Therefore, it is likely that you are aware of Pedal Commander as you are visiting this page. The most modern throttle response controller is Pedal Commander. But there are lots of misconceptions about how it works, what it can do, and how it behaves.
Imagine you’re driving your truck when the Check Engine Light and signal transmission system suddenly fail, forcing you to stop. You most likely searched online for a remedy after this event.
If it sounds familiar, it’s probably because Pedal Commander issues have been identified with your truck. But relax; problems of this nature are rather typical.
The throttle responsiveness is the most frequent issue with pedal commanders. The pedal commander frequently appears to be completely inoperative. There are several potential causes for this, including a loose connection or a firmware issue.
There are several ways to troubleshoot the pedal commander. One is to look for any loose connections in the fuse box. One more is to attempt to update the firmware. You might have to completely replace the pedal commander if neither of these fixes works.
We’ll therefore get to the heart of the matter in the lines that follow to determine why you should purchase it and how to correctly install it in your car.
The Pedal Commander: What Is It In a Car?
One of the best controllers for controlling throttle response is the pedal commander. It is a Plug-n-Play gadget that is simple to install and significantly improves the performance of your automobile or truck.
The electronic throttle body by BD2412. The most prevalent problem with pedal controllers is the responsiveness of the throttle. Frequently, it seems like the pedal commander is completely dead. This could be brought on by several things, such as a firmware problem or a loose connection.
What Does the Pedal Commander Do and How Does It Work?
Some of you may have observed that the gas pedals on older automobile models responded more quickly than the gas pedals on more recent cars. When you stepped on the pedal on an older car, it didn’t feel lethargic, and you could accelerate more quickly.
Because of this, Pedal Commander exists today. You will be able to instantly feel the power of your car with it, and hitting the gas pedal won’t feel like stepping on a sponge any longer.
It is possible to describe Pedal Commander as a very effective throttle response controller. Bypassing the actuator will make your engine react faster. That’s not all, though.
You may use it to modify the sensitivity of your gas pedal as well. As a result, you can adjust your car’s acceleration to suit your preferences and driving style.
So how does it function? Today’s automobiles use a throttle-by-wire system. A positioning sensor keeps everything in working order without the use of any mechanics.
The computer receives data regarding the foot pressure from this sensor, which is part of the acceleration system. In response, the computer extrapolates the data and instructs the engine to produce the required amount of power.
You should now be aware that the Pedal Commander acts as a bridge between the sensor and the computer now that you have that figured out. It modifies the information from the sensor and informs the computer that you applied different pressure to the gas pedal than you did.
As a result, your car will accelerate more quickly with less pressure on the gas pedal, depending on the setting you’ve chosen.
Which are the Common Settings and Modes for the Pedal Commander?
There are four main modes available on Pedal Commander:
- The ‘’ECO MODE’’
- The ‘’CITY MODE’’
- The ‘’SPORT MODE’’
- The ‘’SPORT+ MODE’’
Its performance can be altered to fit your driving preferences. There are eight distinct sensitivity levels available for each of these modes. You won’t be able to program Pedal Commander outside of what your automobile allows, though.
A Freightliner M2 dump truck by order_242 / CC BY-SA 2.0. Consider yourself operating a truck when the CEL and signal transmission system fails unexpectedly, requiring you to halt. After this happened, you most likely looked online for a solution. If it sounds similar, it’s probable because your truck has Pedal Commander problems. But don’t worry; issues of this nature are rather common.
Therefore, let’s look at how each of these modes impacts acceleration to better understand its performance.
1. The “ECO MODE”
You can accelerate steadily and smoothly when using the eco mode. It accomplishes this by distributing 25% of your engine’s power evenly over the first 50% of your depressed gas pedal.
Your acceleration won’t be restricted in this mode, though. Once you’ve reached that 50% mark, the engine power will start to rev up. It’s the ideal option for smooth acceleration, and you’ll find it useful when driving in congested regions.
2. The ”CITY MODE”
The technique in city mode is substantially different. As implied by the name, it is most suited for urban environments where you need to rapidly accelerate to a particular point while yet maintaining consistent power growth.
Consequently, you will get a modest boost during the first 10% of your gas pedal stroke when using City mode. You will be able to effortlessly switch to fast speed once you get beyond that.
