Throttle controller

[BrianElloy]

Hey peeps - has anyone used one of these to intercept the throttle pedal signal in order to address the throttle delay?


iDRIVE Throttle Controller For Land Rover Discovery 4 2009-2016 | iDrive Australia (https://www.idriveaustralia.com.au/evc552-2009-2016-1-idrive-thottle-controller-for-land-rover-discovery-4-2009-2016)

[l00kin4]

I’ve had one for about 12 months now. I’ve tried a few different modes and I’m not completely convinced. The lag is still there but perhaps not as bad but maybe I have also adapted my driving to some degree to allow for it...

It certainly hasn’t made anything worse.

Sorry that probably isn’t particularly helpful.

David

[Tombie]

I wasn’t convinced. For example with a TD5 you can alter throttle mapping during flash upgrades to be faster etc. and believed these units just replicated pushing the throttle harder/further.

I bagged them a bit on here for that reason.

So I figured I’d speak to a manufacturer, get one, try it.

I’m impressed with how it performs. It really does change the vehicle response. You don’t get any more power. Just an enhanced throttle curve.

[Vern]

Had one on our amarok, made it sooo much more driveable. After a couple of years i wondered if it was still doing anything, so i unplugged it, car was such a slug to drive. Yes they work

[Saitch]

Does it affect the performance of the various off road mode settings in a Disco?

[Tombie]

Does it affect the performance of the various off road mode settings in a Disco?

In offroad settings you would be smart to adjust it to one of the slower settings or switch to off.

You certainly wouldn’t want the dynamic throttle modes!

[Discodicky]

Hey peeps - has anyone used one of these to intercept the throttle pedal signal in order to address the throttle delay?


iDRIVE Throttle Controller For Land Rover Discovery 4 2009-2016 | iDrive Australia (https://www.idriveaustralia.com.au/evc552-2009-2016-1-idrive-thottle-controller-for-land-rover-discovery-4-2009-2016)

Justin fitted one for me to my MY13 TDV6 about 3 weeks ago.
The difference is amazing.
Am still playing with the settings but its difficult to image someone wanting to set it at or close to 'max' as it would be far too touchy.
As Tombie says, it would probably be best to set it to factory std for offroad work.
Takes about 1 sec to change each setting, just scroll.
The engine responds sooo much quicker and absolutely no doughyness or hesitation at all compared to std.
It's almost as though it is "chipped" due to instant response.
Love it!
PS. IMHO the I-drive is the pick of them, albeit most expensive.
More settings to play with.
Dead easy to use.

[Tombie]

I just leave mine on Auto on road.
Offroad I tried it in Auto and let’s just say it can be a handful [emoji41]

But I wanted to see what it was like [emoji48]

[INter674]

[QUOTE=Discodicky;2999129]Justin fitted one for me to my MY13 TDV6 about 3 weeks ago.
The difference is amazing.
Am still playing with the settings but its difficult to image someone wanting to set it at or close to 'max' as it would be far too touchy.
As Tombie says, it would probably be best to set it to factory std for offroad work.
Takes about 1 sec to change each setting, just scroll.
The engine responds sooo much quicker and absolutely no doughyness or hesitation at all compared to std.
It's almost as though it is "chipped" due to instant response.
Love it!
PS. IMHO the I-drive is the pick of them, albeit most expensive.
More settings to play with.
Dead easy to use.[/QUOTE

So I'm guessing fuel consumption will be a bit more cause you don't get something for nothing..presuming the device simply dumps more fuel earlier on the tps curve to get the sharper response?

[rocket rod]

I've had my car remapped by Autocode here in Perth and I'm happy with the power/torque increase but there is still a lag at take off and when accelerating away from a corner. Will this help with the cornering? I think this is more to do with the transmission thinking what gear to go into as the real problem. Will this device help that?

