an electronic control unit limiter is disclosed . the ecu can include a vehicle - mounted component configured to measure and interact with components of the vehicle such as the engine , the transmission , etc , and a remote component configured to communicate with the vehicle - mounted component and vice versa . the vehicle - mounted component can be programmed to permit the vehicle to operate substantially without limitation until a certain parameter threshold is met , such as the engine usage reaching a certain predetermined quantity . the vehicle - mounted component can limit the engine in a variety of ways when the parameter threshold is met . the remote component can receive information from the vehicle - mounted component regarding the monitored parameters and the limitations caused by the vehicle - mounted component .