Disabling Speed Limiter on Sonoma
Question:
Primitive it may be, but I’ve never had a problem hauling anything that woud fit into the (short) bed, or towing anything within reason for a small truck. At 12 years and180K w/virtually no unusual maint work, I have no reason to complain (other than I get passed by the occasional Mustang on the highway). Not bad for $6300, new.
Response:
Heh, I thought the 2.0 4-cyl was primitive, and it gets 90 hp with 1/2 liter less displacement 
— Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> You are lucky to even get 85mph with the 2.5L. That engine produces only > 92 horsepower in the 87 model year which is joke. I should know since my > father owned a Pontiac 6000 equipped with the very same engine. > With a 2.5L in an S-10, I think it’s probably drag, not the limiter > — > Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada > Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr > > What was the limiton your S-10? Mine doesn’t seem to want to goover 85 > or > > so, I’m wondering if it’s the limiter. (I have a 2.5L w/4-speed, 87 > model) > > >Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing
Response:
The reason you cannot go faster is your tires are smaller in diameter than the old ones. The ECM is monitoring RPM, and now you RPM is the same as it always was. If you want to go faster, put new tires on. (Are your winter tires smaller in size than the old ones?) BTW: Are your winter tires speed rated? Driving at 190 KPH and blowing a non-speed rated tire would be an interesting ride…… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve got an ‘89 Ford Probe LX. > I’ve had Firestone snow tires on the car for over a year now (my "summer" > tires were bald… and I never got around to buying new ones, so just left > on the winter ones!!). My top speed now is only 184KM/h. At this point, it > seems like the fuel is shut off, as the pedal "lifts" and brakes down to > about 170Km/h. > Now… the only thing is that I specifically remember hitting 198KM/h a few > years ago, and frequently getting into the 190’s….. > SO:… What I’m thinking is this: > Could/Would a tire dealer (Firestone) re-program the ECU computer so that > the Limiter value is decreased for to the speed rating for the tire they are > installing?? > If the answer is "No"… then I can only assume that my Ford dealer did this > when I had the car in for some repairs a while back. > … Come to think of it, are all "limiters" controlled by the ECU, or are > there other methods which could simply be applied/removed? > I want to go faster!!! > DanielB > Mostly they set the limiter because of the tire ratings. If you had a car > with a speed rated tire, it would be set to go faster. With OBD II, you > have to use something like the Hypertech Programmer to change the > software, > and I believe that the fastest (<g>) it will let you go is 128 mph.
– Lyle Pakula
Response:
I’ve got an ‘89 Ford Probe LX. I’ve had Firestone snow tires on the car for over a year now (my "summer" tires were bald… and I never got around to buying new ones, so just left on the winter ones!!). My top speed now is only 184KM/h. At this point, it seems like the fuel is shut off, as the pedal "lifts" and brakes down to about 170Km/h. Now… the only thing is that I specifically remember hitting 198KM/h a few years ago, and frequently getting into the 190’s….. SO:… What I’m thinking is this: Could/Would a tire dealer (Firestone) re-program the ECU computer so that the Limiter value is decreased for to the speed rating for the tire they are installing?? If the answer is "No"… then I can only assume that my Ford dealer did this when I had the car in for some repairs a while back. … Come to think of it, are all "limiters" controlled by the ECU, or are there other methods which could simply be applied/removed? I want to go faster!!! DanielB
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Mostly they set the limiter because of the tire ratings. If you had a car > with a speed rated tire, it would be set to go faster. With OBD II, you > have to use something like the Hypertech Programmer to change the software, > and I believe that the fastest (<g>) it will let you go is 128 mph.
