Silverado has a speed limiter, just like many modern vehicles.
Vehicles with speed limiters frustrate those who desire to unlock their full potential.
If you own a Chevy Silverado and want to remove the speed limiter from your vehicle, there is no need to worry.
There are ways to remove the speed limiter on your Chevy Silverado and increase its top speed.
It’s possible to bypass the speed limiter on your truck with a few modifications.
In this article, I have discussed what speed limiters are, how they work, and, most importantly, how to remove them from your Chevy Silverado.
What is Speed Limit
A speed limit is a legal restriction that limits the maximum speed at which a vehicle can run on a particular road.
Speed limits are established by local, state, and national authorities to ensure drivers do not exceed the safe speed limit to prevent road accidents.
The speed limit varies according to the type of road, location, weather, and traffic conditions.
Usually, speed limits are shown on road signs, and law enforcement officers use devices like radar guns to keep drivers from going too fast.
Following speed limits is essential to safe driving and promotes road users’ safety.
What are Speed Limiters
Speed limiters, also known as speed governors, are electronic devices designed to restrict the top speed of a vehicle.
Speed limiters are designed to improve safety and reduce accident risk.
They are usually put on trucks, buses, and other commercial vehicles to ensure they don’t exceed a certain speed limit.
The limit is set by the manufacturer or regulatory agencies and is usually around 60–70 miles per hour for commercial vehicles.
The speed limiter works by keeping track of how fast the vehicle is going and cutting off the fuel or power to the engine when the vehicle goes over the speed limit that was set.
Speed limiters prevent vehicles from accelerating beyond the limit, regardless of driver actions.
By restricting the top speed of commercial vehicles, speed limiters prevent drivers from engaging in risky driving behaviors.
Speed limiters are commonly used on commercial vehicles; they are not typically installed on passenger cars or trucks.
How Do Speed Limiters Work
Speed limiters are electronic devices that work by monitoring vehicle speed.
They limit the fuel or power delivered to the engine once the preset speed limit is reached.
Speed limiters consist of a speed sensor, a control module, and an actuator.
The speed sensor detects the speed of the vehicle by measuring the rotation of the wheels.
The control module receives the speed signal from the sensor and compares it to the preset speed limit.
If the vehicle exceeds the speed limit, the control module sends a signal to the actuator to limit the fuel or power delivered to the engine.
The actuator may work in different ways, depending on the type of speed limiter.
For example, some speed limiters restrict fuel flow to the engine, while others limit the maximum RPM of the engine.
Some speed limiters use the brakes to slow the vehicle down if it exceeds the speed limit.
Once the speed limiter is activated, the vehicle’s top speed is restricted to the preset limit, regardless of the driver’s actions.
The limiter keeps working until the vehicle’s speed drops below the limit.
When that happens, the engine starts working normally again.
How to Remove Speed Limiter on Chevy Silverado
You can remove the speed limiter on your Chevy Silverado in 3 different ways, including using a tuner or programmer, installing a performance chip, and disconnecting the wire.
1. By Using a Tuner
Removing the speed limiter on a Chevy Silverado using a tuner or programmer is a more reliable and safer method.
A tuner or programmer is an electronic device designed to modify the engine management system of your vehicle.
You can remove the speed limiter on your Chevy Silverado using a tuner by following these 5 steps:
Step 01: Purchase a tuner compatible with your vehicle.
Step 02: Connect the tuner or programmer to the OBD-II port underneath the steering column.
Step 03: Select the speed limiter option from the menu.
Step 04: Disable the speed limiter by following the on-screen menu.
Step 05: Save the changes and disconnect the tuner from the OBD-II port.
The speed limiter on your truck is now removed, and you can drive at higher speeds.
2. By Installing a Performance Chip
A performance chip is a small electronic device installed in a vehicle to modify engine control module (ECM) settings.
Performance chips improve vehicle performance by adjusting parameters like fuel injection, ignition timing, and turbo boost pressure.
A performance chip increases horsepower and torque, improves fuel efficiency, and removes speed limiters.
Installing a performance chip is a popular method to remove the speed limiter on the Chevrolet Silverado.
Here is a 4-step guide to installing a performance chip to remove the speed limiter on your Silverado:
Step 01: Purchase a performance chip designed for your Chevrolet Silverado.
Step 02: Locate the OBD-II port and plug the performance chip into the OBD-II port.
Step 03: Install the chip correctly and remove the speed limiter.
Step 04: After installing the performance chip, take the truck for a test drive.
3. By Disconnecting the Wire
Another way to remove the speed limiter on a Silverado is to disconnect the wire that connects the speed sensor to the ECM.
The speed limiter is controlled by the vehicle’s electronic control module (ECM), which receives signals from various sensors on the vehicle, including the speed sensor.
Disconnecting the wire connecting the speed sensor to the ECM will bypass the speed limiter.
To remove the speed limiter on your Chevy Silverado by disconnecting the wire, follow these 4 steps:
Step 01: Locate the speed sensor on the transmission or the rear differential of the truck.
Step 02: Locate the wire that connects the speed sensor to the ECM.
Step 03: Disconnect the wire harness that connects the speed sensor to the ECM.
Step 04: Start the vehicle and take it for a test drive after disconnecting the wire.
The speed limiter on your Chevy Silverado has been successfully removed after these 4 steps.
Before you try to remove the speed limiter by disconnecting the wire, talk to an auto mechanic.
What is the Maximum Speed Limit in USA?
The basic speed limit in the USA is typically 25 miles per hour in residential areas and business districts, 35 mph on major streets and highways in urban areas, and 55-75 mph on rural highways and interstates.
These limits vary by state and even by specific roadways within a state.
Some states also have different speed limits for different types of vehicles, like trucks or buses.
Commercial trucks and buses are subject to federal regulations.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets limits on how fast commercial vehicles can go.
These limits are meant to keep drivers safe and reduce the chance of accidents on the road.
Final Words
Removing the speed limiter may have legal implications and void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Remove the speed limiter only if the vehicle meets all safety requirements and is in good working condition.
Taking out the speed limiter will make your truck run better and give you a better driving experience.
But consult an experienced mechanic before attempting to remove the speed limiter.
Make sure you follow all traffic laws and regulations when driving.
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