Speed Up: How To Take Off The Governor On A Golf Cart Easily

People often ask how to take off the governor on a golf cart. This is a way to make your golf cart go faster. The governor is like a speed control. It stops your cart from going too fast. Learning how governor works golf cart systems is the first step. It limits the engine speed on gas carts or the motor speed on electric carts. Taking it off or changing it can increase golf cart top speed. But be careful. It can also cause problems or be unsafe. This guide will show you how to do it, usually for gas carts, as electric carts are different. It will also talk about the risks and why it’s done.

How To Take Off The Governor On A Golf Cart
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Why Make Your Golf Cart Faster?

Golf carts are great for getting around. They are often used on golf courses, in neighborhoods, or on large properties. Most golf carts go about 10-15 miles per hour. This is slow for some people.

You might want to increase golf cart top speed for a few reasons:

Getting Around Faster: If you use your cart on a big property or need to cover longer distances, more speed helps.
Keeping Up: If your friends have faster carts, you might want yours to match.
More Fun: For some, driving faster is just more enjoyable.
Bigger Tires: Adding bigger tires can slow your cart down. Making it faster helps get back to the original speed or more.
Golf Cart Performance Modification: This is part of making your cart better. Changing the governor is one way to do this.

Making a golf cart faster changes how it works. It’s a golf cart performance modification. It’s not just about speed. It changes the ride and how the cart handles.

Grasping How Governors Work

What is a golf cart governor? It’s a part that limits how fast your cart can go. Think of it like a speed limit built into the cart. This limit is there for good reasons.

How governor works golf cart:

Gas Carts: Most gas carts use a mechanical governor. It uses spinning weights or a link to engine speed. As the engine turns faster, the weights push outward. This movement pulls a cable or lever. This action closes the throttle plate in the carburetor a little bit. It stops the engine from getting more fuel and air. This keeps the engine from going too fast. It limits the RPM (Revolutions Per Minute). This limits the cart’s speed. It’s a simple system.
Electric Carts: Electric carts do not have an engine governor like gas carts. Their speed is controlled by the speed controller. This is an electronic box. It tells the motor how much power to use. Newer electric carts might have a speed sensor. This sensor sends info to the controller. The controller then limits power to keep the speed down. Changing speed on electric carts often means changing settings on the controller or getting a new controller.

The governor’s main job is safety. High speeds can be dangerous in a small, light vehicle like a golf cart. Governors also protect the engine or motor from damage. Running at very high speeds for a long time causes more wear and tear. It helps the cart last longer. It’s a golf cart speed limiter adjustment set from the factory.

Should You Change the Governor? Weighing the Pros and Cons

Thinking about changing the governor is a big step. It gives you more speed. But there are important things to think about first.

Good Points (Pros):

Higher Speed: Your cart goes faster, up to 25 mph or sometimes more.
Better Hill Climbing: Sometimes, changing the governor can help the cart use more power on hills, especially on gas carts.
More Fun: Driving faster is just more exciting for some people.

Bad Points (Cons):

Safety Risks: Golf carts are not made for high speeds. They can tip over easily, especially in turns. Braking takes longer. Driving faster is much more dangerous.
Wear and Tear: Running the engine or motor faster puts more stress on parts. The engine, transmission (if it has one), and motor can wear out faster.
Warranty: Making this change will likely make your cart’s warranty no longer valid.
Legality: In some places, there are rules about how fast golf carts can go on public roads or paths. Making your cart faster might be against these rules. You could get a ticket.
Noise: Gas carts will be much louder when the engine runs faster.
Fuel/Battery Use: Using more power to go faster will use more gas or drain the battery faster on electric carts.
Possible Damage: If you do the change wrong, you could damage the engine, transmission, or speed controller.

You need to think hard about these points. For most people, the factory set speed is safe and keeps the cart running well for a long time. Only change the governor if you understand the risks and are ready for them. This guide is for your knowledge only. Do this work at your own risk.

Changing the Mechanical Governor on Gas Carts

This is where we talk about how to remove speed governor from golf cart if it’s a gas model. Gas carts usually have a mechanical governor. You can often adjust this type of governor instead of taking it completely off. Adjusting is usually safer and easier.

The mechanical governor system has a few parts:

Governor Arm/Lever: This is a metal piece usually near the engine.
Linkage Rods/Cables: These connect the governor arm to the carburetor throttle.
Governor Spring: This spring pulls against the governor arm.
Adjustment Screw or Stop: This limits the movement of the governor arm.

The mechanical golf cart governor removal or adjustment changes how this system works.

Think of the governor spring like the force that wants to open the throttle more. The governor weights (or what they connect to) push against this spring as the engine speeds up. When the engine speed gets high enough, the weights overcome the spring. They then move the lever, which pulls the throttle closed a little.

