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Pedal Commander review

Discussion in 'Performance' started by WTW15, Jan 16, 2018.

  1. Jan 16, 2018 at 6:39 PM
    #1
    WTW15

    WTW15 [OP] New Member

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    Wondervu, Co
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    TRD black wheels, leveling kit, NFab nerf bars with steps, garage life at 9,000'.
    I had searched the threads here and elsewhere for info on the Pedal Commander and there wasn’t much there. My hubby is Mr Gadget and had researched them and even got one for his Raptor, so I asked Santa for one. Also my son has a Chrysler 200 and he got one too.

    Let me be clear - this product does not provide any more HP or torque or any kind of boost. It does take the lag out of the throttle response and makes it feel quicker, faster and speeds up the shift points. And seriously gives you that 4.0l V6 power you should have if there wasn’t any EPA Eco BS. I drive mountain roads everyday and what was missing was that acceleration coming out of a corner. It just took so long to accelerate, even if I was manually shifting. Well all of that is gone.

    There are 4 settings: Eco City Speed and Speed+. And then for each setting there are 4+ and 4- adjustments. On Speed+ 4+ it’s scary touchy. But I’ve found Speed+ 3- is really nice. It gives the throttle responds within the first touch and doesn’t require me to push 1/4 way down just to get moving.

    I feel no need to do any other performance mods at this time. I had considered a CAI but it just doesn’t seem necessary now. My 4RUNNER hauls ass! No formal tests but I know it does 0-60 faster as well as we have a little Hill where we always test our cars/trucks to see who’s is faster and my top speed before PC was 43 and after it’s 51.

    I give this a 10 rating because it’s a big change for a small price. I think hubby found a deal on it for around $225. And to the poor 2018 4Runner I beat off the line today hope you read this.
     
  2. Jan 17, 2018 at 4:42 AM
    #2
    WTW15

    WTW15 [OP] New Member

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    TRD black wheels, leveling kit, NFab nerf bars with steps, garage life at 9,000'.
    Oh I forgot to mention it’s plug and play. Installs in less than 10 min. The hardest thing is finding a spot to mount the controller.
     
    Palerider and alittleoff like this.
  3. Jan 17, 2018 at 6:44 AM
    #3
    COexplorer

    COexplorer New Member

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    I have been looking into this option. I am hoping by that it will address three things

    -Downshifting at moderate speeds. I find it annoying that the transmission downshifts so much whenever you touch the brakes. It makes it feel really jerky coming into corners going downhill.

    -Lag in time to upshift. It seems the transmission holds gears after downshifting for too long. You crest a hill and it stays in the lower gear for quite some time before finally shifting up.

    -Jerky feeling when giving very little gas. It almost feels like a manual transmission when alternating between coasting, and just barely giving it gas.

    Glad to hear that it works well. It seems like this could potentially take care of my only complaints about the 4Runner. I may have to pick one up.
     
  4. Mar 25, 2018 at 2:11 PM
    #4
    MotoJB

    MotoJB New Member

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    I just bought and installed one...drove around for a bit. I really like it.

    I played around with city and sport modes. City plus 3 or 4 or sport make it more drivable IMO.

    Coming off an X5, the spongy and not very responsive stock pedal feel on the 4runner is really noticeable. With this Pedal Commander box, it's a completely different experience. Perfect change for street/city driving.

    Offroad, I'll turn it off.

    I presume gas mileage will suffer however, so I'll be watching that.

    So as long as it doesn't cause any problems or kill my gas mileage (which already isn't anything to write home about) I'll be happy with the $300 spent over the life of this vehicle.
     
