Pedal Commander

I recently started using one that looks like PC, but not PC. Amazon: "VVOKVV". I have a stock vehicle without any other mods.
I like the adjustable pedal response. It also makes me think "driving experience" is related to how the transmission shifts (ECM retune), available HP, and pedal response. I have been using it in a variety of modes for the past 10 days, no issues with vehicle operation codes. Modes like city, sport, and sport+ all show the laggy stock throttle response of a 2021 Tacoma. Something I did not notice until using this device. It is easily installed and removed. (And returned if you do not like it).

 

Since I bought my '17 TRDOR brand new, I was unhappy with the response of the physical accelerator pedal movement to the response of the engine, it is not linear at all. I used a ScanGuageII for a while and liked the custom display, especially with the "gear mode" showing me what "ratio" the AT was in real-time.
When I read about the Banks Pedal Monster, how it works through the OBDII port, senses reverse and defaults to stock, defaults to stock if there is an error, and that their iDash Gauge piggybacks to it, I bought it. I didn't like their gauge mounting cup off the A-pillar being so high, so I got the suction cup holder. The PM and iD are easy to set up, and the cables are flat ribbon making it easy to fish under the dash. The tuning of the PM allows me to get the linear response I wanted through the physical pressing of the accelerator pedal. I recently found the OZ Gauge Pod and now the gauge sits perfectly.
I am very disappointed that Banks did not use the "correct transmission gear" BIDS so that the iD could show the AT ratio in real-time. ScanGauge has it and it isn't a secret. What the iD shows is PRND which mimics the dash display. I hope that they update it sooner than later.

 

I just installed one on my 21 Taco. If you read the fine print online, it states you should disconnect the device when you go to the stealership so they cannot say you voided the warranty for work needed. After having some kind of lag on startup while in traffic, the push the pedal harder did not work for me and I almost got hit. The “Tune It”bug hit me but decided I did not want to void the warranty upon the advice of a service writer for a major car dealership.

 

I have the Banks and I agree; it’s not equivalent to pressing the pedal harder and it’s not like using the ECT. It does exactly what they advertise.

 

Hi everybody -

I had (have) a Shift Sense Pro device. I bought it because I was seeking a solution to the constant "gear hunting" on the freeway I was experiencing on my own Taco at cruising speeds. This was several years ago. IIRC, its claim to fame was that it optimized the shift points and would reduce gear hunting.

Anyway, it wasn't super expensive. I also really liked the fact it had been developed by some individual with a sense of determination on his own and was then selling them online. It was easy to install, and it helped some - but didn't eliminate the gear hunting. I wound unplugging it after about a year - because I was getting the fuel pump TSB addressed and I didn't want any nonsensical hassles from the dealer - and it has been sitting in my parts bin ever since.

NOTE: If anyone here wants it, PM me and I'll give you my address to send me a pre-paid padded envelope and I'll be happy to send it to you.

 

I got one for free. As said previously, I wouldn't pay 2 or 300 for any type of throttle controller. Do I like it? Yes. Does it make the truck faster? No. It does seem to help with lag more so than just slamming the gas pedal to the ground as some people say.

People are obsessed with tunes. These trucks are dogs. Toyota, not some tune "specialist" is the company that makes ultra reliable vehicles. So remember that when everyone says "get a tune..."

 

I had mine cause 2 limp modes.
Unplugged it and haven't had a problem.
Just my experience.

 

DING DING DING DING DING
WE HAVE A CANDID AND TRUE COMMENT WINNER

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People getting OTT tunes and the like are paying ~$300 or so for improved gas pedal sensitivity and maybe 3-5 HP. Seriously? Why? I can get that with my foot, 91 octane, and a clean air filter. That's the simple and honest truth. I don't get it. And yet people proclaim after getting a Taco tune "IT IS LIKE NIGHT AND DAY".

No, no, no, a thousand times no, it is NOT. Stop it. That is absurd.

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And, yet, yes, I have a tuned vehicle. A silly ridiculous supercharged 2014 Coyote 5.0 Mustang that made 550 RWHP on the chassis dyno at BrenSpeed MotorSports in Dallas TX. My Mustang needed a tune to make the power I'm making without detonating and misfiring and meanwhile ensuring correct AFRs and fuel trims, timing advances, fuel injector duty cycle and more.

