf Cart Governor Adjustment

Gas golf carts typically have a mechanical governor. Adjusting it means changing how it limits engine speed. This can be a DIY golf cart governor adjustment.

Types of Gas Governors:

Spring/Cable Governor: This is the most common. It uses a spring and a cable. The cable links the governor to the carburetor.
Rod-Based Governor: Some older models or specific brands use a rod. This rod directly links to the engine’s throttle.

General Steps for Mechanical Governor Adjustment (Yamaha, Club Car, EZ-GO):

Find the Governor: On most gas carts, the governor is near the rear axle or the engine. Look for a spring-loaded arm or a small box with cables going to it. It often connects to the throttle cable.
Locate the Limiter:
- Governor Arm: This is a small metal arm. It sticks out from the rear axle or engine case. It has a spring and a cable attached.
- Throttle Cable Stop: Sometimes, there is a small bolt or nut on the throttle cable. This bolt limits how far the cable can move.
Adjust the Spring Tension:
- Find the spring on the governor arm. It often has an adjusting nut or bolt.
- Tighten the spring (move the nut down the bolt). This makes it harder for the governor to pull back. This lets the engine rev higher. This increases golf cart top speed.
- Loosen the spring (move the nut up the bolt) to go slower.
- Caution: Do not overtighten! This can damage your engine.
Adjust the Cable/Rod:
- Some governors have a direct cable or rod link. You might need to loosen a bolt on a clamp. Then, slide the cable housing or rod.
- Moving the cable housing away from the governor lets the throttle open more. This increases speed.
- Tighten the bolt once set.
Test Safely:
- Make a small adjustment.
- Drive the cart in a safe, open area. See how it feels.
- Do not go too fast too soon. Adjust little by little.

Specific Golf Cart Models:

EZ-GO Gas Carts: Often have a rod-based governor. You might find a bolt on a small plate near the rear axle. Loosen this bolt. Then, slide the rod to increase speed. Some EZ-GO models also have a “differential” speed setting that can be adjusted.
Club Car Gas Carts: Many Club Car models use a spring and cable system. Look for the governor assembly near the rear axle. Adjusting the spring tension is key. Some models have a simple adjustment bolt on the governor plate itself.
Yamaha Gas Carts: Yamaha carts often have a main governor cable going to the carburetor. Adjusting the nut on this cable can free up more throttle. Be careful not to make the cable too loose, as it can cause idle issues.

What is Golf cart RPM adjustment?
This is linked to the mechanical governor. When you adjust the governor, you are allowing the engine to reach a higher RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). Higher RPMs mean more power and speed. Disabling the golf cart speed governor means letting the engine spin faster than it usually would.

A Note on DIY Golf Cart Governor Adjustment for Gas Carts:
This is often the easiest way to make a gas cart faster. It involves small tweaks. You are not changing the engine itself. You are just telling it to work harder. However, more speed means more heat. It means more wear.

Electric Golf Cart Speed Adjustment

Electric golf carts do not have a mechanical governor in the same way. Their speed is controlled by the electric motor and the controller. To increase golf cart top speed, you work with these parts. This is often more complex than gas cart adjustments.

Methods for Electric Carts:

Controller Adjustment (Potentiometer):
- Some older electric controllers have a small dial or screw. This is called a potentiometer.
- Turning this dial can change the speed limit.
- Caution: Not all controllers have this. Many modern ones do not.
Controller Programming:
- Newer electric golf carts use advanced controllers. Brands like Curtis, Alltrax, and Navitas make these.
- These controllers connect to a computer or handheld device.
- Special software lets you change speed settings. You can raise the top speed. You can also adjust acceleration.
- This is the safest way to adjust speed on modern electric carts. It gives you fine control.
- You can buy a programmer. Or you can take it to a dealer.
Controller Replacement:
- If your cart’s controller is old or basic, you might need a new one.
- An “aftermarket” controller can give more power. It can remove speed limits.
- These are often higher amp controllers. They send more power to the motor.
- Pros: Big speed gains. Better torque.
- Cons: Can be costly. Needs a matching motor and battery setup. Can void warranty.
- This is a serious golf cart performance upgrade. It is not just a governor tweak.
Speed Chip Installation:
- Some specific electric cart models (like Club Car DS/Precedent) have “speed chips.”
- These are small electronic chips. You put them into a slot on the controller.
- The chip tells the controller to allow more speed.
- This is a quick way to bypass golf cart governor on certain models.
- Check compatibility: Make sure the chip works with your cart’s year and controller.
High-Speed Motor:
- Replacing your motor with a high-speed one is another option.
- These motors are made to spin faster. They give more top speed.
- They work best with a high-amp controller.
- This is a bigger golf cart engine modification for speed. It is costly. It gives good results.
Gear Ratio Change:
- Changing the gears in the rear axle can also change speed.
- “High-speed gears” mean the wheels spin faster for the same motor RPM.
- Pros: Good for top speed.
- Cons: Less torque. Can struggle on hills. Costly.

Summary of Electric Cart Adjustments:

Method	Description	Impact on Speed	Complexity	Cost
Controller Potentiometer	Small dial/screw on older controllers.	Moderate	Easy	Low
Controller Programming	Using software with specific controllers.	Significant	Medium	Low-Med
Speed Chip	Small chip installed in controller (specific models).	Moderate-Significant	Easy-Medium	Low-Med
Controller Replacement	Installing a higher-amp aftermarket controller.	Very Significant	High	High
High-Speed Motor	Replacing the motor with one designed for speed.	Very Significant	High	High
High-Speed Gears	Swapping differential gears for a different ratio.	Significant	High	High

Beyond the Governor: Other Ways to Make Your Golf Cart Faster

Bypassing the governor is a good first step. But there are other golf cart performance upgrade options. These can make your cart even faster or stronger.