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’ve got an ‘89 Ford Probe LX. > I’ve had Firestone snow tires on the car for over a year now (my "summer" > tires were bald… and I never got around to buying new ones, so just left > on the winter ones!!). My top speed now is only 184KM/h. At this point, it > seems like the fuel is shut off, as the pedal "lifts" and brakes down to > about 170Km/h. > Now… the only thing is that I specifically remember hitting 198KM/h a few > years ago, and frequently getting into the 190’s….. > SO:… What I’m thinking is this: > Could/Would a tire dealer (Firestone) re-program the ECU computer so that > the Limiter value is decreased for to the speed rating for the tire they are > installing?? > If the answer is "No"… then I can only assume that my Ford dealer did this > when I had the car in for some repairs a while back. > … Come to think of it, are all "limiters" controlled by the ECU, or are > there other methods which could simply be applied/removed? > I want to go faster!!! > DanielB
Neither. At that speed you are near the limit of the HP your engine will deliver. With the snow tires you are losing power 1.) because of greater friction, and problably 2.) you didn’t recalibrate the Speedo for the slightly different size of the tires.
Response:
You are lucky to even get 85mph with the 2.5L. That engine produces only 92 horsepower in the 87 model year which is joke. I should know since my father owned a Pontiac 6000 equipped with the very same engine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> With a 2.5L in an S-10, I think it’s probably drag, not the limiter > — > Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada > Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr > What was the limiton your S-10? Mine doesn’t seem to want to goover 85 or > so, I’m wondering if it’s the limiter. (I have a 2.5L w/4-speed, 87 model) > >Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing
Response:
With a 2.5L in an S-10, I think it’s probably drag, not the limiter — Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What was the limiton your S-10? Mine doesn’t seem to want to goover 85 or > so, I’m wondering if it’s the limiter. (I have a 2.5L w/4-speed, 87 model) >Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing
Response:
Discussion of a powerful 2.5 Briggs and Straton belongs in the Toyota news group;-) With a 2.5L in an S-10, I think it’s probably drag, not the limiter – Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr > What was the limiton your S-10? Mine doesn’t seem to want to goover 85 or > so, I’m wondering if it’s the limiter. (I have a 2.5L w/4-speed, 87 model) > > >Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing > >
> >> > > > >
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options > packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think > should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to > control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something > annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem > I haven’t heard of. > It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that > sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is > because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road > focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very > long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some > States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. > In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not > really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. > When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts > off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. > Does anyone know how to disable this? > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Get Power Programmer Plus it’ll let you adust those setting. Put it back to default if you dont’ want it. Price is around 350-400 bux.. whatta ripp off!
Response:
That’s certainly feasible, but I don’t really think so, because I still have some pedal left when I top out – and it doesn’t seem to change much when I try drafting behind a semi. What I’d really like to do is pull the drivetrain & replace with a 4.3 and five-speed- but my wife & my checkbook disagree <:-) Oh, well I can’t really complain, it gets me there & it gets me home (for 12 years & 180K now, with no major problems). When my five-year old learns to drive, I’ll give it to her & buy a new one…
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->With a 2.5L in an S-10, I think it’s probably drag, not the limiter >– >Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada >Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr > What was the limiton your S-10? Mine doesn’t seem to want to goover 85 or > so, I’m wondering if it’s the limiter. (I have a 2.5L w/4-speed, 87 model) > >Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing
Response:
What was the limiton your S-10? Mine doesn’t seem to want to goover 85 or so, I’m wondering if it’s the limiter. (I have a 2.5L w/4-speed, 87 model) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing
Response:
GM set the speed limiter on the S-10 trucks because the tires are not speed rated, if a non-speed rated tire failed at 110 who do you think will get sued?
