Speed limiter?

[flipSTREAM]

I've noticed that there is a speed limiter on the Ridgeline... the fuel cuts off @ 110mph... and no, i wasn't racing... just trying to make good time coming back from Cali.. :wink: i wonder if that can be removed... 8)

[Andy-Montreal]

Good luck trying! The speed limiter (in most cases) is programmed into the ECU. My last three trucks including my Element also had them.

[flipSTREAM]

hmmm... i was able to take it out from my Maxima... i dunno, no big deal i guess. i'll keep it as it is. :wink:

[Waterbug]

I have no intention of taking my Ridge up to 110 mph to find out, so how about someone telling me what the tach says at that speed.

[Steve Smith]

Hi all, Steve here from PA. I too can concur that top speed is 110 m.p.h. indicated on a level flat road. Didn't pay attention to the r.p.ms though. Strange how the Ridge seemed to just not pull any harder. My last vehicle ('05 Toyota Highlander 3.3 230 h.p.) was elctronically limited to 109. This "top speed" was most evident as the computer cut fuel to the injectors and there was no question I'd hit the limiter. The Ridge however, seemed to just stop pulling as if that's all it had. There was NO obvious fuel cut off as with the Toyota. I suspect the Ridge may even go faster. I'm gonna try this top speed event going down hill next time. Also strange as my "05 Hyundai Sante Fe (3.5 200 h.p.) would pull to 117 m.p.h.! I guess Korean manufacturers have different rules. If there's a computer related cut-off, I'll know (then you all will too). Stay tuned.......

[scott]

This vehicle comes factory-equipped with "S" speed rated tires (112 mph)... so the speed limiter makes sense!

It CAN be defeated, and it is not hard to do, BUT, doing so will screw with your VTEC operation.

[bigdave269]

Speed limiters are designed to prevent you from taking the car faster than the company wants to be liable for. But that is not necessarily the best the vehicle can actually do, because they engineer it much better than it is limited to. For example, if you buy a Euro Spec 3-series BMW, it will go up to 180, but here the limiter kicks in at about 150. It has to do with liability and safety laws in the US. Speed rating on tires is a big concern. But anyone wanting to turn the Ridge into a high-performance machine would probably shell out for better tires and rims, anyway.

There are a lot of after-market programmers that will sell a replacement chip or a reprogrammer that will undo the speed limiter on the ECU. Although I have not seen one yet specifically for the Ridgeline, I do know there are plenty for VTEC engines, and most work well. Just be careful what you buy, and talk to a reputable aftermarket company. The Auto Show is coming up in Los Angeles, and they will have a SEMA show there. If I can get to it this year, I will be on the lookout for Ridgeline performance upgrades. You can look on their website for upcoming shows in your area.

[DopplerDon]

I would like to test the limiter myself. Unfortunately, the ability in Ct is limited due to traffic and road conditions. I was able to hit the triple digits once or twice but it was limited to a matter of seconds. Some of the big issues about speed are liability, vehicle maintance, liability, vehicle condition, liability, driver skills, liability, road conditions, and don't forget liability. 8)

[bigdave269]

You mean liability liability? I was able to hit the limiter on the openn highways out in the desert here. At top speed it moves pretty smoothly. You don't feel like you are on the edge of control like some other cars over 100 mph.

A note: My brother brought along his GPS unit on that trip, and one of the functions it has is to track speed. The speedometer on the Ridgeline matched his GPS all the way up and down the scale.

[DopplerDon]

OK rub it in that I can't play in the top end range... :lol:
In CT by the time I reach top speed I would likely be 1/2 way thru the state. On highways the longest in state stretch is about 100 mi, most areas are congested to some level. No real areas to play in without traveling 100+ mi (aka Out of state), but then there is the issue of the quantity of persons with the same idea. Just makes it difficult. Also since there is not much in 'playgrounds' around here I have noticed in my 15-20yrs of 4WD driving (since the somewhat recent popularity of 4WD) there is not much respect when most are playing, causing much outrage by the conservationists. I really don't blame them, we are too built up here and there is little respect for the environment. Don't get me wrong, but there is a balance that needs to be maintained while 'playing'. Maybe some day I will drive out west to play instead of flying for business.... 8)

[scott]

Quote: › docWrite("quote")There are a lot of after-market programmers that will sell a replacement chip or a reprogrammer that will undo the speed limiter on the ECU.

The Ridgeline uses "torque demand" engine management so it is very easy to modify the ECM for custom changes.

A friend of mine has modified my brand-spanking-new Ridgeline with "Dimsport" software (dealer-level type stuff, but not OEM dealer, speed shop dealer) and reduced the throttle smoothing effect for more response to throttle input and has firmed up the transmission shifts so it actually chirps the tires when grabbing 2nd. Tried to get more power out of the engine but all we could muster was some more low-end torque; about 15 ft. lbs. There might be more in there somewhere but it will take a lot of time to figure it out.

I want to be able to lock the rear diff at speeds starting from zero MPH (stock is 6 MPH) and have it hold the lock at speeds over 18 MPH. That's next on the list...

[handliner2]

I may have an anomaly. I've had mine up to 120 on level ground, at least according to the speedometer.
http://www.ridgeline4wd.com/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif
Twisted Evil

[bigdave269]

DopplerDon wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
Maybe some day I will drive out west to play instead of flying for business.... 8)


PM me if you do! Sadly, most of the "down east" states are too crowded to play at the top end. Los Angeles is, too, but when we get an open stretch of freeway, everybody does 90. Otherwise, it's 20. I had to drive 100 miles out of town to run 110, so don't feel so bad.

[bigdave269]

handliner2 wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
I may have an anomaly. I've had mine up to 120 on level ground, at least according to the speedometer.
http://www.ridgeline4wd.com/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif
Twisted Evil


Did you change your tire size?

[K7BEN]

Just be thankful you don't have a Nissan. My Xterra cut off at 99 MPH. :x It was very dangerous too, because it cut out all the power. That's the last thing you want at 99 MPH is for your engine to go to idle.

[DopplerDon]

I had read somewhere that the limiter is actually set to 117mph. I will dig thru my stuff and see is I can find it.

[Steve Smith]

Maybe if there was a way to keep the truck in 4th gear, it would have enough power to run higher than 110. Seemed to me that the truck didn't so much hit a computer limiter of 110 m.p.h., as it actually hit that invisible wall which is where h.p. meets aerodynamic drag and thus won't allow the truck to go any faster.
I had mentioned my '05 Hyundai Sante Fe (3.5 v-6 200 h.p.) ran up to 117 m.p.h. Perhaps the Korean manufacturers are allowed to have a higher cut off point than the Japanese makers :roll:

[flipSTREAM]

bigdave269 wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")handliner2 wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")
I may have an anomaly. I've had mine up to 120 on level ground, at least according to the speedometer.
http://www.ridgeline4wd.com/images/smiles/icon_twisted.gif
Twisted Evil


Did you change your tire size?

+1.. did you?

[bigdave269]

No, mine is still stock. I was wondering if a larger tire would fool the limiter...

[colorider]

bigdave269 wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")No, mine is still stock. I was wondering if a larger tire would fool the limiter...

I'm 99% sure the speedo is electronic - just like the limiter so tires would have no impact on what speed the limiter does it's thing.