3. The ”SPORT MODE”
Sport mode can be a little delicate. You will accelerate quickly to maximum power. To be more specific, you will accelerate fully once you have depressed the pedal by 50%.
As a result, you should use this mode very carefully and intently. I would advise switching to City or perhaps Eco mode if you are traveling in a heavily populated region.
4. The ”SPORT+ MODE”
Out of the four modes, this one is the strongest. If you’re not a very experienced driver, don’t mess about it. Before attempting it in traffic, take some time to practice driving with it in a clear place.
Sport+ mode is very finicky and will give you full engine power at roughly 30% of the depressed position of the gas pedal. Therefore, use it with extreme caution and try it out first on a public road.
Which are the Pedal Commander’s Common Settings for Sensitivity?
For each of the four modes, Pedal Commander offers eight sensitivity settings. You can adjust and personalize the modes using these options per your preferences.
A typical car engine by Yones / CC BY-SA 3.0. The amount of air entering the engine is controlled by a throttle controller, an electronic device. As a result, the engine’s output changes, altering its power. The pedal commander is a piece of technology that regulates how much pressure is put on the wheels. This alters how much power the car produces as a result.
So, if your pedal is overly sensitive and delivers too much force even with a light touch, you may dial it down by decreasing the sensitivity setting. On the other side, if you believe you must depress the pedal excessively to elicit a response, you should raise that level.
Which are the Best Pedal Commanders In the Market Currently?
Pedal Commander is offered for several automobile models. You’ll need to conduct some study to find the one that will work with the requirements of your vehicle. Try searching for it on Google or Amazon.
In addition, you can always seek advice from a nearby mechanic. The reason is that even if your vehicle’s model isn’t specified on the package, some Pedal Commanders may still function on it.
But feel free to look through the details of these chosen Pedal Commanders before you perform either of those two things. You’ll be able to observe that they are all priced similarly.
- The Toyota Tacoma Pedal Commander
- The Smart ForTwo Pedal Commander
- The Dodge Charger Pedal Commander
Setup Guide For Pedal Commander
Don’t worry if you’ve already decided to purchase the Pedal Commander. It will be simple to install in your car. You can set it up without a mechanic, but it will still take some effort to get things just perfect. As a result, be sure to leave an hour open in your schedule.
Before You Continue, Here Is Some Advice
No additional set of tools is required for this process. Make sure, though, that the car isn’t operating. At all costs, never leave your automobile key in the ignition. This could result in computer issues that later harm your new setup.
Additionally, take sure to wait a little while after parking your automobile before starting the installation. The devices may normally cool down in 10 minutes or less. After completing all of that, you may start the installation.
1. Remove the Factory Harness
The harness is typically found above the parts of your gas pedal. If you’re unsure of its location, I would suggest consulting your car’s manual. It will expedite the procedure and provide you with the assurance that the right wiring has been removed.
After locating the pedal assembly, cut the cable for the throttle sensor.
2. Keep the Pedal Commander Active By Connecting It
The second step is to attach the Pedal Commander connectors to the gas pedal assembly’s appropriate plugs. It makes no sense. Just make sure the plugs and connectors are compatible with one another. You will know for sure that you connected them correctly when you hear a click.
A car’s fuse box by Dmitry G / CC BY-SA 3.0. The pedal commander can be fixed in several ways. You might start by checking the fuse box for any loose connections. Try to update the firmware as another option. If neither of these solutions solves your problem, you might need to replace the pedal commander entirely.
3. Keep the Cables Secure
Take the cord and run it to the location where your Pedal Commander will be installed. All cords should be tucked away to prevent obstructions while you are driving. Using tape or pins, you can further secure them in position.
Take some alcohol and a clean piece of cloth to finish. The location where you’ll set the Pedal Commander needs to be cleaned and rubbed.
4. Mounting of the Pedal Commander
The Pedal Commander may be mounted virtually any place. However, be certain that it is a location where you can readily access and monitor the commands.
You must attach the bracket to it once you’ve found the ideal location. Put the velcro tape that was included in the package on the surface and the bracket. Insert your Pedal Commander into the bracket after doing so.
The end of that. The Pedal Commander is ready to go. Let’s now look at how you can give it a try.
