My Club Car golf cart’s governor is giving me a headache. It’s either crawling like a snail or speeding like a race car. Anyone else dealing with this? I could really use some advice!
Response
The Club Car’s governor can be quite tricky to adjust. One of the things that really helped me was adjusting the throttle rod.
Solutions that worked for users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Personal Experience | Estimated Cost (USD) | Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adjust Throttle Rod | 2 | Adjusted throttle rod, issue fixed | $0 | 15-20 |
| Adjust Governor to Carb Cable | 1 | Adjusted cable, better idling | $0 | 15-20 |
| Unhook Rev Limiter | 1 | Unhooked rev limiter | $0 | 10-15 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart speed fluctuates wildly
- Golf cart struggles on inclines
- Golf cart RPMs are inconsistent
Possible Causes
- Governor misalignment
- Throttle cable slack or tension
- Rev limiter interference
- Worn-out drive belt or clutches
Solutions that Worked
1. Adjust Throttle Rod
What I Did:
Adjusted the throttle rod to find the optimal pedal engagement.
Outcome:
The cart now runs at a consistent speed.
Personal Experience:
After fiddling with the throttle rod, my cart’s speed is finally stable.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the throttle rod that connects the gas pedal to the carburetor.
- Use a wrench to loosen the nut on either end of the rod.
- Make small adjustments to the rod’s length.
- Tighten the nuts.
- Test drive the cart to check for speed consistency.
- Repeat the process until you find the optimal setting.
Expert Tip:
Always make small adjustments and test drive the cart after each change. This will help you find the sweet spot without going to extremes.
2. Adjust Governor to Carb Cable
What I Did:
Tweaked the cable connecting the governor to the carburetor.
Outcome:
The cart idles smoothly and maintains a consistent speed.
Personal Experience:
After this minor tweak, my cart idles like a dream and the speed is much more reliable.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
15-20 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the cable that runs from the governor to the carburetor.
- Use a wrench to loosen the adjustment nut on the cable.
- Make small adjustments to the cable tension.
- Tighten the adjustment nut.
- Start the cart and let it idle to test the new setting.
- Make further adjustments as needed.
Expert Tip:
If your cart has idling issues, this adjustment can be a game-changer. Just remember to test the idle speed after each adjustment.
3. Unhook Rev Limiter
What I Did:
Disconnected the rev limiter.
Outcome:
The cart now runs at higher speeds without any issues.
Personal Experience:
After unhooking the rev limiter, my cart feels like it’s got a new lease on life.
Estimated Cost:
$0
Time Needed:
10-15 minutes
Steps:
- Locate the rev limiter near the engine.
- Disconnect the electrical connector or unhook the wire.
- Insulate the disconnected wire with electrical tape to prevent short circuits.
- Test drive the cart to ensure it runs smoothly at higher speeds.
Expert Tip:
If you decide to go this route, consider installing a tachometer to keep an eye on your RPMs. Over-revving can lead to engine damage.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2016 Club Car EFI
- 2003 Club Car DS
- 1994 Club Car
Safety Tips
- Always use the proper tools for adjustments to avoid damaging nuts and bolts.
- If you’re not comfortable making these adjustments yourself, consider taking your cart to a professional.
- If your cart is still under warranty, making adjustments to the governor yourself may void it. Always check your warranty terms before proceeding.
- Some newer models may have electronic governors that require specialized equipment for adjustments. Make sure you know what type of governor your cart has.