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Imagine buying a 2025 Chevy Silverado ZR2 and on the very first day of owning the rugged truck, you discover a disappointing speed governor and a glitchy infotainment system. That’s some of the problems Nick is already having.
Nick JL on the Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 Owners Facebook page says,
“I just bought a new 2025 Chevy Silverado ZR2. Can anyone figure out how to stop the governor? I’m capped out at 98 mph by a digital nanny. Also, this “infotainment” system is as responsive as a brick. This thing lags like a SOB, and my home and power buttons don’t work either. I’ve reset it multiple times with the “end call” button, and it still doesn’t work. Are there any other quirks I should look out for?”
Why Is Nick’s ZR2 Restricted?
Nick’s new Chevy Silverado is being electronically choked at 98 mph. He’s right, that 98 mph limit is a very real, non-negotiable electronic speed governor programmed into the Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM).
Before we look at the solution, let’s look at the “why.”
GM isn’t trying to slow him down just for fun; they are protecting themselves (and Nick) from a catastrophic failure at high speed. The speed cap is directly tied to the speed rating of the stock Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires that come standard on the ZR2. These are rugged, off-road-focused tires designed for traction in mud and dirt, rather than sustained high-speed highway stability.
The stock tires typically carry a low speed rating, often “S” or “T,” which means they are rated safe up to around 112 mph to 118 mph. However, GM, utilizing a significant safety buffer due to the off-road nature of the ZR2 package (higher center of gravity, specialized suspension), caps the vehicle well below that rating.
This limitation exists solely because the vehicle is optimized for rock crawling and high-speed desert running, rather than road racing.
Now for the solution:
Nick asked if he could remove the governor (speed limiter) on the 2025 Chevy Silverado ZR2?” The solution is straightforward, but it comes with a major warning: warranty voidance.
- ECM/TCM Calibration: To remove the speed governor, access the vehicle’s calibration files in the ECM/TCM and modify the parameter that defines the maximum vehicle speed. This requires an aftermarket programmer or a custom tune from a reputable performance shop specializing in late-model GM vehicles (like those using HP Tuners or similar platforms). A competent tuner can instantly raise the speed limit to whatever you request (or remove it entirely).
- The Tire Swap: If ZR2 owners opt for this option, they must install tires with a verifiable “H” or “V” speed rating. Without tires capable of handling higher rotational speeds and heat buildup, you risk a catastrophic tire failure, which at speeds of 100 mph or more is truly dangerous. You need to verify the 2025 Chevrolet Silverado ZR2 maximum speed rating against your tire choice.
- The Warranty Caveat: Be aware that flashing the ECM/TCM will likely flag the vehicle’s computer system (often referred to as a “tune signature”) in a way that GM can detect. This modification can instantly void your powertrain warranty. For a brand new 2025 model, this is a serious consideration.
What Should ZR2 Owners Do?
For the first year of ownership, learn to live with the 98 mph limit. If the need for speed outweighs the need for a warranty after the initial shakedown period, go to a professional tuner, and upgrade your tires first.
Part II: The Laggy Infotainment System
Nick’s experience with the laggy infotainment is unfortunately becoming one of the most common complaints across the entire modern GM lineup. He hit the nail on the head: the laggy touchscreen is unacceptable in a premium vehicle like the ZR2.
The Google Built-In
The problem isn’t the screen itself; it’s the software architecture. Newer GM trucks utilize the Google Built-In system, which runs an Android operating environment natively in the truck and handles everything from navigation to climate control. When it works, it’s great; when it doesn’t, it lags like an old tablet trying to run a new video game.
The Hard Button Failure
The fact that the Home and Power buttons aren’t working, even after an “End Call” reset attempt, suggests a deeper communication failure within the network. The reset method (holding the End Call button on the steering wheel, sometimes along with the Home button on the screen, for about 10-15 seconds) is the correct soft reset for the system. Since that failed, you need a hard reboot.