How Long Does the Installation of the Pedal Commander Take?
Installation of the Pedal Commander takes roughly 30 minutes. A screwdriver and a couple of wrenches are all you need. The precise duration will, however, vary depending on several variables, including the make and type of your car.
How Can You Utilize the Pedal Commander In Your Car?
When everything is configured, the Pedal Commander will activate as soon as you start your car. When you switch off the engine, though, it won’t shut off for 5 minutes.
The Pedal Commander has four different operating mods, as I’ve already indicated. By selecting the matching buttons, you can access all 4 of them. During the voyage, buttons are accessible and large enough.
Additionally, you may operate the Pedal Commander via a Bluetooth app. It is accessible on both iOS and Android devices. Just be sure to use the app only when the car is not in motion, as using a phone while driving is not recommended.
At What Time Should You Utilize the Pedal Commander?
Any situation when you need a little bit of extra strength and responsiveness is ideal for the Pedal Commander. The Pedal Commander will give your car the boost it needs, whether you’re wanting to get about town quickly or want to have some fun on the wide road.
An electronic control unit (ECU) by Specious / CC BY-SA 3.0. Using the Pedal Commander is a quick and safe way to boost your car’s performance. It has passed testing to meet or exceed OEM specifications and is legal in all 50 states. Although some people think it might affect the ECU, this is inaccurate. It is safe since the pedal commander will prevent your throttle from opening more than 30% at once.
Which are the Common Issues with the Pedal Commander?
The Pedal Commander is not impervious to issues, much like other mechanical components. The following are a few of the most typical problems individuals encounter with their controllers:
1. A Sluggish Throttle Reaction
If the fuse box is loose or there is a firmware issue, you can notice a delayed throttle response.
2. No Throttle Reaction
People frequently complain that the pedal commander doesn’t appear to be functioning at all. There are several potential causes for this, including a loose connection or a firmware issue.
How Can You Fix the Faulty Pedal Commander Issues
Fortunately, most pedal commander issues are simple to resolve. Check out the answers to a few typical problems down below.
1. Firmware Updates
Slow throttle response is one of the most frequent problems individuals encounter with their pedal commanders. The firmware may be updated to resolve this.
You must get the most recent version of the firmware from the Pedal Commander website to update it. Once the file has been downloaded, unzip it, then copy the contents to a USB drive.
Place the USB drive inside the controller after that, and then press and hold the mode button for five seconds. After a few minutes, the controller ought to start operating properly after an automatic update.
By pushing and holding the mode button for 10 seconds, you can reset the controller if the problem persists.
2. Examine the Fuse Box
The pedal commander frequently appears to be completely inoperative. There are several potential causes for this, including a loose connection or a firmware issue.
One method is to look for any loose connections in the fuse box. If you locate any, tighten them and check to see if the problem is resolved.
Replace the fuse box if it has been damaged. New fuse boxes are available from local car shops or the Pedal Commander website. Install the new fuse box per the manual’s instructions once you get it.
If the problem persists, you can attempt a controller reset by holding down the mode button for ten seconds.
Typical car pedals by Stahlkocher / CC BY-SA 3.0. But before choosing to install the Pedal Commander, you must first think about how to fasten your car floor mats. If floor mats are fastened, they won’t get in the way of the gas pedal. You’ll be able to fully enjoy the faster acceleration of the Pedal Commander as a result.
Is Investing In the Pedal Commander Worth It?
Your ride will be of higher quality if you invest in the Pedal Commander. There are numerous benefits to purchasing one. Most importantly, it will enable you to improve engine response.
Everyone who enjoys driving quickly and only needs a quick reaction from the car’s computer is aware of how sluggish electrically operated pedals may be. With such pedals, you might experience a loss of confidence during some crucial riding situations, such as making a sharp curve or accelerating quickly to beat a traffic bottleneck.
You will therefore feel as though you have complete control over your vehicle once you install the Pedal Commander and configure it to your liking. You can therefore benefit from practically every traffic condition.
How Does the Warranty Stand?
Two years are covered under Pedal Commander’s warranty. It’s also reassuring to know that this product won’t leave any traces of its use in your car.
Therefore, everything will appear as if it never existed when you take your car in for routine maintenance. You just detach the Pedal Commander.
