Speed Limiter Removal & Adjustment

Many modern cars, vans and commercial vehicles have an electronically controlled maximum vehicle speed programmed within the ECU or another vehicle control module.

Depending on the vehicle and application, the programmed limit can sometimes be raised, lowered or removed through ECU software calibration.

At Redline Remaps, we provide speed limiter adjustment and removal for supported vehicles and applications.

What is a Speed Limiter?

An electronic speed limiter prevents the vehicle from exceeding a predetermined road speed.

Once the programmed threshold is reached, the engine management system limits available torque or engine output to prevent the vehicle from accelerating beyond the configured maximum speed.

Speed restrictions can be fitted for a number of reasons, including:

• Manufacturer vehicle configuration
• Commercial vehicle operation
• Fleet requirements
• Vehicle specification
• Tyre or component limitations
• Market-specific configurations
• Regulatory requirements

The way the limiter operates varies between manufacturers and vehicle control systems.

Speed Limiter Removal

Some vehicles have a factory-programmed maximum speed that is lower than the vehicle would otherwise be capable of achieving.

Where supported and appropriate for the application, the ECU calibration can be modified to raise or remove this programmed restriction.

This is particularly relevant to certain performance vehicles, imported vehicles and specialist or track applications where the original factory speed restriction is no longer required.

Speed limiter removal does not automatically increase engine power or torque. It changes the maximum permitted vehicle speed within the relevant control strategy.

Where additional engine performance is required, limiter adjustment may be carried out alongside an appropriate ECU remap.

Speed Limiter Adjustment

Speed limiter programming isn't only about increasing maximum speed.

A lower maximum vehicle speed can also be programmed on supported vehicles.

This can be useful for:

• Commercial vans
• Company vehicles
• Fleet applications
• Specialist vehicles
• Vehicles requiring a specific maximum operating speed

The required limit can be configured according to the vehicle, ECU and intended application where the control system supports adjustment.

ECU and Module Configuration

Not every speed restriction is controlled in exactly the same way.

Depending on the vehicle, maximum speed may be configured within the engine ECU or involve settings within other vehicle control modules.

For this reason, the vehicle needs to be correctly identified before determining which programming or calibration procedure is required.

A dashboard speed-limiter function selected by the driver should also not be confused with a permanently programmed vehicle maximum-speed restriction.

Important Considerations

Before increasing or removing a factory speed restriction, the complete vehicle specification should be considered.

This includes factors such as:

• Tyre speed rating
• Braking system
• Suspension and vehicle condition
• Engine and drivetrain configuration
• Manufacturer restrictions
• Intended vehicle use

Certain commercial and specialist vehicles may also be legally required to have a functioning speed limiter. Where a limiter is required by law, it must not be disabled or altered in a way that makes the vehicle non-compliant.

Need a Speed Limiter Changed?

If your vehicle has a factory or programmed speed restriction that you need raised, lowered or removed, contact Redline Remaps with your vehicle registration and the speed at which the vehicle is currently limited.

We can identify the vehicle and control system and advise what speed limiter programming or ECU calibration options are available.