To make the cart faster, you need to make it harder for the governor to pull the throttle closed. You do this by making the spring stronger or giving the governor arm more room to move before it starts closing the throttle.

This is a golf cart speed limiter adjustment. You are changing the point at which the speed limiter kicks in.

Common ways to do this:

Tightening the Spring: This makes the engine work harder to make the weights overcome the spring. This lets the engine run faster before the governor acts.
Adjusting a Screw: Some governors have a screw. This screw acts as a stop for the governor arm. Screwing it in or out changes how much the arm can move. Giving it more room lets the engine go faster before the arm pulls the throttle.
Adding Washers: On some EZGO gas carts, adding washers under the governor spring mount makes the spring tighter. This is part of the EZGO governor removal steps, though it’s usually just an adjustment.
Bypassing the Cable: This involves changing how the throttle cable connects. Instead of connecting through the governor arm, you connect the pedal cable directly to the carburetor. This completely removes the governor from the system. This is a full bypass golf cart governor method. It gives you maximum speed but is the most risky. It means there is no speed limit from the governor anymore.

It is very important to go slow when making these changes. Small changes can make a big difference in speed. Test after each small adjustment.

Detailed Steps: Adjusting a Mechanical Governor (Gas Cart)

Let’s get into the actual steps for a mechanical governor adjustment. This is a common method for many gas carts, like EZGOs and Yamahas. Remember, these are general steps. Your cart might be a bit different. Always look for specific guides for your exact golf cart model.

Tools You Might Need:

Wrench set or adjustable wrench
Socket set
Screwdriver (maybe flathead or Phillips)
Needle-nose pliers
Safety glasses

Finding the Governor:

The governor is usually near the engine, often close to the carburetor. Look for linkage arms and springs connected between the throttle pedal cable, the engine, and the carburetor. The governor arm will be part of this setup. On many carts, it’s on the transaxle or engine block.

Step 1: Get Ready

Park your cart on a flat, safe place.
Turn the engine off and make sure the key is out.
Set the parking brake.
Open the engine cover.

Step 2: Find the Governor Spring and Linkage

Look for the carburetor.
Follow the throttle linkage from the carburetor back towards the engine or transaxle.
You will find a spring connected to an arm or lever. This is likely part of the governor system.
There might be two springs. One for the throttle return and one for the governor. The governor spring is usually weaker or connected to a specific governor arm.

Step 3: Make the Adjustment (Choose One Method)

Method A: Adjusting the Screw (If present)
- Some governor arms have a screw and a lock nut where the arm hits a stop.
- Use a wrench to loosen the lock nut.
- Use a screwdriver (or wrench, depending on the screw head) to turn the adjustment screw.
- To increase speed: Turn the screw inward (clockwise usually). This lets the arm move a little more before hitting the stop. Be careful! A small turn is often enough.
- To decrease speed (if needed): Turn the screw outward (counter-clockwise).
- After turning the screw a tiny bit (like a quarter turn), hold the screw in place and tighten the lock nut back down firmly.
Method B: Tightening the Spring
- Look for the governor spring. It connects the governor arm to another point on the engine or frame.
- You can move the end of the spring to a hole that is further away. Some carts have extra holes for this.
- Or, you can slightly stretch the spring and add a small zip tie or wire around it to keep it tighter. This is a tricky method and easy to overdo.
- On many EZGO gas carts, you’ll find the governor spring connects near a bolt. You can add small washers (1/4 inch or 5/16 inch usually) under the bracket or bolt where one end of the spring hooks on. Adding washers pushes that point out, making the spring tighter when the governor arm tries to pull it. This is a common part of EZGO governor removal steps for gas carts. Start with 1-2 washers.
- Use needle-nose pliers to unhook/rehook springs if needed. Be careful the spring doesn’t fly off.

Step 4: Test the Speed

Put the engine cover back on.
Start the cart.
Drive it in a safe, open area. See if the speed is higher.
Listen to the engine. It will run faster before the governor kicks in.
Do not drive at top speed for too long right after changing it.
If you need more speed, turn off the cart, apply brake, and make another small adjustment.
If it’s too fast or the engine sounds like it’s struggling or over-revving, stop and adjust it back a little. Over-revving can damage the engine quickly.

Important Cautions for Mechanical Adjustment:

Small Adjustments Only: Start with very small turns of the screw or just 1-2 washers.
Listen to the Engine: If the engine sounds like it’s screaming or vibrating badly, you have gone too far.
Do Not Cut the Cable: Some guides say to cut or tie back the governor cable. This is a full bypass golf cart governor method. It removes the governor entirely. This is very risky. The engine can over-rev easily and break parts inside. This is part of mechanical golf cart governor removal but is not recommended for most people. Adjusting the spring or screw is safer.