Is It Safe to Install a Pedal Commander on Your Car?
A simple and secure approach to increasing your car’s performance is to use the Pedal Commander. It has been tested to meet or surpass OEM requirements and is legitimate in all 50 states.
Some believe it could harm the ECU, but this is untrue. The fact that the pedal commander won’t let your throttle open more than 30% at once makes it safe.
The Pedal Commander In Comparison to Products Similar to It
Choosing a throttle controller can be challenging if you need one urgently because new devices are always entering the market.
However, some of these items are not trustworthy, so you shouldn’t trust any controller to regulate your car’s acceleration. Making the wrong decision may even be harmful.
Therefore, as long as your safety is concerned, you shouldn’t care about the cost. It is preferable to save money and wait a while before purchasing a reputable item with excellent ratings as opposed to going with the lowest option.
The Sprint Booster is one device that can make a decent substitute for the Pedal Commander. The Pedal Commander, however, currently leads the pack in terms of a variety of customizing options if we consider all of their features.
For instance, Pedal Commander gives four different settings, whereas Sprint Booster only offers three. Furthermore, you may adjust your pedal’s sensitivity using the Pedal Commander’s various settings.
The Sprint Booster’s three-year warranty is the only advantage over its two-year warranty. However, if you simply want a product that performs better, that shouldn’t worry you.
Pedal Commander is useful for the following people:
- Truck drivers and experienced drivers who must cover great distances quickly.
- Sports car drivers who are accustomed to their engines responding quickly.
- Owners of cars with sluggish and difficult-to-control gas pedals.
An automotive engine bay by Carolla / CC BY-SA 3.0. When in eco mode, you can accelerate gently and steadily. By equally spreading 25% of your engine’s power throughout the first 50% of your depressed gas pedal, it achieves this. However, there will be no restrictions on your acceleration in this mode. The engine power will start to rev up once you’ve hit that 50% point.
Pedal Commander Vs. Throttle Controller: What’s the Difference?
An electronic device known as a throttle controller regulates how much air enters the engine. The engine’s output changes as a result, changing its power.
An electronic gadget called a pedal commander modifies how much force is applied to the wheels. In turn, this changes how much power the car generates.
A pedal commander is preferable for individuals looking to boost their overall performance, while a throttle controller is better for those looking to decrease their 0-60 time.
Pros and Cons of the Pedal Commander
Pros of the Pedal Commander
- Simple installation
- Four distinct modes, each with a sensitivity setting
- Ready-made for usage right out of the box
- A two-year warranty
Cons of the Pedal Commander
- Modes like Sport and Sport+ may use a lot of fuel.
The Conclusion
For those of you who believe that your car takes too long to accelerate, purchasing a pedal commander should be a necessity. You will undoubtedly benefit from being able to finally experience all the power that your engine has to give, even though it could cost more.
But you need first to consider how to fasten your automobile floor mats before deciding to install the Pedal Commander. The gas pedal won’t be obstructed by floor mats if they are secured. You’ll be able to fully appreciate the Pedal Commander’s speedier acceleration as a result.
Slow throttle response is the most frequent problem with the pedal commander. Especially if you’re trying to merge onto the freeway, this can be inconvenient.
The pedal commander frequently seems to be completely inoperative. There are various potential causes for this, such as a bad connection or a firmware problem.
The pedal commander can be diagnosed in several different methods. Checking for loose connections in the fuse box is the first step. The firmware can also be updated as an alternative. You might have to entirely replace the pedal commander if neither of these solutions works.
Typical car pedals by Stahlkocher / CC BY-SA 3.0
Jim Wicks is the founder of MotorVehicleHQ. With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry and a degree in Automotive Technology, Jim is a certified car expert who has worked in various roles ranging from a mechanic, car dealership manager, to a racing car driver. He has owned more than 20 cars over the past 15 years. Ask him about any vehicle you see on the road and he can tell you the make, model and year. He loves the aesthetics of all things cars, and keeps his vehicles in pristine condition.
In his free time, Jim enjoys getting his hands dirty under the hood of a classic car or taking long drives along the country roads. His favorite car? A 1967 Shelby GT500, a true classic that, according to Jim, “represents the pure essence of American muscle.”