I have a Fit 2011, around 120,000 miles, and today I tried to get ahead of a really slow and bad driver. I basically went in first gear and accelerated as fast as I could. I didn't look at how high RPM went, but it was probably close to 6,000 RPM. Then for some reason the car lost power and slowed down.

My question: is it because of some device that protect the engine from red-zone RPM damage or is there something wrong with my car? The car goes smoothly otherwise; should I go to the garage and risk expensive repair?

Thanks

 

You hit the revlimit.

 

What is the revlimit? Is it some kind of device that protects the engine and if so, at how many RPM does it get in?

 

They redline at 6800. Max power is at 6600. Shift more.

 

I don't understand. Does it mean that at 6600 RPM there is some kind of protection for the engine and the computer stop the acceleration?

 

Past 6600 horsepower drops off. At 6800 it hits the rev limiter (which protects the engine from over revving).

The manual transmission cars can be over revved in a downshift...as that's a purely mechanical condition.

 

OK thanks! So if I understand correctly, everything is fine with my car?

Still, is it OK to rev so high a 10-year old car? Not sure if I'll do it again!

 

You can do it all day long. Just watch your oil consumption, as it will be higher...and it's best to shift before the limiter...because it abruptly ends your forward acceleration.

 

If you're passing someone at highway speed, 1st is the wrong choice of gear. 4th would be better -- you'll be higher up in the rev band, so will gain power, yet be no where near the redline.

 

Thanks. You sure about doing it all day long? Wouldn't it damage the engine long term, as the car exactly new anyway!