Club Car Governor Adjustment: A Step-by-Step Guide for DIY

There are a lot of Club Car golf carts on the market, and they all need regular maintenance to work smoothly and safely. One of the most crucial inspections is your governor setting, which adjusts engine RPMs according to the terrain.

Club Car governors control golf cart speed. When the engine reaches a certain speed, the governor automatically reduces RPMs. Club Car governors have three settings that monitor the engine and slow it down as it approaches top speed.

The club car governor adjustment is standard on older diesel vehicles but easy to mess up. This article will help you maintain your vehicle safely and professionally so it can run again.

Materials and Tools Required

The governor controls how fast your club car goes. You can adjust the governor’s speed to suit your preferences by making small changes.

However, you will need some tools to adjust your golf cart governor. The tools required are:

  • An adjustable wrench 
  • Metric sockets and drive tools 
  • A speedometer drive tool 
  • Needle-nose pliers 

Depending on the Club Car model, there are various methods for adjusting the governor.

Precautions For Club Car Governor Adjustment

To begin, thoroughly read your manual. If necessary, check the levels of engine oil and battery fluid. 

Inspect the tires for proper inflation, wear, and damage. Before you set out on the course, double-check that all lights are operational.

When it’s time to adjust the governor on your Club Car golf cart, take the following precautions:

  • Remove the key from the ignition.
  • Locate and disconnect the battery’s negative terminal (usually near the driver’s side footwell).
  • When handling any electrical component, put on rubber gloves or wrap a cloth around your hand.
  • Carefully remove anything that is impeding your progress to your destination.

How to Adjust the Governor on a Club Car Golf Cart?

For optimal performance, Club Car gas golf carts need a governor adjustment. Golf carts use governors to control engine speed automatically. Adjust the governor if your Club Car’s engine runs too fast or too slowly.

Step 1: Locate and remove the governor

The governor is located under the passenger seat in the fuel tank. Usually, a small plastic or metal piece must be removed before you can access it.

Clips usually hold the plastic, so you need a butter knife to remove it. After removing this piece, you’ll notice two screws holding the governor. These should be loosened with an Allen wrench.

Step 2: Prepare the Golf Cart

To adjust the golf cart governor successfully, you must first prepare your golf cart by removing any aftermarket parts. 

For example: if you have an engine block heater or battery warmer installed, you should unplug it before adjusting the governor.

After that, disconnect your battery and wait at least 90 seconds before proceeding. Now your cart is ready for adjustment.

Step 3: Adjust the Governor

Remove the key from the ignition. Find the idle speed adjustment lever (usually located near the gas pedal).

Turn it to one side, then back. This should be sufficient to adjust your governor. If not, turn it back and forth until you find a setting that works for you.

Step 4: Put the Golf Cart to the Test

Once you’ve finished adjusting the governor, test your golf cart. Turn your key to the ON position and wait at least three seconds before pressing down on the accelerator pedal.

You should notice your golf cart’s engine revving up if everything is in order. If not, you’ll need to make some adjustments until it does.

Step 5: Reassemble Everything

Now that you’ve disassembled everything and fixed the issue, it’s time to put it back together. This should be a straightforward process because you know what needs to go where. 

Begin by repositioning the shift box and securing it with four screws. Then, pull the wire harness away from where you intend to install it and begin screwing down any remaining loose wires.

FAQs.

Club car golf carts are an excellent option for people who want to explore their property without walking. If you want to learn more, take a look at these FAQs.

How Fast Can a Golf Cart Go Without a Governor?

A club car’s governor limits its speed. Without this governor, golf carts can reach 30 to 35 mph.
This can be dangerous when driving near pedestrians or other cars. The governor can be adjusted to allow higher speeds than the factory settings.

How Do I Know if My Golf Cart Speed Controller Is Bad?

If your driving speed increases and your cart isn’t responding, your speed controller may be damaged.
Check if there is a difference when you adjust the throttle. Your golf cart speed controller could be the issue if there is no difference.

Why Is My Golf Cart Not Going Full Speed?

People usually blame the engine. A variety of factors could be to blame for your golf cart’s lack of speed.
First, adjust the club car’s governor. A club car governor regulates RPMs, so you stay within the speed limit.

How do you reset the governor?

To reset the governor, turn the adjustment screw in the opposite direction of the clock until it stops.
Then, turn the adjustment screw clockwise for one or two full turns. The governor should now be ready to go.

Do electric golf carts have speed governors?

You might be wondering if electric golf carts have speed governors. The answer is yes, they do. Electric golf carts have a top speed of 18 mph.
Speed governors protect you and others around you from accidents when driving at high speeds in an open environment.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, you should adjust the governor if you own a Club Car golf cart and want the engine to run smoothly. The governor reduces the engine’s speed when it’s near maximum speed.

Some people can perform this adjustment, but you must do your research and ensure they are reliable.

An insufficient club car governor adjustment will damage your golf cart engine, and the repair can be costly. Always choose safety over regret.

As you can see, club car golf cart engine maintenance is easy. At least once a year or when your golf cart could be performing better, adjust the club car governor.

Regular maintenance is the best way to avoid expensive repairs and keep your engine running smoothly.

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