    Last edited: Mar 25, 2018
    ckon, WTW15[OP] and alittleoff like this.
  5. Mar 26, 2018 at 5:08 PM
    #5
    WTW15

    WTW15 [OP] New Member

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    TRD black wheels, leveling kit, NFab nerf bars with steps, garage life at 9,000'.
    I have only noticed a decrease in my gas mileage because I HAVE A LEAD FOOT. LOL
     
    2Toys likes this.
  6. May 23, 2018 at 4:48 AM
    #6
    Kyblack76

    Kyblack76 New Member

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    Has anyone else slapped one in, and can add to the thread? Dude at fat Bob's suggested I look into one after whining how big of a turd these runners are power wise.
     
  7. May 23, 2018 at 9:15 AM
    #7
    P226Navy

    P226Navy 2016 T4R

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    I thought of getting this one too however the reviews are getting me doubtful due to increasing gas mileage. So I thought of CAI which will be good on miles per gallon. But I’d love to hear your opinion on this. Much appreciated.
     
  8. May 23, 2018 at 9:25 AM
    #8
    JBTRD

    JBTRD As usual, saying something stupid

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    Subbed in for the info, i know there is another brand that has less of the modes that also has a good rep
     
  9. Jul 6, 2018 at 6:14 PM
    #9
    Barcelona Trail

    Barcelona Trail New Member

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    Colorado in Winter - SoCal in Summer
    Vehicle:
    '16 TEP w/ KDSS
    Bilstein 6112 & 5100 - Built Right UCAs - AFE Intake, TBS, & Exhaust - Pedal Cmndr - Icon Rebound - 285 BFG KO2
    Ordered this today, directly from PedalCommander.com - was able to take advantage of 15% off (code is - FIREWORKS). Missed the 20% off for Father's Day. Keep looking if you're in the mkt, they're always offering discounts. AFE intake, throttle body spacer, and exhaust also enroute (20% off currently). Will install PC first, then CAI/TBS, then exhaust. Will return with review of PC soon...
     
    COexplorer likes this.
  10. Jul 19, 2018 at 9:57 PM
    #10
    Barcelona Trail

    Barcelona Trail New Member

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    Colorado in Winter - SoCal in Summer
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    Bilstein 6112 & 5100 - Built Right UCAs - AFE Intake, TBS, & Exhaust - Pedal Cmndr - Icon Rebound - 285 BFG KO2
    4 words... Night And Day Difference! Wow!! I run the PC on the Sport setting in either 2 or 3 (out of 4). I haven't even considered using the Sport+ setting as there simply isn't any reason to at this point. The higher you go up the ladder, the more the truck revs before shifting gears. In my current setting, it isnt unusual for the motor to rev to 5500 while I accelerate or downshift to pass. The truck flat out pulls now! Simply put, the T4R is capable of so much more and so much more fun to drive once you bypass the factory pedal and throttle responses. Paid $280, no tax, no shipping.

    20180713_130440.jpg
    20180713_130507.jpg
    20180713_130549.jpg
     
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  11. Jul 20, 2018 at 4:12 AM
    #11
    ckon

    ckon New Member

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    Tinted front windows | Hard-wired radar detecter | Heritage grille | Bumper, wheelwell and mudflap mod | 285/70 Nitto Grapplers | Plasti-Dipped valances, rack rails and logos | Replace all interior lamps w/LEDs | XenonDepot HIDs | Salex console and glove box organizers | RCI aluminum skid plate | Sprint Booster | Bilstein 5100 Shocks - Leveled @ .85 |
    I have a Sprint Booster and I have a friend with a PC and we are both very happy with the increased drivability. They both do the same thing and both cost about the same. The only real, day-to-day difference are the controllers of each. IMO, either is well worth the money.
     
