An automatic speed limiter is a helpful feature to have when it comes to maintaining a comfortable speed over longer distances.
This module reaches its full potential in automobiles equipped with an automatic transmission; however, installing an automatic speed limiter in vehicles that utilize a manual transmission is possible.
Many modern vehicles already come with the capability of having an automatic speed limiter installed if the driver so chooses. If the option to install one is included on the equipment list for your vehicle, it is possible to do so in a retrofit manner without encountering any difficulties.
Installing an automatic speed limiter is a challenge only the brave should attempt
Because it requires a significant amount of focus as well as experience, installing an automatic speed limiter is not a task that is appropriate for novices.
First and foremost, you need to be familiar with the process of rewiring the car; otherwise, it might sustain significant damage.
You should get some practice before attempting to strip insulation and connect plugs to data cables if you are not familiar with the required work steps involved.
For this purpose, the wiring harness from a car that has been damaged can be utilized.
Because the tools and cable lugs you’ll need are so affordable, you shouldn’t feel daunted about practicing all of the required steps until you’ve reached the point where you can confidently wire your vehicle.
Which models of automobiles can have an automatic speed limiter installed?
When determining whether or not it is worthwhile to equip a vehicle with an automatic speed limiter, three factors are essential:
1. The vehicle has a fully automatic transmission.
2. The gas pedal in the vehicle can be electronically adjusted.
3. There are mounting kits for an automatic speed limiter that can be purchased for the vehicle.
Mounting a speed limiter is not impossible when none of these three conditions are met, but the process is significantly more complicated than it would need to be for it to be cost-effective in most cases.
The automatic speed limiter cannot perform at its full potential in a vehicle with a manual gearbox.
To mount a mechanical accelerator pedal, servomotors are required to be installed in the pedal.
After all, developing your personal speed limiter is neither allowed nor even possible without conducting the necessary research.
There are many different kinds of installation kits
The amount of work required to install an automatic speed limiter in a vehicle varies greatly depending on the type of vehicle as well as the age of the car.
Older automobiles are more challenging to retrofit with a speed limiter than more recent models because of the design of the speedometer.
When it comes to modern automobiles, all that is required to begin taking advantage of this additional feature is to adjust the multifunction lever and the speed limiter on the control device.
On the other hand, it might be necessary to install additional electronic modules and perform laborious alterations to the vehicle’s wiring harness in older vehicles.
Costs related to hiring a pro to complete the installation
The prices involved are greatly influenced by the size of the project and the amount of manpower necessary to install these retrofit solutions.
A Golf 6 car can only be modified by adding a new control arm. The cost of this product on the aftermarket ranges from $60 to $80.
A multifunction lever with an automated speed limiter for high-end vehicles can cost up to 180 dollars.
Professional workshops generally charge consumers close to one hundred euros for the assembly of these very simple solutions.
A labor-intensive refurbishment that includes rewiring and the addition of additional modules, on the other hand, can cost up to 600$. That figure only accounts for the cost of labor.
Steps to install an automatic speed limiter
The procedures for implementing an automated speed limiter must remain constant.
1. Turn it on
Turn on the control unit’s built-in automatic speed limiter. The speed restriction is turned on prior to installation in the control unit in some retrofit systems. Others, however, do not experience this until the piece has been put properly.
You can follow the directions in the retrofit section to complete each necessary step.
2. Disassemble the airbag
Remove the battery and wait for around 15 minutes before disassembling an airbag.
The voltage of all capacitors will have decreased to a safe level after this period of time, making it possible to safely remove the airbags.
It is recommended that plastic tweezers be used to move the panels in the passenger compartment before beginning any work there.
By doing this, it might be possible to keep the trim from getting scratched.
3. Remove the steering wheel and unplug the steering column switch.
Before installing the new switch, the old one must first be taken out of the steering column. This typically necessitates extensive dismantling of the casings.
The phrase “pave gently to avoid scratches” is also appropriate here. If that’s the case, this project’s successful completion will taste bitter.
4. Install retrofit modules
Due to the size of the retrofit kit, the wiring harness for the vehicle may need to be changed. It can take a while to complete this.
First and foremost, you need to be familiar with using wire and crimping pliers and have experience working with cables and plugs.
In this situation, the only thing that helps is a great deal of precision and skill because, otherwise, an error might be introduced into the process of wiring the vehicle.
5. Everything finds its proper place again
The car is totally put back together before the battery is reconnected. The control unit might need to be set up to recognize the new module, depending on the type.
Using the built-in speed limiter to reduce fuel consumption
An automatic speed limiter is, first and foremost, a convenience feature that makes journeys that involve many long stretches of the straight road more pleasurable.
The speed does not change and will always return to the value tet no matter what maneuvers are performed, such as passing another vehicle.
The accuracy of automatic speed limiters is significantly higher than that of a skilled driver. Because of this, they can cut down on their consumption of fuel.
If you have your speed limiter set to the maximum that is allowed by law, you won’t have to worry about it drawing unnecessary attention to itself when you go through speed controls.
This may partially offset the rising costs is essential to note that the speed limiter does not function as autopilot in any way.
It is a feature that does not include hour driving, even though its application requires prior study and training.
The speed limiter is disabled as soon as the brake pedal is pressed, and manual driving mode is engaged as soon as the brake pedal is depressed.
Nevertheless, this does not make one feel any less at ease. The automatic speed limiter can be brought back into operation by pressing the memory key immediately following the braking procedure,
In any event, we strongly advise that the speed limiter be used only when driving on the highway. Here you can develop all its advantages.
Be wary of the airbag in the vehicle.
Successfully install an automatic speed limiter; the driver’s airbag must first be deactivated and removed from the steering wheel. If you don’t have the proper training, manipulating the airbag can put you in a potentially fatal situation.
Therefore, please ensure that you adhere to the instructions in the letter to install and remove the steering wheel airbag safely!
Disclaimer
The steps described here are not instructions for installing anything; they are general descriptions.
They are not something that should be imitated. They serve no purpose but to provide the reader with information regarding the amount of work.
We are unable to guarantee that all of the steps that have been described are accurate and complete. We are not responsible for any damages that may occur from attempting to replicate the steps described here.
Only qualified, experienced, and licensed auto mechanics should be trusted to install an automatic speed limiter in a motor vehicle.