NONE OF THIS IS APPLICABLE TO THE 3.5 NATURALLY ASPIRATED V6 CAMRY, WHOOPS I MEAN, TACOMA ENGINE.
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Your off-the-lot Tacoma? Nah, it doesn't need a tune. That being said, if you wish to light three or four Benjamins on fire, that is your right to Life, Liberty & Pursuit of Happiness.

 

The tune does alot more than, just give pedal sensitivity and 3 to 5hp. Read up on OTT.

 

Put your Kool Aid sippy cup down, please.

If it does a "lot more", you would have stated that. Like what?

VVTI optimization? Stop.

AGM battery charging optimization? The 13.9V charging voltage from your alternator is more than enough and the voltage regulator is shedding voltage above that. Your AGM battery, if you even have one, doesn't need 14.4V. Stop it.

ECT (dis)functionality when towing a trailer? Stop it.

 

I have a shift sense pro for sale. I used it on my 2017 Tacoma and it worked great. Sold the truck and have no need for this now. It is in perfect working condition and includes the simple 10 minute install instructions. PM me if interested. Otherwise putting it on ebay.

 

I second that sprintbooster is a way to go. I've been using mine since I bought the truck brand new in 2022

 

Will the Pedal Commander or Pedal Monster solve this scenario: In D, from the line, I accelerate as normal, not too aggressively and it begins to shift up through the gears as expected. When it shifts into 3rd, it almost feels like there is a dead spot and as if the truck "falls back" a bit, then all of a sudden a small boost in acceleration. When using ECT, this does not happen as noticeably. Thoughts? Thanks.

 

I have the Pedal Commander on my 2020 Sport MT. Love the way it change the pedal response.

 

That small gap in no power to sudden boost is likely from the VVTi switching over and possibly when the ACIS is change from long to short runner. ECT allows you keep lower gears for longer, making those switch overs less noticable.

These boxes do nothing to solve issues with those and the mini-van transmission shift points.

Personally, I would recommend getting a tune. As it is able to change all those aspects.

 

I decided to try the Pedal Commander. At first, there was a wow factor in how sensitive the pedal was. After testing it out for a bit, I decided to return it. It is just too gimicky. I am finding that if I put it in S4 and sometimes in S4 with ECT on, I like the way it behaves. It seems more linear in how it shifts and the acceleration is fine. It is a truck not a WRX! I think what was bugging me the most is the constant attempts by the transmission to get into the highest gear at the time, probably for fuel economy. I may get a tune at some point down the track, but I bought it new just 11 months ago and don't want to do anything that will affect the warranty at this point.

 

Well... Guess I have to alter my response. Have had the Pedal Commander for 6 months. Loved the way it changed the pedal response (yes it was more than "push harder"). But low and behold it put my truck in limp mode the other day. So now its removed. I did buy it used, and quite possible the cable to it came down and I may have strained the cable as I was coming to a stop. But I not 100% sure about that part.

The toyota tech recommended a tune if I was looking for more sensitivity. Probably just going to leave it stock.... at least for a little while.

 

Here is what I am finding after a year of owning my new, 23 limited. I know this stuff is subjective for each individual. I find that if I just drive with a bit heavier foot, it accelerates and shifts more and more like I would expect. This is in D without ECT on. I have tried the pedal commander and took it out. I am liking it more and more just stock all the time. I have tinkered with S mode and ECT and sometimes I find that I like to use ECT going up hills since it does hold gears longer. What I actually prefer overall is just leaving it in D without ECT on most of the time. I find that the truck is much quieter this way, which I really like.

 

Just installed a pedal Commander on my 2022 Taco manual trans last night. Took it for a quick spin and was kind of amazed. The manual transmissions are pretty sluggish in all but highway driving IMO and this really changed the drive feel to super responsive. I'm feathering the gas pedal now. I've tried eco and city mode- eco is pretty sluggish but perhaps I need to tweak it a bit. But "city" mode seems exactly what I was looking for and I'm super happy. Very happy with this mod.