Response:
Your point is wrong. Foreign engines are designed to run high rpms. Real American Muscle runs low rpms and produce tons of torque. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> your nissan may get 200,000 miles but your driving a NISSAN not a GM product > your post has nothing to do with the original posters problem so bug off >My point was that 3100 rpm is nothing for any modern engine. Ok, now I >will bug-off. > >HMM, My nissan V6 5 Speed 4×4 does 3100 rpm at 70 mph and I gurantee you > >the engine will go at least 200,000 miles. > >– > >Rob Munach, PE > >Excel Engineering > >Carrboro, NC >– >Rob Munach
Response:
> your nissan may get 200,000 miles but your driving a NISSAN not a GM product > your post has nothing to do with the original posters problem so bug off
My point was that 3100 rpm is nothing for any modern engine. Ok, now I will bug-off. >HMM, My nissan V6 5 Speed 4×4 does 3100 rpm at 70 mph and I gurantee you >the engine will go at least 200,000 miles. >– >Rob Munach, PE >Excel Engineering >Carrboro, NC
– Rob Munach
Response:
- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing >> I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options >> packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think >> should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to >> control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something >> annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem >> I haven’t heard of. >> It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that >> sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is >> because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road >> focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very >> long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some >> States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. >> In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not >> really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. >> When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts >> off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. >> Does anyone know how to disable this? >> Share what you know. Learn what you don’t. > Would think Hyperchip might have a fix for this however going faster > than 97 in anything that un-aerodynamic would be foolish. Its a truck > with a large ass and high to the ground. It doesnt take much to send > one of those into a roll at 60 let alone at 100+ but aside from that > the sustained speeds would burn up your motor in time. 3100 RPM on a > marginal engine for a long period will wear it out pretty fast…
HMM, My nissan V6 5 Speed 4×4 does 3100 rpm at 70 mph and I gurantee you the engine will go at least 200,000 miles. — Rob Munach, PE Excel Engineering Carrboro, NC
Response:
I don’t understand how an engine as big as yours can only do 97 mph no matter how un-aerodynamic. You have my greatest sympathy, 97 would do my head in. I travel 50 miles a day to work and back in my Freelander (LandRover) at between 90-110 (120 flat out down hill with super unleaded) and it’s great, I love the speed, love the roll and sheer danger and thats just a 1.8 injection, a sowing machine by American standards, and as for off road, it’s the dog’s bollo***. Put’s all other compact 4×4’s to shame. Still never mind, that’s just me bragging about my new purchase. Did I mention it’s got all the mod cons. Well it has.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing >> I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options >> packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think >> should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to >> control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something >> annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem >> I haven’t heard of. >> It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that >> sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is >> because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road >> focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very >> long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some >> States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. >> In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not >> really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. >> When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts >> off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. >> Does anyone know how to disable this? >> Share what you know. Learn what you don’t. > Would think Hyperchip might have a fix for this however going faster > than 97 in anything that un-aerodynamic would be foolish. Its a truck > with a large ass and high to the ground. It doesnt take much to send > one of those into a roll at 60 let alone at 100+ but aside from that > the sustained speeds would burn up your motor in time. 3100 RPM on a > marginal engine for a long period will wear it out pretty fast…
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing >> I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options >> packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think >> should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to >> control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something >> annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem >> I haven’t heard of. >> It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that >> sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is >> because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road >> focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very >> long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some >> States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. >> In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not >> really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. >> When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts >> off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. >> Does anyone know how to disable this? >> Share what you know. Learn what you don’t. > Would think Hyperchip might have a fix for this however going faster > than 97 in anything that un-aerodynamic would be foolish. Its a truck > with a large ass and high to the ground. It doesnt take much to send > one of those into a roll at 60 let alone at 100+ but aside from that > the sustained speeds would burn up your motor in time. 3100 RPM on a > marginal engine for a long period will wear it out pretty fast…
Correct, except, before the advent of OD trannies, average engine speed was about 2500 RPM at 60 mph. My motorhome has 4.88 gears and no OD, and it is definitely going faster than 3100 RPM. Now, 4-5000 RPM sustained, and we better talk.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing > I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options > packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think > should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to > control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something > annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem > I haven’t heard of. > It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that > sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is > because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road > focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very > long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some > States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. > In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not > really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. > When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts > off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. > Does anyone know how to disable this? > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Would think Hyperchip might have a fix for this however going faster than 97 in anything that un-aerodynamic would be foolish. Its a truck with a large ass and high to the ground. It doesnt take much to send one of those into a roll at 60 let alone at 100+ but aside from that the sustained speeds would burn up your motor in time. 3100 RPM on a marginal engine for a long period will wear it out pretty fast…