Tires:
- Low-Profile Tires: These have less sidewall. They can give a slightly larger overall diameter. This means more speed per wheel rotation.
- Larger Diameter Tires: Bigger tires mean your cart goes further with each wheel turn. This boosts top speed.
- Caution: Larger tires need a lift kit. They can also make your cart less stable. They can put more strain on the motor/engine.
Batteries (Electric Carts):
- Newer, Stronger Batteries: Old batteries lose power. New ones give more consistent power.
- Lithium Batteries: These are lighter. They give more power for longer. They can boost speed and range.
- More Voltage (Advanced): Going from 36V to 48V (or 48V to 72V) gives a huge speed boost. This needs a new controller and motor. It is a big golf cart engine modification for speed. This is for pros only.
Motor (Electric Carts):
- High-Torque Motor: Good for hills and pulling. Not always for top speed.
- High-Speed Motor: Designed to spin faster. Gives more top speed. (As mentioned above)
Heavy Duty Solenoid (Electric Carts):
- When you upgrade the controller and motor, you need a stronger solenoid. It switches the main power. It must handle the higher current.
Clutch Upgrades (Gas Carts):
- A performance clutch kit can help the engine put power to the wheels better. This means faster starts and better hill climbing.
- This is a golf cart engine modification for speed.

Testing and Fine-Tuning Your Cart

After you make any changes, you must test them. Do this safely.

Test Area: Use a large, empty, flat area. No traffic. No people around.
Gradual Testing:
- Start slow.
- Feel how the cart handles.
- Check the brakes. Do they stop you well at the new speed?
- Make gentle turns. See how stable the cart feels.
Listen and Watch:
- Listen for strange noises.
- Watch for smoke or burning smells.
- Check for loose parts.
Minor Tweaks: If needed, adjust the governor or settings a little more. Always go small steps.
Check Heat (Electric Carts): After driving, feel the motor and controller. Are they too hot? If so, you might be pushing them too hard.

Remember, the goal is more speed, but not at the cost of safety. A cart that is too fast to handle is dangerous.

Maintenance After Modification

When you increase golf cart top speed, you put more stress on the cart. This means you need more care.

Regular Checks: Inspect your cart often. Look at tires, brakes, and suspension.
Fluid Changes (Gas Carts): Change engine oil more often. Check other fluids too.
Battery Care (Electric Carts): Keep batteries charged. Check water levels often (for lead-acid).
Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure before every ride. This is vital for safety at higher speeds.
Listen to Your Cart: If something feels wrong or sounds off, stop. Check it out.

Legal and Warranty Implications Revisited

It is important to remember these points:

Local Laws: Check your town, city, or state rules. There are often speed limits for golf carts. They might have rules for street use.
Private Property: If you only use your cart on private land, laws might be less strict. But safety is still key.
Insurance: Your insurance policy might have rules about modified vehicles. Call your agent to ask.
Warranty: Almost all factory warranties are void. If you change the governor, you are on your own for repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I really take the governor off any golf cart?
A: Yes, you can usually disable golf cart speed governor on most carts. But the method changes. It depends on if it is gas or electric. It also depends on the model year.

Q: Is it safe to remove the golf cart speed limiter?
A: It can be risky. Golf carts are not made for high speeds. Speeding up your cart can make it unstable. It can make brakes less effective. It also wears out parts faster. Always put safety first.

Q: How much faster will my golf cart go if I remove the governor?
A: It depends. For gas carts, you might gain 5-10 MPH. For electric carts, a simple adjustment might give 2-5 MPH. A full performance upgrade (new controller, motor) can add 10-20 MPH or more.

Q: Will removing the governor hurt my golf cart engine or motor?
A: Yes, it can. Running an engine at higher RPMs or pushing an electric motor beyond its limits causes more wear. This can lead to engine problems, motor burnout, or controller failure over time.

Q: Do I need special tools for golf cart speed limiter removal?
A: For gas carts, basic wrenches and screwdrivers are often enough. For electric carts, you might need special programming tools or diagnostic devices, especially for newer models.

Q: Can I adjust golf cart speed settings without buying new parts?
A: Often, yes. For gas carts, simple mechanical tweaks can be made. For some electric carts, a speed chip or programming adjustment might be possible without new parts. But larger speed gains often need new parts.

Q: What is the best way to make golf cart faster?
A: The “best” way depends on your cart type and budget. For gas carts, a DIY golf cart governor adjustment is a good start. For electric carts, a controller upgrade or speed chip is common. Always think about safety and reliability first.

Q: What is golf cart engine modification for speed?
A: This means changing parts of the engine or drive system to get more speed. For gas carts, it could be adjusting the governor, upgrading the clutch, or changing engine parts. For electric carts, it means upgrading the motor, controller, or batteries.

Conclusion

Removing the governor from your golf cart can definitely increase golf cart top speed. It can give you the extra power you want. Whether you bypass golf cart governor on a gas cart or adjust electric golf cart speed settings, the goal is often the same: more speed.

However, you must be careful. This is not a simple task without risks. Golf cart speed limiter removal puts more stress on your cart. It can make it less safe. Always weigh the pros and cons. Think about your safety, your cart’s life, and local laws.

If you are not comfortable doing a DIY golf cart governor adjustment, do not try it. Get help from a pro. They can perform golf cart performance upgrade safely. For major golf cart engine modification for speed, a mechanic is often the best choice. Drive safe, and enjoy your faster cart responsibly.