Pedal Commanders - are these upgrades worth the cost and do they really work or just use more fuel?

I've replaced my Pedal Commander with a Banks Pedal Monster due to it being safer than the PC. I find that the Banks option has a smoother acceleration curve than the PC which I like.

 

Is it true that with the Banks you can set it up at whatever setting and disconnect it afterwards? If so, I do like that feature as you don't have to tuck it in somewhere around the pedal area etc.

 

Never go to a dealership except for warranty repairs. They are limited by the factory when billing warranty repairs and make it up by charging exorbitant mark ups on private paying customers.

 

I've not heard that the Banks controller can be removed like the Sprint Booster and still function, but I am no expert on Banks.

 

The PC and the Banks both have bluetooth and their own app that you can control with your phone. People just mount the PC on the dash for that extra race feeling but the Banks does not have any controls on the unit itself.

 

What does one do about the Banks unit being plugged into the OBD connector when you, say, need the OBD connector for another use, like code reading or having to get emissions testing done?

 

They produce OBD splitters for this purpose but I believe 2 max devices is the recommended limit.

 

I use my foot to control the throttle. Works great and it's infinitely adjustable.

 

I'm torn on which throttle control to get. They all look promising, but it seems like the Banks brand add extra security. The Pedal Commander extract 5v power from a different source and the car can go into "limp mode" like some people have experienced and the video that someone added above.

 

Banks over the others for sure.

 

Get one! This is only the beginning of mods and fun stuff. Let us know when you are ready for the next mod!

 

So I just joined the forum and have used throttle boosters on previous cars. I purchased a 2024 TRD pro, but when looking at the most popular throttle boosters most don't have a 2024 option. Sprint Booster says from 2012 to 2022. Banks Monster pedal does not have an option for 2024 4Runner. Looks like really my only option is the Pedal Commander. Wish me luck!!!!

 

It might be worth checking with the manufacturers. The drivetrain hasn't been changed since 2010.

 

I agree, there is no changes and the throttle plug should be the same in all models.

 

Sounds like you're expecting vendors to actually update their websites to 2024, but finding a lot are still stuck in 2022. There shouldn't be any difference for your '24.

 

I've had the Banks option for the past few days now coming from a Pedal Commander. In the higher settings, I find that it is definitely a smoother response than the Pedal Commander. I transitioned to Banks as they have more safety options compared to others on the market which was a big selling point for me. There are videos out there to explain this.

 

I wonder if you can enhance the throttle response with the carista obd2 or some other scanners.

 

My Banks is on it's way. I have a BD in my Ram 2500 Cummins and it made a world of difference in the drive ability almost getting rid of any turbo lag. Excited to see the difference it makes in the new 4Runner.

 

I just installed the Banks last week. I have it set to City 9. I initially set it it Sport 5 but I find it to be jerky. I actually bought and installed the Pedal Commander last year. I had a check engine light when I installed it. I didn't even try to do any troubleshooting, I just sent it back. As a back story to this, in 2003, I bought a new 2003 BMW 540. The following year, I had a BMW dealer installed a Dinan software that does the same thing. I forgot now what it is called. I had that software from 2004 thru Oct 2021 when I sold the car. Never had a problem with it. And the Banks is a much improved product than that Dinan product.

 

Hikeit

https://trail4runner.com/2020/09/07/hikeit-throttle-controller-5th-gen-4runner/

 

Congrats!

 

I've had the Sprint Booster on both my 4Runners for 6-7 years. Small size of the controller is convenient. No issues.
I like the ability to speed up quickly from say 65 to 70 mph, without stomping and kicking down a gear. It helps navigating around tractor trailers and other obstacles in certain situations.
Throttle lag is dangerous imo. I drive a considerable amount of rental cars for work. Some of these vehicles have terrible programming.

 

Just were a heavier shoe. You'll get similar results, it's more reliable and a lot cheaper.

 

Nah. Stomp on it all you want but there's still a delay and hesitation that the Banks lets you dial right out. One of the few changes I've made that I'd recommend to anyone no matter how they use the truck. Of course you can get used to the factory nanny throttle but that doesn't make it suck less.

On the other hand, pedal commander is a shady outfit.

 

Why do you characterize PC as shady? Mine is almost 3 years old and I love it. As you said, it’s one of the few changes I would recommend.

 

Just got the Banks Pedal Monster and it works great. Here are my thoughts on it.

Pros:
It works as it should
Has some safety features
Does not have a big box that you have to put out into the open like the PC does

Cons:
Works on bluetooth - so because there is no big box to adjust it like the PC you have to connect to it via Blutooth and use the app for adjustments. I have an iPhone so I can not connect to that and the 4Runner at the same time. Which is really not that big of an issue since these things are kind of a "find your setting and leave it alone kind of thing"
Connects to the ODBII port which just takes up the port. Not sure what happens to the settings on the device if I have to unplug it for some reason but I am sure I will find out at some point

I am sure the PC is great too. After doing some research on the devices I just chose to go with the Banks mainly because I didn't want anything showing like the PC control module. I have used these devices in the past on my diesel trucks to help get rid of turbo lag. Long story short - I recommend this modification, it really helps with the drive ability of the 4Runner. Get what ever brand makes you happy but just do it, you won't be disappointed.

 

Plenty of reports of codes/limp mode due to excessive current draw from the pedal position circuit; I'm really glad you have not experienced this. PC just blames the customer and spams ads rather than addressing the issue.

 

Works great. I stay away from Sport modes and I get better mileage in City mode. Cheapest found was $100 without the settings to try. Plenty of used PCs for sale. Eliminating the lag is the main thing regardless of settings that can confuse transmission shift points when not properly set.