[Discodicky]

[QUOTE=Discodicky;2999129]Justin fitted one for me to my MY13 TDV6 about 3 weeks ago.
The difference is amazing.
Am still playing with the settings but its difficult to image someone wanting to set it at or close to 'max' as it would be far too touchy.
As Tombie says, it would probably be best to set it to factory std for offroad work.
Takes about 1 sec to change each setting, just scroll.
The engine responds sooo much quicker and absolutely no doughyness or hesitation at all compared to std.
It's almost as though it is "chipped" due to instant response.
Love it!
PS. IMHO the I-drive is the pick of them, albeit most expensive.
More settings to play with.
Dead easy to use.[/QUOTE

So I'm guessing fuel consumption will be a bit more cause you don't get something for nothing..presuming the device simply dumps more fuel earlier on the tps curve to get the sharper response?

Not sure about fuel consumption although I have thought about it.
I'm not one to constantly measure my economy but occasionally look at the car computer knowing that according to what I read here, it is not necessarily accurate.
Simply put, the gadget basically intercepts the potentiometer's message coming from the accel pedal to the ECU and tricks the ECU into thinking you are pushing it further down thus wanting faster response.
I don't think it will alter F/Economy negatively as I've taken note to be aware of how much further if anything, I put my foot down and it is neglidgeable difference, in fact if anything, I reckon that the car responds better with less foot on pedal, therefore less fuel going in if that makes any sense.
Haven't towed the 3T c/van or tandem trailer with it yet due to COVID 19 but feel that it will be of tremendous help and it wouldn't surprise me if the economy is slightly better, if anything. (less foot down pushing to floor in order to achieve brisker response)
But I'll start measuring it properly as I have a point to prove re TDV6 v LC200 when towing.[tonguewink][bigwhistle]

[Tombie]

Not quite [emoji6]

Less foot down does = more ‘virtual’ foot down with the controller.
You aren’t using less throttle, just less ankle [emoji106]

It just makes it easier.

I noticed an ever so slight increase whilst I was getting accustomed to the device when initially fitted. Now it seems to have settled back to average.

On the highway it has no impact at all cruising, overtaking is more responsive.

What I do note, is the vehicle will drop a gear quicker when around town.

[Dagilmo]

[QUOTE=INter674;2999155]Simply put, the gadget basically intercepts the potentiometer's message coming from the accel pedal to the ECU and tricks the ECU into thinking you are pushing it further down thus wanting faster response.


Genuine question. Can't you just put your foot down further?

[Hawc]

And along the same lines, why not just use sports mode?

[RANDLOVER]

[QUOTE=Discodicky;2999166]

Genuine question. Can't your just put you foot down further?


And along the same lines, why not just use sports mode?

I think because it is more like when the Terrain Response is in "Sand" mode, the throttle response is much quicker, but at full throttle i.e. foot to the floor it doesn't seem to make any difference.

[DiscoJeffster]

[QUOTE=Dagilmo;2999197]



I think because it is more like when the Terrain Response is in "Sand" mode, the throttle response is much quicker, but at full throttle i.e. foot to the floor it doesn't seem to make any difference.

It’s not magical. The throttle pedal moves from 0-100% in a linear movement. The throttle controller is simply intercepting your linear input and providing an adulterated output. Most have adjustable curves but most modes output a higher throttle percentage for the actual input, the equivalent of pushing your foot further down. But 100% is just that - the throttle controller cannot improve on that.

The issue is that with old school cable throttles there wasn’t any linearity. Most of the action happened at the slightest crack of the throttle body blade and in the first quarter of the pedal. Now with drive by wire they can really dull down and finely control the delivery, requiring judicial pedal application if you want to boogie.

[INter674]

[QUOTE=RANDLOVER;2999227]

It’s not magical. The throttle pedal moves from 0-100% in a linear movement. The throttle controller is simply intercepting your linear input and providing an adulterated output. Most have adjustable curves but most modes output a higher throttle percentage for the actual input, the equivalent of pushing your foot further down. But 100% is just that - the throttle controller cannot improve on that.

The issue is that with old school cable throttles there wasn’t any linearity. Most of the action happened at the slightest crack of the throttle body blade and in the first quarter of the pedal. Now with drive by wire they can really dull down and finely control the delivery, requiring judicial pedal application if you want to boogie.

