How To Remove Speed Governor From Car

Facing a frustrating situation where your car just won't reach its full potential? You're likely dealing with a speed governor, also known as a speed limiter. These devices are electronically programmed to restrict your vehicle's top speed. While they have their place in certain situations, many drivers find them limiting, especially when merging onto highways, overtaking, or simply enjoying a spirited drive. In this guide, we'll discuss how to address this issue, highlighting the importance of understanding the implications before modifying your vehicle's factory settings.

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Speed Governor

Before jumping to conclusions, it's crucial to confirm that a speed governor is indeed the culprit. Here are some common symptoms that indicate its presence:

Sudden power cut-off at a specific speed: This is the most obvious sign. You'll notice the engine struggling to accelerate beyond a certain speed, regardless of how hard you press the accelerator. It feels like hitting a wall.
Inconsistent acceleration at higher speeds: The car might accelerate normally up to a certain point, then experience a significant drop in performance. This can make highway driving feel sluggish and unsafe when overtaking.
Warning lights or messages: Some vehicles may display a warning message on the dashboard indicating that the speed limiter is active. This is more common in newer vehicles.
Limited RPMs: In some cases, the speed governor might also indirectly limit the engine's RPMs, preventing it from reaching its full potential even when stationary.

Understanding the Root Cause: Why Speed Governors Exist

Speed governors are implemented for various reasons, mainly related to safety, regulations, and fleet management. Here’s a breakdown:

Safety: Manufacturers may install speed governors to prevent drivers from exceeding the safe operating limits of the vehicle, particularly with regards to tire ratings and handling capabilities. High speeds put immense stress on tires, increasing the risk of blowouts.
Fleet Management: Companies that operate large fleets of vehicles often use speed governors to control fuel consumption, reduce wear and tear, and promote safer driving habits among their employees. Limiting speed directly translates to lower fuel costs and fewer accidents.
Regulatory Compliance: In some countries or for specific vehicle types (e.g., commercial trucks, school buses), speed governors are legally mandated to improve safety and reduce the risk of accidents.
Lease Agreements: Some leasing companies implement speed governors to protect their investment and ensure the vehicle is operated within pre-defined limits.
Teen Driver Settings: Certain vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems offer the ability to set a maximum speed limit, acting as a speed governor, primarily used by parents of teen drivers.

The speed limit is usually set within the vehicle's ECU (Engine Control Unit), also sometimes referred to as the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). This electronic brain controls various aspects of the engine's performance, including fuel injection, ignition timing, and, in this case, speed limitation. The ECU constantly monitors the vehicle's speed via sensors and intervenes when the set limit is reached, typically by reducing fuel flow or ignition. The exact method of implementation varies depending on the vehicle manufacturer and model.

What Happens If You Ignore a Speed Governor?

Ignoring a speed governor isn't directly harmful to the vehicle, as it's designed to prevent damage by limiting speed. However, the frustration and limitations it imposes can lead to:

Reduced driving enjoyment: The inability to fully utilize your vehicle's performance capabilities can be incredibly frustrating, especially for driving enthusiasts.
Compromised safety in certain situations: While speed governors are generally intended to enhance safety, they can actually compromise it in situations where quick acceleration is needed, such as merging onto busy highways or avoiding potential collisions.
Missed opportunities: The feeling of sluggishness and lack of power can be a disadvantage in various driving scenarios.

Recommended Fixes: Removing or Modifying the Speed Governor

There are several ways to remove or modify a speed governor, each with its own pros and cons. It's absolutely essential to approach this modification responsibly and understand the potential consequences.

1. ECU Tuning/Remapping:

This is the most common and effective method. It involves reprogramming the ECU to remove or raise the speed limit. Here's how it works:

Finding a reputable tuner: Research and select a tuning shop with experience in your vehicle's make and model. Look for positive reviews and a solid reputation.
ECU flashing: The tuner will use specialized software and hardware to access the ECU and modify its parameters. This typically involves overwriting the factory programming with a custom tune that removes the speed limit.
Customization: Some tuners offer the option to customize other aspects of the engine's performance, such as increasing horsepower and torque. However, be aware of the potential impact on fuel economy and engine longevity.

Important Considerations: ECU tuning can void your vehicle's warranty, especially if the modification is detected during a service appointment. It's also crucial to ensure that the tuner is experienced and knowledgeable, as improper tuning can damage the engine. Furthermore, it is important to ensure that the tune accounts for changes to the vehicle, such as aftermarket tires, as improper tire sizing can also affect the speedometer readings and function of the ECU.

2. Speed Limiter Bypass Modules:

These are aftermarket devices that intercept the speed signal sent to the ECU and trick it into thinking the vehicle is traveling slower than it actually is. This allows the vehicle to exceed the speed limit set by the governor.

Ease of Installation: Some bypass modules are relatively easy to install, requiring only basic tools and wiring knowledge.
Potentially Undetectable: These are sometimes harder to detect than ECU tuning.

Important Considerations: The reliability and effectiveness of bypass modules can vary significantly. Some modules may cause other issues with the vehicle's electronics, such as inaccurate speedometer readings or error codes. Furthermore, these devices are often poorly made and can lead to erratic behavior of the vehicle. This solution is generally not recommended unless performed by an experienced individual who fully understands the risks.

3. Professional Deactivation (Dealership/Specialized Shop):

In some cases, dealerships or specialized automotive shops can deactivate the speed governor using factory diagnostic tools. This is more common for fleet vehicles or vehicles with speed governors that were installed by the dealer.

Factory Tools: Dealerships have access to factory diagnostic tools and software that allow them to make changes to the vehicle's settings.
Potential Warranty Preservation: If the deactivation is performed by a dealership, it may not void the vehicle's warranty.

Important Considerations: Dealerships may be hesitant to deactivate the speed governor, especially if it was installed for safety or regulatory reasons. They may also charge a higher price for this service compared to aftermarket tuners.

Cost Estimates and Shop Advice

The cost of removing a speed governor varies depending on the chosen method and the vehicle's make and model. Here's a rough estimate:

ECU Tuning: $300 - $800. This is the most common price range, with variations depending on the tuner's experience and the complexity of the tuning process.
Speed Limiter Bypass Module: $100 - $300. The price varies depending on the module's features and brand.
Professional Deactivation (Dealership/Specialized Shop): $100 - $500. Dealerships often charge by the hour for diagnostic and programming services, so the final cost can vary significantly.

Shop Advice:

Research and compare quotes from multiple shops before making a decision.
Ask about the tuner's experience and qualifications.
Inquire about warranty implications.
Ensure that the shop uses reputable tuning software and hardware.
Check for any TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins) related to your vehicle's speed governor. Sometimes, manufacturers release TSBs to address specific issues with the speed limiter or provide updated software. Consulting a trusted mechanic who has access to TSBs can be helpful.
Read online forums and communities related to your vehicle's make and model. You might find valuable information about common issues, recommended tuners, and potential solutions.

Finally, a critical piece of advice: before making any modifications to your vehicle, fully understand the legal implications and potential risks. Modifying your car to exceed posted speed limits is against the law and can have serious consequences. Be responsible and drive safely.