This adjustment is a golf cart speed limiter adjustment. You are telling the cart it can go a little faster before it limits itself.

Steps for Electric Cart Speed Adjustment/Bypass

Changing speed on an electric golf cart is different from gas carts. There is no mechanical governor arm and spring. Speed control is electronic. This often involves the speed controller, a black box usually under the seat or hood.

Brands like EZGO, Club Car, and Yamaha all have electric models, and their speed control methods differ.

Club Car Speed Adjustment: Many newer Club Car models use a speed sensor on the motor and a controller. Speed settings can sometimes be changed using a special programmer tool. This is often done by a dealer or golf cart shop. Aftermarket speed controllers are a popular way to increase golf cart top speed on Club Cars.
EZGO Governor Removal Steps (Electric): Electric EZGO carts often use a controller and sometimes a speed sensor. Like Club Car, changing speed usually means changing controller settings with a programmer or replacing the controller entirely.
Yamaha Golf Cart Speed Control (Electric): Yamaha electric carts also use controllers. Speed adjustments are typically made electronically via the controller or by replacing it.

Methods for Increasing Speed on Electric Carts:

Controller Reprogramming: Some newer controllers can be plugged into a computer with special software. A technician can change settings like maximum speed. This is a controlled way to adjust the golf cart speed limiter. It’s usually not a DIY task.
Speed Sensor Change/Bypass: On some models, the speed sensor on the motor limits RPM. Sometimes changing this sensor or bypassing it can increase speed. However, this might cause error codes or not work well depending on the controller. This is a form of bypass golf cart governor for electric carts, but less common than controller upgrades.
Aftermarket Speed Controller: This is the most common way to get a significant speed increase on an electric cart. You replace the factory controller with a more powerful one. These controllers are designed for higher speed and power. They effectively remove speed governor from golf cart control and let the motor run faster, handle more power, and sometimes offer programmable settings. This is a major golf cart performance modification.
- Benefits: Big speed gains, often better torque, can handle other upgrades like stronger motors.
- Drawbacks: Expensive, needs careful wiring work, requires matching the controller to your motor and battery voltage.
Motor Upgrade: Replacing the electric motor with a higher-speed motor is another way to increase speed. This is often done along with a new controller and sometimes a battery upgrade for best results. This is a more advanced golf cart performance modification.

For most electric cart owners wanting more speed, buying and installing an aftermarket speed controller is the main way to go. It completely changes the speed limit set by the factory controller.

Steps for Electric Cart Speed Increase (Using Aftermarket Controller):

This is a general guide. Always follow the specific instructions that come with your new speed controller.

Tools You Might Need:

Wrench set
Socket set
Screwdriver set
Wire crimpers/strippers
Heat shrink tubing and heat gun (or electrical tape, but heat shrink is better)
Safety glasses
Voltage meter (helpful for checking connections)

Step 1: Be Safe – Turn Off Power!

This is critical for electric carts.
Locate the main battery disconnect switch if your cart has one and turn it off.
If no switch, you must disconnect the main positive (+) and negative (-) cables from the battery pack. Disconnect the negative cable first. Use a wrench. Be very careful not to touch wrench to any other metal parts.

Step 2: Find the Old Controller

The controller is usually a finned metal box with many wires connected to it. It might be under the seat, under the hood, or in a compartment.
Take pictures of all the wire connections before you disconnect anything! This is very important for putting the new one in correctly. Label wires if needed.

Step 3: Disconnect the Old Controller

Carefully loosen and remove all wires connected to the controller terminals. Keep track of where each wire went (use your pictures and labels).
Remove the bolts or screws holding the controller in place.
Take the old controller out.

Step 4: Install the New Controller

Place the new controller in the same spot. It might be a different shape, but should fit in the area.
Bolt or screw it down securely. Make sure it has good contact with the metal frame if it uses the frame for cooling.
Connect the wires to the new controller’s terminals. Use your pictures and labels. Make sure connections are clean and tight. There will be large wires for the battery and motor, and smaller wires for the throttle (accelerator pedal), reverse buzzer, etc. Pay close attention to positive and negative. Connecting wires wrong can damage the new controller instantly.

Step 5: Reconnect Power and Test

Double-check all wire connections.
Reconnect the main battery cables (positive cable first, then negative). If you disconnected a switch, turn it back on.
Turn the key on. Listen for the reverse buzzer (if it has one and is in reverse).
Slowly press the accelerator pedal. The cart should move.
Test speed in a safe area. Electric carts with new controllers will be much faster!
Check that everything works (forward, reverse, brake).

