I’ve been trying to get my 2021 Express 6 seater golf cart to go faster than 19.5 mph using a Curtis controller, but I’m hitting a wall. I’ve played around with the Curtis 1314 OEM programmer, but it’s like hitting a brick wall at 19.5 mph. I’m aiming for at least 23 mph.
Response
What worked well for me was adjusting the Field Map Start and Fwd FLD min on the Curtis controller. It’s a bit tricky, but once you nail those settings, you should see a good speed boost. It’s definitely worth trying out.
Solutions that Worked for Users
| Solution | Users Who Found Success | Approx. Cost (USD) | Approx. Time Needed (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adjusting Field Map Start and Fwd FLD min | 3 | $0 (DIY) | 30 – 60 |
| Upgrading to a Higher Amp Controller | 2 | $300 – $500 | 60 – 120 |
| Replacing Motor Brake | 1 | $50 – $100 | 60 – 120 |
Symptoms
- Golf cart unable to exceed 19.5 mph.
- Sudden jolts during acceleration or deceleration.
- Controller settings not responding as expected.
Possible Causes
- Incorrect controller settings limiting the cart’s speed.
- Incompatibility of the controller with the desired speed range.
- Mechanical limitations or issues within the golf cart.
Solutions that Worked
- Adjusting Field Map Start and Fwd FLD min
- What I Did: Fine-tuned the Field Map Start and Fwd FLD min settings on the Curtis controller.
- Outcome: Successfully increased the cart’s speed.
- Personal Experience: It took some experimenting with the settings, but the results were worth it.
- Steps:
- Access the Curtis controller’s programming interface.
- Gradually increase the Field Map Start value, monitoring the cart’s response.
- Adjust the Fwd FLD min setting to find a balance between speed and torque.
- Conduct test drives after each adjustment to assess changes in performance.
- Expert Tip: Incremental adjustments are key. Avoid drastic changes to prevent potential damage to the motor. Also, remember that higher speeds can impact battery life and overall cart stability.
- Upgrading to a Higher Amp Controller
- What I Did: Swapped the existing controller for a higher amp model.
- Outcome: Gained significant improvements in torque and speed.
- Personal Experience: The upgrade was costly but significantly enhanced the cart’s performance.
- Steps:
- Research and select a compatible high amp controller.
- Carefully remove the existing controller, noting all wire connections.
- Install the new controller, double-checking all connections for accuracy.
- Perform a thorough test drive to evaluate the new controller’s impact.
- Expert Tip: Compatibility is crucial. Ensure the new controller matches your cart’s specifications. Also, consider consulting a professional for installation to avoid errors.
- Replacing Motor Brake
- What I Did: Identified and replaced a failing motor brake.
- Outcome: Resolved the speed limitation issue.
- Personal Experience: Detected a distinct smell indicating a problem with the motor brake.
- Steps:
- Locate the motor brake near the motor assembly.
- Disconnect the power source to ensure safety.
- Carefully remove the faulty motor brake and install the new one.
- Reconnect the power and test the cart in various modes to confirm functionality.
- Expert Tip: Regular maintenance checks can prevent unexpected failures. Pay attention to any unusual noises or smells from your cart, as these can be early indicators of issues.
Golf Cart Models Where This Worked
- 2021 Express 6 Seater Golf Cart
- Various models equipped with Curtis controllers