Actionable Steps for Infotainment Reset:
The Hard Power Cycle (The Nuclear Option): This is the only way to fully reset the system’s dedicated control module.
- Turn the vehicle completely off.
- Open the hood and locate the fuse box (usually near the driver’s fender).
- Identify the fuse for the “Infotainment,” “Radio,” or “HMI” (Human Machine Interface). Consult your owner’s manual for the exact fuse location and number.
- Pull the fuse and wait 5 to 10 minutes. This ensures all residual power has drained.
- Reinsert the fuse and start the vehicle.
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Over-The-Air (OTA) Updates:
GM is constantly releasing patches for these systems. Ensure your truck is connected to Wi-Fi (while parked in your garage) or has a sufficient 4G signal. Go into the Settings menu (if the screen cooperates) and manually check for software updates. This is one of the Best solutions for Silverado ZR2 laggy touchscreen issues, as GM often bundles performance and stability fixes.
Dealer TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins):
If the hard power cycle fails, the module may require a specific software update that can only be performed by the dealer. Search online forums or contact your dealer and ask specifically if there are any current Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for the Chevy Silverado ZR2 regarding infotainment screen issues or unresponsive buttons on the 2025 models. Dealers often have specific flash updates that fix network communication issues that standard OTA updates miss.
Part III: Other Quirks Nick Should Look Out For
The ZR2 is a specialized machine, and a few components require unique maintenance.
1. The DSSV Dampers
The heart of the ZR2’s excellent ride quality is the Multimatic Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve (DSSV) dampers. They are fantastic, offering compliance on the road and firm control off-road. However, they are not standard shocks.
Fluid Life: Check your maintenance schedule. The DSSV fluid needs occasional servicing (typically inspection every 50,000 miles or so), unlike traditional shocks that you simply replace when they fail. Be mindful of Common problems with Multimatic DSSV shocks—while they are reliable, a failure or leak in one can be expensive. Always have a GM or specialized off-road shop handle any damper inspection or repair.
2. The 10-Speed Transmission
If you have the 6.2L V8 or the 3.0L Duramax, you have the GM/Ford 10-speed Hydra-Matic (10L80). This transmission is designed to shift quickly and often to keep the engine in its optimal power band. You might notice low-speed gear hunting, especially when cold, or slightly clunky shifts (particularly 1-2 and 3-4).
This is generally normal behavior for the 10-speed, but any aggressive banging or hesitation should prompt a visit to a dealer for a potential Transmission Control Module (TCM) reflash.
3. Real-World Fuel Economy
While the 3.0L Duramax is incredibly efficient (one of the reasons many experts argue that the 2025 Chevy Silverado ZR2 is worth the price), remember that the off-road tires and the aerodynamic drag of the lifted ZR2 package significantly impact mileage compared to a standard Silverado 3.0L. Your highway mileage may not match the window sticker numbers reliably due to the aggressive tire tread, especially at speeds above 70 mph.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The 2025 Silverado ZR2 is a rugged, capable machine built to handle anything you throw at it. The 98 mph limit is a necessary safety compromise for its fantastic off-road tires, which can only be bypassed by tuning and a tire upgrade (at the cost of your warranty). The infotainment issues are frustrating but highly fixable, usually with a hard reset (fuse pull) or a dealer software flash via a TSB.
Embrace the DSSV suspension, monitor the 10-speed’s behavior, and don’t let the software issues sour your experience. The ZR2 is built for the long haul.
I’m curious to hear from others who have tackled these issues.
Key Question for Chevy Silverado Owners:
If you own a modern GM truck with the Google Built-In infotainment, what unconventional fix—beyond the standard “End Call” button trick—finally resolved your persistent screen lag or unresponsive button issue?
Check out my Chevy Silverado ZR2 story: I Purchased a 2022 Chevy Silverado ZR2 in December, and I’m Already Asking GM For a Buy Back, Because of Unreliability, and I Feel Unsafe Driving This Truck
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Nick JL
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Source: torquenews.com