Important Notes for Electric Carts:

Matching Parts: Your new controller must match your cart’s voltage (36V, 48V, etc.). It should also be matched to your motor. A controller that is too powerful can damage an old stock motor over time.
Wiring Diagrams: Use the wiring diagram that comes with your new controller and the one for your specific golf cart model.
Professional Help: If you are not comfortable with electrical wiring, it is best to have a golf cart shop or technician do this.
Battery Condition: Going faster uses more power. Make sure your batteries are healthy and fully charged. Old or weak batteries might not give you the speed increase you expect and will drain much faster. You might need a battery upgrade for the best results and range.

This controller replacement is a way to bypass golf cart governor limits on an electric cart. It’s part of golf cart performance modification. It’s more complex and costly than adjusting a mechanical governor.

Safety Always Comes First

Making your golf cart go faster makes it more dangerous. Please remember this.

Braking: Your brakes were made for the original, slower speed. At higher speeds, it takes much longer to stop. Can you stop quickly if a child or pet runs out?
Stability: Golf carts are narrow and have a high center of gravity. They can tip over easily, especially when turning at speed or on uneven ground. Passengers can be thrown out.
Steering: Steering can feel different at higher speeds. It might be harder to control precisely.
Passenger Safety: Make sure all passengers know the cart is faster. Kids should sit still. Seat belts (if installed) should be used.
Know Your Area: Be extra careful in busy places, near people, or on slopes.

Do not drive faster than you can safely handle. Your cart’s limits are not just the engine/motor speed. They include the frame, suspension, steering, and brakes. Pushing the cart too hard can lead to accidents or break parts.

What Happens After You Change the Speed?

After making your golf cart faster, here is what you might notice:

More Speed: The most obvious change.
Different Feel: The cart might feel less stable. The steering might seem looser. The ride might be rougher.
More Noise (Gas): The engine will run at higher RPM, making it louder.
Faster Battery Drain (Electric): You use more power to go faster, so your driving range will be less.
Increased Wear: Parts like the engine, transmission, motor, and even tires might wear out faster because they are working harder or spinning faster.
More Frequent Maintenance: You might need to check things more often, like oil levels (gas), battery water (electric), brakes, and tire pressure.

Keep an eye on your cart after making speed changes. Check for anything that seems or sounds wrong. If you notice new problems, you might need to reduce the speed or check if something is breaking.

Putting It All Together

Making a golf cart go faster usually means dealing with the governor or speed controller.

For gas carts, it often means a golf cart speed limiter adjustment on the mechanical governor system, often by tightening a spring or adjusting a screw. Full mechanical golf cart governor removal or bypassing the cable is possible but risky. EZGO governor removal steps for gas carts often involve spring adjustment. Yamaha golf cart speed control on gas models is similar.
For electric carts, it means changing how the electronic speed controller works. This could be reprogramming (hard for owners), replacing a speed sensor (less common), or most often, installing a more powerful aftermarket speed controller. This is how you bypass golf cart governor limits on electric models. Club Car speed adjustment and EZGO governor removal steps for electric carts usually involve the controller. Yamaha golf cart speed control on electric carts also depends on the controller.

Any of these changes fall under golf cart performance modification. They increase golf cart top speed but come with trade-offs in safety, wear, and possibly cost.

Deciding to remove speed governor from golf cart or adjust it is a personal choice. Do your research specific to your cart model. Be honest about your ability to do the work safely. And always, always prioritize safety when driving your faster cart.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does removing the governor hurt the engine or motor?

A: Yes, it can. The governor is there to stop the engine or motor from spinning too fast. Running at higher speeds for long periods puts more stress on the parts. This causes more wear and tear and can make the engine or motor wear out faster or even break.

Q: How much speed can I gain by changing the governor?

A: This varies a lot by cart type and method. Adjusting a mechanical governor on a gas cart might add 3-7 mph. Fully bypassing it might add more, but with high risk. On electric carts, replacing the controller can add 5-15 mph or even more, depending on the controller, motor, and battery voltage. Going from 15 mph to 20-25 mph is common.

Q: Is it legal to make my golf cart faster?

A: It depends on where you live and where you drive the cart. Many neighborhoods or towns that allow golf carts on streets have a speed limit for them (often 15-25 mph). If your cart goes faster than the local limit, it might not be legal to drive it there. Always check your local laws.

Q: Will making my electric cart faster drain the battery quicker?

A: Yes. Going faster requires more power from the batteries. This will use up the charge faster and reduce the distance you can travel before needing to charge again.

Q: Can I put the governor back to the original setting?

A: Yes, usually. If you only adjusted a screw or spring, you can often put it back the way it was. If you added washers, you can remove them. If you fully bypassed a cable, you would need to reconnect it correctly. If you replaced an electric controller, you would need to reinstall the original controller. Keep all original parts if you think you might want to change it back later.