Response:
Buy a aftermarket programmer, My 96 S-10 has the same thing – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options > packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think > should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to > control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something > annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem > I haven’t heard of. > It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that > sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is > because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road > focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very > long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some > States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. > In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not > really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. > When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts > off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. > Does anyone know how to disable this? > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
The electronic speed limiter is set as a parameter in the computer’s PROM chip. It can be disabled using an aftermarket performance chip. However, the reason the speed limiter is present is usually because the speed rating of the tires does not permit safely going faster than that speed. — Robert Hancock Saskatoon, SK, Canada Home Page: http://members.home.net/hancockr
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options > packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think > should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to > control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something > annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem > I haven’t heard of. > It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that > sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is > because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road > focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very > long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some > States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. > In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not > really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. > When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts > off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. > Does anyone know how to disable this? > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
> I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options > packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think > should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to > control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something > annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem > I haven’t heard of.
I would check the speed rating of your tires, you risk having them separate at a very inappropriate time. —
Response:
Mostly they set the limiter because of the tire ratings. If you had a car with a speed rated tire, it would be set to go faster. With OBD II, you have to use something like the Hypertech Programmer to change the software, and I believe that the fastest (<g>) it will let you go is 128 mph.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options > packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think > should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to > control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something > annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem > I haven’t heard of. > It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that > sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is > because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road > focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very > long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some > States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. > In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not > really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. > When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts > off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. > Does anyone know how to disable this? > Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
Response:
> When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts > off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. > Does anyone know how to disable this?
There are ways to do this, but be careful. There are good reasons that engineering sets these limits. Tires might be the limit, or driveshaft speed. If you do remove the limiter, be careful of catastrophic failures at high speeds. — Mark ‘30 Ford Model "A" Tudor ’99 Mercury Sable ’59 Edsel Corsair ’99 Mercury Cougar ’94 Ford Club Wagon 7.3L Diesel with Hypermax Turbo ’98 SunnyBrook 33′ Travel Trailer The views expressed above are mine, and mine alone.
Response:
More likely so you can’t outrun cops. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts > off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. > Does anyone know how to disable this? > There are ways to do this, but be careful. There are good reasons that > engineering sets these limits. Tires might be the limit, or driveshaft > speed. > If you do remove the limiter, be careful of catastrophic failures at > high speeds. > — > Mark ‘30 Ford Model "A" Tudor ’99 Mercury Sable > ’59 Edsel Corsair ’99 Mercury Cougar > ’94 Ford Club Wagon 7.3L Diesel with Hypermax Turbo > ’98 SunnyBrook 33′ Travel Trailer > The views expressed above are mine, and mine alone.
Response:
I own a 1998 GMC Sonoma 4×4. It has the 4.3L V6, all the good options packages, and some cool offroad stuff I added myself which I think should be standard like the front air locker, winch, and a yoke to control axle wrap/wheel hop. Anyway, I love the truck but something annoys me about it and maybe there’s a known way to solve this problem I haven’t heard of. It won’t go more than 97 mph! Wait, keep your shirt on. I know that sounds fast for a rig, but one of the reasons I bought the pickup is because it is so much more comfortable than a jeep or totally off-road focused vehicle for the long trip to and from places. I drive very long distances over huge deserts, across great plains, and in some States and places where that’s not an unreasonable or illegal speed. In fact, I’d like to be able to go about 105-110 — the truck’s not really geared (it has the 5 speed) for sustained speeds over that. When I get to 98 mph and 3100 rpms in 5th, the fuel or ignition cuts off and engine braking hauls the truck down fast. It’s very annoying. Does anyone know how to disable this? Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.