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  12. Jul 20, 2018 at 6:18 AM
    #12
    Barcelona Trail

    Barcelona Trail New Member

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    Bilstein 6112 & 5100 - Built Right UCAs - AFE Intake, TBS, & Exhaust - Pedal Cmndr - Icon Rebound - 285 BFG KO2
    Ckon, with respect to your comments, everything Ive read suggests you're right. I went with PC though it was a toss up for me. AfePower sells the Sprint Booster which lead me to strongly consider it, though in the end I chose the PC because I wanted the larger controller (though its still not big - being half the size of my hand). Apples to apples, you probably cant go wrong
     
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  13. Jul 20, 2018 at 10:35 AM
    #13
    ckon

    ckon New Member

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    Toss up for me, too, but I picked the smaller controller. :)
     
    Barcelona Trail likes this.
  14. Oct 28, 2018 at 6:13 PM
    #14
    Justanoldcowboybill

    Justanoldcowboybill New Member

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    I have a 2018 4runner SR5 that I just bought brand new last month. My only complaint was that it felt like a slug when accelerating. I came across a write up on another blog about the Pedal Commander. I figured half the hype was just so much BS. But the sluggishness was enough to make me try it. I got the PC with the Bluetooth. I bought it straight from the company. It came in a couple days later and today I went over to my brothers house. I figured I’d need his help. He stood there while I installed it. Literally less than 10 minutes to install. The only tool I needed was a Mountain Dew. We got in, fired it up, used the app to set it at City + 1, and took off. Sweet Jesus, mother Mary, and Joseph. It’s no hype. Buy the damn thing.
     
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  15. Oct 28, 2018 at 7:40 PM
    #15
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    How do these work? What are they tied into as far as installation?
     
  16. Oct 28, 2018 at 8:50 PM
    #16
    Justanoldcowboybill

    Justanoldcowboybill New Member

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    You have the controller which fits into the palm of your hand with about a 3 foot cord attached to it that has double plugs at the other end. Above your gas pedal you unplug the factory setup and then plug one into the PC plug with the other PC plug going into the top of the gas pedal. As you can tell, I don’t know the proper terminologies. An engineer I am not. But literally that is the entire installation process.
     
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  17. Oct 28, 2018 at 11:20 PM
    #17
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    Is there any potential AT ALL for something like Pedal Command to cause any long or short term harm whatsoever?

    I'd be reluctant to plug a (Chinese?) "computer" device into a $40k truck?

    (I don't know the terminology either)
     
    kjfswkr and WallyT4R like this.
  18. Oct 29, 2018 at 7:23 AM
    #18
    jgcaps

    jgcaps Lovin the Colorado Life.!

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    From what I understand... it's adjusting the throttle response when you give it gas... just hacking the on board computer in a way. I've looked at these for a while now and a lot of people are using them without issue.
     
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  19. Oct 29, 2018 at 11:50 AM
    #19
    Justanoldcowboybill

    Justanoldcowboybill New Member

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    I haven’t had any issue yet. I followed their instructions and made sure the key fob was more than 35 feet away and the truck was turned off for at least 5 minutes before installing it. I actually doubled the feet and time waited just to be on the safe side. I’m driving about 100 miles a day, so if I have any issues I’ll update my post.
     
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  20. Oct 29, 2018 at 12:09 PM
    #20
    Justanoldcowboybill

    Justanoldcowboybill New Member

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    4runningMan likes this.
  21. Nov 6, 2018 at 1:58 PM
    #21
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Yeah I saved the money and just push down on the skinny pedal more than I used too....all kidding aside, I don't have one and don't see the need at this time because I am happy with my 4. But I have the stock size tires. When I want to go fast I hit the skinny pedal. I think those that have larger tires than stock and have not re-geared, will benefit from this thing due to the sluggishness with the bigger tires.
     
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  22. Nov 6, 2018 at 2:26 PM
    #22
    MaliciousV-18T4RORP

    MaliciousV-18T4RORP New Member

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    Sorry... this is not as simple as smashing the pedal to make the thing go. The 4R is fly-by-wire as we say in the aircraft world and I can't express this enough that it is not reactive to how fast you mash it. The stock programming on these things are HORRIBLE. Absolutely lethargic and abusive at how abhorrent it is in wasting the few ponies that it does have. Throttle response on these aren't improved like you would think compared to a cable operated system by mashing it. No matter how fast and hard you trounce the pedal it's still only going to react in accordance with the set programming. If you don't have a "programmer" then all these are just digital words on a page and you just won't get it. Trust those of us that are YELLING it on the screen (GO GET A PROGRAMMER). Don't do any other mod before a programmer and see just how much of an improvement it is.

