Many modern cars are equipped with a speed limiter – a mechanism that restricts the vehicle’s top speed. While designed to protect drivers and passengers, this feature can become a nuisance when you’re in a hurry. In this article, we will explain how to remove a speed limiter system on your Chevrolet Silverado and enjoy more power when driving.
It is not uncommon for someone to want a Chevy Silverado with more horsepower and torque. But there are many limitations. The truck’s max speed is restricted to 99 miles per hour, which may be too low for some drivers or in certain regions of the country. There are also other limits that come with this type of vehicle, including weight capacities and gas mileage.
In order to remove the speed limiter on your Chevy Silverado, you will need a new chip or new car computer system, as well as an ECU programmer capable of reading and writing the truck’s original computer programming language.
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How to Remove A Speed Limiter on Chevy Silverado
The main culprit responsible for the speed limiter, as well as other limitations on your Chevy Silverado, is the engine control unit (ECU). Likewise, experts refer to a device that eliminates the engine control unit’s functions as a vehicle ECU programmer. A Chevy Silverado ECU programmer is an electronic device with the basic function of communicating with the truck’s computer system. There are no limitations on your vehicle when this happens, and you can drive more freely.
Here are 3 methods to remove the speed limiter on your Silverado:
1: You’ll Need A Chip (Control Unit)
Aftermarket chip manufacturers produce a wide range of chips (also known as tuner chips) that are specially designed to remove the speed limiter on a Silverado.
These units are connected to the factory chip and change its programming code, allowing the truck owner to remove speed limiter restrictions.
Some chips are designed to disable the speed limiter, while others simply deactivate it. Once you install an aftermarket chip in your Silverado’s computer system and reformat its coding, there will be no more limitations on horsepower or top speed.
2: Disconnecting the wire
If you want to remove the speed limiter from your Silverado, but don’t want to replace your ECU or install a new chip, you can completely disconnect the wiring that causes this mechanism.
Before removing the wires, however, it is important to understand which of them connects the ECU and ignition circuit. In older Silverado models, speed limiter restrictions are handled by an ignition control module (ICM) connected to the ECU. In newer models, however, the same function is given to a modified ignition switch that comes with the Silverado’s computer system.
Removing the wires will remove the speed limiter and some other safety features of your Silverado. Furthermore, you will have to replace the ignition switch and have it programmed by a professional in order to keep other vehicle functions, such as the immobilizer.
3: Using ECU Programmer
The final method to remove the speed limiter on your Chevy Silverado involves a device that is capable of writing new computer codes into the vehicle’s ECU.
By resetting the computer chip, you will remove speed limiter restrictions and other limitations on your vehicle’s horsepower and torque. The aftermarket unit capable of performing this task is an ECU programmer, which replaces your Silverado’s original ECU and allows you to reprogram its code.
If you are in the market for an ECU programmer, keep in mind that some of them are not compatible with every Silverado model, so it is important to choose one that can be installed on your truck.
Advantages of removing the speed limiter
1: When the speed limiter is removed on your Silverado, you will be able to drive faster without experiencing engine and transmission problems.
2: While traveling at higher speeds, you will experience fewer transmission shifts and less engine noise. In addition, your truck’s fuel consumption will be lower than usual.
3: You will be able to drive longer distances without experiencing a drop in power and engine performance.
4: You can reach your destination faster if you choose to remove the speed limiter on your Silverado.
Disadvantages of removing a speed limiter
1: If a new chip is installed on the truck, it will be almost impossible to return to factory settings.
2: If you disconnect the wires that connect your Silverado’s ECU to its ignition control module (ICM), other safety features will be disabled and your truck will not function properly.
3: If you remove the speed limiter on your Silverado using an ECU programmer, you will have to install a new computer chip in order to repair the damage caused by this method.
4: Some of these methods are illegal in some states and countries and also unsafe, as they disable other safety features on the Silverado.
Conclusion
Although it is possible to remove the speed limiter on Chevy Silverado, We do not recommend doing so unless you are experienced in this type of vehicle modification. Furthermore, you should always consult a professional mechanic to avoid damaging your Silverado.
We hope that you will find this article helpful and will be able to remove the speed limiter from your Silverado in an efficient, legal manner.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them in the section below. Also, don’t forget to share this article.
FAQs
- Why does a vehicle have a speed limiter?
Your speed limiter helps you avoid engine and transmission problems at higher speeds. If your engine’s RPM is not managed properly, you could damage your vehicle’s powertrain components.
- How does a speed limiter work?
A speed limiter is installed on your vehicle’s ECU, which operates the engine and transmission. When you exceed a certain speed threshold, the device will temporarily disable the powertrain components in order to prevent the engine from transferring power to the transmission.
- Is it legal to disable the system that limits vehicle speed?
Not all methods that remove the speed limiter from a Silverado are legal, so it is important to research your state and local laws prior to attempting this type of vehicle modification.
- Will removing the speed limiter on a Silverado cause an engine problem?
In order to avoid damaging your engine or transmission, you need to employ a method that removes the speed limiter without altering other safety features of the vehicle.
- Will removing the speed limiter impact the fuel efficiency rating that I get from my Silverado?
Yes, removing the speed limiter from your Silverado will improve its fuel efficiency by reducing the amount of time needed to complete a trip.
My name is Tom Harris, founder of this blog. I’m a mechanical engineer with 20 years of experience in the automotive industry. I’m here to help you with your vehicle’s problems, easy fixes and share my insights and experience so that you can enjoy your rides more.