Different options come to mind when it comes to increasing the speed of our club car, including bypassing the motor speed sensor.
This option, however, isn’t very popular and so has a lot of uncertainties and limited information on how to go about it.
So, I wrote this article to educate you on how to go with your club car speed sensor bypass, its benefits, drawbacks, and more.
How To Do A Club Car Speed Sensor Bypass
Follow these steps for Club car speed sensor bypass:
1. Locate the Speed Sensor
The speed sensor is typically located on or near the motor of your Club Car.
2. Disconnect the Speed Sensor
- Ensure the vehicle is off and disconnected from any power sources.
- Find the speed sensor on the motor. It’s usually attached with a retaining bolt and connected to the controller via a cable.
- Unplug the connector linking the sensor and the controller, and remove the retaining bolt to disconnect the sensor from the motor.
3. Bypassing the Speed Sensor
- You’ll need to trick the controller into believing the speed sensor is still connected and functioning normally.
- To do this, use a jumper wire or a resistor to bridge the connector that was attached to the speed sensor.
Carrying out a club car speed sensor bypass on your golf cart can be easily done by unplugging the sensor from the speed controller.
By doing a simple Club Car Speed Controller Adjustment, your golf cart’s speed can be increased easily.
Since your speed sensor helps your golf cart carry out several motor functions like regenerative braking and roll-away protection, there is a high risk of an accident.
Therefore, a club car speed sensor bypass isn’t recommended.
However, if you need more speed on your golf cart, you can simply opt for an upgrade for your motor, battery, speed controller, and tires.
On the other hand, if your golf cart falls back to a speed of 8mph and you are sure it’s not a battery issue, then you have a faulty speed sensor. Here’s how to replace your club car speed sensor.
- Jack up your club car and take out the rear tires. For added safety, place the tires under the golf cart to ensure the cart doesn’t land on you should the jack fall off.
- Remove the snap ring holding the speed sensor onto the motor of your golf cart to reveal the magnet using a 5/16 inch socket. If the speed sensor doesn’t come out after you have tried doing this, you can spray some lubricant on the sensor. It may be stuck as a result of micro grits holding it in place.
- If the magnet isn’t cracked or ripped, then all you have to do is replace the speed sensor. Otherwise, replace both the magnet and the speed sensor.
- Put the new motor speed sensor in place and replace the snap ring. Make sure your golf cart’s run-tow switch is on tow mode when you are doing this.
Club Car Speed Sensor Location
The speed sensor of a club car model is located on the back of the motor which is found close to the right rear tire. You can quickly reach the speed sensor by jacking up your cart and taking off the rear tires to see the motor. The speed sensor is the black cap-like structure attached to the motor.
What Is the Club Car Speed Sensor?
The club car speed sensor is a small-sized black cap-like structure attached with wires to a plug and is found on the back of the motor. It interprets the RPM of the motor and transfers the details to the speed controller present in your golf cart to help keep control over some motor functions.
Check out my detailed guide on How to Change Speed Setting on Club Car.
How Does the Club Car Speed Sensor Work?
There are three types of club car speed sensors, they are: mechanical, magnetic, and electrical.
A magnetic speed sensor is mostly used. The speed sensor employs electromagnetic power to read the motor rpm. At the closed end of the motor, there is a magnet enclosed by the speed sensor.
This sensor reads how the magnet reacts with the magnetic field inside the motor and transfers the details to the speed controller. This speed sensor option is usually available on DC club car golf carts.
A mechanical speed sensor uses a disk with slots in it that pass by a reader’s head.
The speed sensor calculates the number of slots read per minute and translates the details within the speed controller to determine the motor rpm.
This speed sensor option is usually available on AC club car golf cart models.
The electrical option uses power directly from your battery to produce a reading.
What Can Go Wrong when Bypassing the Club Car Speed Sensor?
Your speed controller can either fall back to a default speed of 8rpm or increase the speed of your cart to a very high level. Your cart will lose its regenerative braking and roll-away protection which can ultimately lead to serious accidents.
Club Car Speed Sensor Bypass Benefits
One benefit of bypassing the club car motor sensor is that your cart can travel at a very high speed with no limit.
Another benefit is that you don’t have to make extra expenses to upgrade your cart’s speed limit. However, the risks outweigh the benefits.
How Much Does the Club Car Speed Sensor Cost?
A club car speed sensor costs about $23.99. So, it is fairly cheap to replace it, instead of going through the hassle of Club Car Speed Sensor Bypass.
Where Can You Get a New Club Car Speed Sensor?
You can get a new speed sensor online via Amazon, at any golf cart dealer’s shop, or at Walmart. You can also order one directly from the club car company.
Conclusion
Almost every club car golf cart user tends to look for ways to increase their cart’s speed limit. Some go for upgrades, which despite the added expenses get the job done.
Others may look out for ways for Club Car Speed Sensor Bypass. While doing this will give you the speed you need, it is not recommended.
Bypassing the motor speed sensor of your club car golf cart can make your speed controller fall back to a default speed limit of 8rpm or less.
It can also cause your golf cart to lose its regenerative braking and roll-away protection. Now Regenerative braking allows the motor to capture the energy which is used to brake that is usually wasted on creating friction and use it to recharge the battery, thereby prolonging the battery life.
The roll-away protection on the other hand protects the golf cart in situations where the cart’s user forgets to lock their parking brakes when they park downhill.
This feature limits the golf cart’s speed so it’s only able to roll in neutral at the preset rpm of the cart which is under ½ mph or thereabout, so it’s easy for you to catch up with your cart before any serious damage is done.
In situations where you bypass your club car speed sensor, there is a higher risk of accidents. We, therefore, recommend you go for upgrades to increase your cart’s speed rather than a club car speed sensor bypass.