    To put it another way... It's like comparing the input of a ball mouse to a high DPI gaming laser mouse if that's your thing. Or asking your son to turn the TV on and watching him run up to the TV button vs using the remote. ROFL... okay, not the same. But seriously, the lag in response without a programmer is pathetic enough for an ignorant person to own one of these and go... yeah, it's "okay" on power but it just it ho hum.... vs Wow, this thing is aggressively geared and doesn't need any more low end in traffic. Yes.... it's that good and I'm only running City+2.

    I hope those that read the occasional pedal commander threads that keep popping up actually go out and get one and start spreading the word because I think it's an insanely cheap mod that FIXES the fly-by-wire lagged response the stock programming. As the disclaimer always goes, it does not add an ounce of HP, it just gives you instantaneous access to it.

    So please... please... go buy one.

    (I'm not endorsing anything btw and can only comment on the one I chose to install (Pedal Commander), but I've heard the others work just as well.)

    My install:
    https://www.4runners.com/threads/pedal-commander-installed.6999/#post-59453
     
  23. Nov 6, 2018 at 3:09 PM
    #23
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Glad you like yours. I have about 17 things above this on the list. Maybe one day.
     
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  24. Nov 6, 2018 at 3:48 PM
    #24
    Rahl

    Rahl New Member

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    Curious to the MPG loss? not that you buy a runner for the MPG. But I get about 18.5 to 19.4 now and would rather not go down to 14. Increased performance would be nice.
     
  25. Nov 6, 2018 at 11:34 PM
    #25
    mynameistory

    mynameistory New Member

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    Except that's literally what it is. The pedal commander doesn't change anything with the throttle pedal tuning at all. It's merely modifying the signal fed to the stock pedal switch- it doesn't allow the throttle to operate outside of factory parameters. That's why it's a piggyback device and not an actual modification to the ECU.

    There's nothing that either of these pedal controllers can do that your foot already can't. They simply increase the acceleration of the voltage signal change from the pedal. Basically, you're cramming 100% of your throttle range into 20% of the pedal movement. Yes, it's more sensitive to input because you're effectively shrinking your input resolution. No, you're not going to win a race against a "stock" 4Runner (unless they have no clue you were trying to race them. Then you'll probably win).

    If you like adjusting the pedal "feel" to be more responsive, more power to you. I just prefer to save the money and use my foot.
     
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  26. Nov 7, 2018 at 3:15 AM
    #26
    MaliciousV-18T4RORP

    MaliciousV-18T4RORP New Member

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    I stand corrected. Your technical expertise far outweighs the benefit of this mod. Please forgive my ignorance and I apologize for suggesting this wasn’t a waste of money when all you need to do is press the skinny pedal. Enjoy your rides and happy trails.
     
  27. Nov 7, 2018 at 6:00 AM
    #27
    jgcaps

    jgcaps Lovin the Colorado Life.!

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    If you don't want one... don't get it..! If you do... then fuckin buy one..! holy shit people
     
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  28. Nov 7, 2018 at 9:26 AM
    #28
    mynameistory

    mynameistory New Member

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    Nothing wrong with buying one. But please stop spreading misinformation about them.
     
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  29. Nov 7, 2018 at 10:06 AM
    #29
    MaliciousV-18T4RORP

    MaliciousV-18T4RORP New Member

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    Curious... do you own one or have driven a vehicle with one?
     
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  30. Nov 7, 2018 at 10:44 AM
    #30
    mynameistory

    mynameistory New Member

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    No. I also have no interest in driving a 5000 pound minivan "quickly". I have other vehicles for that.
     
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