Can you remove the governor from a golf cart? Yes, you can remove or bypass the governor on most golf carts to increase their speed. This guide will explain the steps involved in golf cart speed restriction removal for various types of carts.
Why People Want to Change Golf Cart Speed Limits
Many golf carts come from the factory set at a low speed. This is often for safety or compliance with local laws. Standard golf carts usually travel between 12 and 15 mph. Owners often look for a golf cart performance upgrade to make their cart faster for trail riding, property use, or simply personal preference. Knowing how to increase golf cart speed usually means dealing with the governor system.
What is a Golf Cart Governor?
A governor is a device that limits how fast your golf cart engine or motor can spin. It keeps the speed down. Think of it like a built-in speed control.
Types of Governors
Golf carts use different governors based on their power source:
- Electric Carts: These use electronic speed controllers or software limits.
- Gas Carts: These use mechanical governors attached to the engine.
To increase speed, you must address the specific governor type your cart has.
Addressing Electric Golf Cart Speed Limits
Electric carts do not have a physical, mechanical part to take off, like a gas engine does. For these carts, removing the golf cart speed limiter involves adjusting settings or changing parts.
Adjusting the Speed Controller
Many modern electric carts have a control box. This box sets the top speed.
- Finding the Controller: Look under the seat or near the batteries. The controller might have a plastic cover or be marked clearly.
- Checking the Settings: Some high-end controllers have switches or programming ports. These allow authorized technicians to bypass golf cart throttle limiter settings.
- Using a Programmer: Some brands use a handheld device to plug in. This tool lets you change speed parameters. This is often the safest way to adjust speed limits.
Warning: Messing with the controller can void warranties. It might also damage the motor or batteries if done incorrectly.
Installing a Performance Chip or Controller
If simple adjustments don’t work, you might need new hardware.
- Performance Chip Installation: A golf cart performance chip installation involves replacing or adding a small electronic device. This device intercepts the speed signal. It tells the motor it can spin faster than the factory limit.
- Upgrading the Controller: Sometimes, the existing speed controller cannot handle higher speeds. Replacing it with a high-amperage controller is a common golf cart performance upgrade. This allows the cart to draw more power, leading to faster travel.
| Method | Cart Type | Difficulty | Typical Speed Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controller Adjustment | Electric | Easy to Medium | 3-5 mph |
| Performance Chip | Electric | Medium | 4-7 mph |
| Controller Upgrade | Electric | Medium to Hard | 5-10+ mph |
Addressing Gas Golf Cart Governors (Engine Governors)
Gas-powered golf carts have a physical governor attached to the engine. Golf cart engine governor removal is often more hands-on. This process involves finding and modifying this mechanical part.
Locating the Governor
The governor is usually mounted near the carburetor or camshaft. It connects to the throttle linkage. Its job is to mechanically pull the throttle back when the engine reaches a preset RPM (revolutions per minute).
Method 1: Golf Cart Governor Adjustment
The easiest step is often adjustment, not full removal. Golf cart governor adjustment can raise the top speed without completely taking the governor out of service.
- Locate Linkages: Find the arm the governor moves. It connects the governor to the carburetor’s throttle plate.
- Adjust the Limiter Screw: Many governors have a stop screw or limiting bolt. Tightening this screw tells the governor it can only push the throttle so far before stopping. Loosening it allows the throttle to open wider.
- Test Carefully: Run the cart briefly. Watch how far the throttle opens. Do not let the engine over-rev badly.
This method is a form of disabling golf cart governor influence partially.
Method 2: Physically Bypassing the Governor Linkage
If adjustment is not enough, you can physically block the governor’s action. This is a manual way to bypass golf cart throttle limiter.
- Identify Throttle Cable: Trace the cable or linkage from the gas pedal to the engine.
- Lock the Throttle Open: You need to lock the linkage so the governor cannot move it back. Some owners use a small metal bracket or clamp. This holds the throttle plate in the “wide open” position.
- Disconnect Linkage (Advanced): Some mechanics choose to disconnect the linkage rod that runs between the governor arm and the throttle arm. They then connect the throttle linkage directly to a fixed point that keeps it fully open.
Caution: When you do this, the governor is completely ignored. If the engine is capable of spinning too fast, it can suffer severe damage.
Method 3: Complete Golf Cart Engine Governor Removal
For maximum speed, some people opt for complete golf cart engine governor removal.
- Disassembly: Carefully remove all linkages, rods, and springs connected to the governor assembly.
- Blanking Plate: The governor assembly often bolts directly onto the engine block (often near the camshaft gear). Once removed, you leave a hole. You must install a properly sized blanking plate. This plate seals the opening to prevent oil leaks and dirt entry.
- Rerouting Throttle: Connect the gas pedal cable directly to the carburetor throttle arm. Ensure the connection allows for full opening and closing of the throttle.
This is the most extreme form of golf cart speed control removal.
Safety and Legal Considerations After Governor Removal
Changing speed settings comes with risks. It is important to consider these before you attempt to remove golf cart speed limiter.
Engine Health (Gas Carts)
Gas engines are built with limits for a reason.
- Over-Revving: If you remove the governor and the engine spins faster than its design limits, internal parts can break. Pistons, connecting rods, and valves can fail catastrophically.
- Oil System: Governors sometimes interact with the lubrication system. Removing them without proper sealing can cause oil pressure loss or leaks.
Cart Component Stress (Electric Carts)
Electric carts face different stresses.
- Motor Heat: Running the motor at higher speeds draws more current. This creates more heat. If the motor is not rated for higher speeds, it will overheat and fail prematurely.
- Controller Limits: Even if you change the software, the physical wires and MOSFETs (transistors) inside the controller have limits. Pushing past these limits causes them to burn out.
Legal and Insurance Issues
This is a major point often overlooked when looking into how to increase golf cart speed.
- Street Legality: In many areas, street-legal carts must not exceed 20 mph. Modifying your cart to go faster may make it illegal for road use. You could face fines or have your cart impounded.
- Insurance Voidance: If your cart is insured for low-speed use, increasing its speed significantly might void your policy. If you get into an accident, the insurance company may refuse to pay.
Step-by-Step Guide to Bypassing the Limiter (General Overview)
This table offers a simplified look at the general process for disabling golf cart governor across types.
| Step | Electric Cart Action | Gas Cart Action | Key Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Locate Speed Controller. | Locate Mechanical Governor. | Find the speed limiting device. |
| 2 | Check for programming access or switches. | Check for adjustment screws/linkages. | Assess ease of modification. |
| 3 | Program new speed limits or install chip. | Attempt golf cart governor adjustment. | Increase speed setting gently. |
| 4 | Test speed carefully. | Lock throttle linkage or remove assembly. | Ensure throttle plate opens fully. |
| 5 | If necessary, upgrade controller for more power. | Install blanking plate if assembly removed. | Match power components to new speed demands. |
Choosing the Right Path for Your Cart
The decision to pursue golf cart performance upgrade depends on your cart type and goals.
For Low-Speed Gains (5 mph max)
If you only need a slight boost for slight inclines or carrying heavy loads, stick to light adjustments.
- Electric: Simple controller setting change.
- Gas: Simple golf cart governor adjustment.
For Significant Speed Increase (10+ mph)
If you need the cart to hit 18-25 mph, you likely need hardware changes or full removal.
- Electric: Requires a golf cart performance chip installation or a full controller swap.
- Gas: Requires full golf cart engine governor removal or detailed linkage bypass.
Remember, faster speeds require better stopping power. Stock brakes are often designed for lower speeds. Upgrading brakes should always be considered alongside golf cart speed restriction removal.
Improving Power Without Governor Changes
Sometimes, you can get a little more pep without messing with the governor at all. This is safer for the engine.
For Electric Carts
Focus on battery health and system efficiency.
- Newer, Better Batteries: Higher voltage batteries (e.g., moving from 36V to 48V systems, if compatible) directly translate to more power and speed potential.
- Tire Pressure: Ensure tires are inflated to the correct PSI. Underinflated tires cause drag and slow you down.
For Gas Carts
Focus on getting the engine to breathe better. This is like tuning for efficiency.
- Air Filter: Install a high-flow air filter. More air helps the engine burn fuel better.
- Exhaust System: Upgrading the muffler and exhaust pipe can reduce back pressure. This helps the engine run freer.
- Carburetor Tuning: A slight adjustment to the fuel mixture screws can optimize performance, especially after a partial golf cart governor adjustment.
These steps provide a golf cart performance upgrade by improving the engine’s ability to work, rather than forcing it beyond its mechanical limits.
Comprehending Throttle Response After Modification
When you bypass golf cart throttle limiter, you often change how the cart feels.
In electric carts, the acceleration curve might become much sharper. The cart might jump forward aggressively when you press the pedal. This requires more care when starting from a stop.
In gas carts, the engine might sound louder and rev higher faster. If you only adjusted the governor, the engine will try to hit that higher speed limit quickly. If you removed it entirely, you must control the speed only with your foot on the pedal. This takes practice to avoid jerky acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will removing the governor affect my golf cart’s warranty?
A: Yes. Any modification to the speed limiting systems, whether electronic (for electric carts) or mechanical (for gas carts), will almost certainly void the manufacturer’s warranty on the related components (motor, controller, or engine).
Q: Is it legal to increase the speed of my golf cart?
A: Legality depends entirely on where you drive the cart. Carts driven only on private property usually have no restrictions. If you plan to drive on public roads, check local DMV or municipal laws. Most public roads require carts to be registered and adhere to specific speed limits (often 20 mph or less). Exceeding these limits can result in tickets.
Q: How much speed can I reasonably expect after modifying the governor?
A: This varies greatly. Electric carts might see a 3 to 10 mph gain depending on the controller’s original programming limits. Gas carts, after proper golf cart engine governor removal, can often reach speeds in the high teens or low twenties, provided the tires and other components can handle it. Pushing far past 25 mph on a stock cart is risky.
Q: What is the difference between adjusting and removing the governor?
A: Adjusting the governor means setting a new, higher mechanical or electronic limit. The governor still functions, stopping the engine/motor if it tries to exceed that new limit. Removing the governor means eliminating the physical or electronic governor entirely, relying solely on the driver’s foot input to control speed. Removal allows for the highest potential speed but also the highest risk of engine damage from over-revving.
Q: Can I adjust the governor on a brand-new golf cart?
A: If the cart is very new, it likely has a sealed electronic system. Attempting to open or reprogram the controller yourself without proper tools voids the warranty immediately. For newer models, professional dealer service is often the only recommended way to adjust settings like golf cart speed control removal.