Yes my thoughts exactly...so why do they sprook so much crap about this IMHO useless on road device?

Just put your foot down more😉

It also worries me when they claim it alters the ecu...how can it?

Indeed I would argue sending a corrupted signsl to the ecu is dangerous and makes me wonder why anyone would interfere with the maker's safety provisions eg having duplicate or triplicate signals transmitted for the ecu to detect any erroneous inputs.

Buuut..it may assist off road on cars which are unsophisticated eg..son's mate's Jeep V6 which was bloody hopeless in low range with sudden rushes of power at the least pedal pressure. It did help there but in the end he sold the car for a final solution to that and other issues😞

I recall when these devices came out they targeted off road use but now seen to have morphed into a must have device to improve performance and....fuel use🤤

Save your money for more fuel and press the pedal harder😁

[scarry]

And along the same lines, why not just use sports mode?

I would save the $ and get a tune,particularly those with the 2.7.

Since mine had a tune,the lag has virtually disappeared.

Sure a tune is more $,but it does a lot more than a throttle position mapping change.

With a throttle controller,vehicle will change gears more readily because your foot is further down than what you think it is,or what it normally is.Same will happen if you drive a stock vehicle like you stole it.

There is heaps of discussion on other forums about these devices.Some say,after having them,they are a waste of money,others think they are fantastic,and that’s in identical vehicles.

Go figure?[biggrin]

[Tombie]

I’ve got a tune and the device.

I too was skeptical of the unit. So I rang the company and had a nice chat.

Got a great deal on one to give it a try.

Makes the vehicle so much nicer to drive.

[shanegtr]

I actually really like the standard throttle mapping on my D3. I prefer to have a more linear throttle rather than the first 80% of throttle available in the first 20% of pedal moment. Personal preference really. My best mates ranger has some throttle unit (no idea what brand - was on when he brought it) -anyway I had a drive and I kid you not I wouldnt have given much more than 10mm of travel on the pedal and it felt like 100% throttle. Just plain horrible to drive (not that the rangers throttle pedal from factory is anything special either)

[Tombie]

Settings [bigwhistle]

[Discodicky]

I actually really like the standard throttle mapping on my D3. I prefer to have a more linear throttle rather than the first 80% of throttle available in the first 20% of pedal moment. Personal preference really. My best mates ranger has some throttle unit (no idea what brand - was on when he brought it) -anyway I had a drive and I kid you not I wouldnt have given much more than 10mm of travel on the pedal and it felt like 100% throttle. Just plain horrible to drive (not that the rangers throttle pedal from factory is anything special either)

That's either the way your Ranger mate preferred it or he doesn't realise it is adjustable.
Some brands are more adjustable than others, that's why I preferred the I-drive, albeit more costly.
You can make them respond how you wish, even less responsive than factory setting if you prefer for some off road use.
I tried mine at "max" and it was horrible, just far too sensitive and almost undriveable IMHO.

[shanegtr]

That's either the way your Ranger mate preferred it or he doesn't realise it is adjustable.
Some brands are more adjustable than others, that's why I preferred the I-drive, albeit more costly.
You can make them respond how you wish, even less responsive than factory setting if you prefer for some off road use.
I tried mine at "max" and it was horrible, just far too sensitive and almost undriveable IMHO.
He hasnt touched it - was like that since he brought it.

[John_D4]

I’ve got a tune and the device.

I too was skeptical of the unit. So I rang the company and had a nice chat.

Got a great deal on one to give it a try.

Makes the vehicle so much nicer to drive.

A tune has been on my shopping list but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. I was under the impression that when they tune the 3.0 they change the accelerator map also. If that’s the case why works you need this device?

[Tombie]

A tune has been on my shopping list but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. I was under the impression that when they tune the 3.0 they change the accelerator map also. If that’s the case why works you need this device?

Why do you need a tune? [emoji6]

[John_D4]

Why do you need a tune? [emoji6]

To be perfectly honest just for the annoying accelerator map. For the life of me I can’t ever think of a time where I needed more power than 110kmh up the southern expressway Hill with the 1.8t camper in tow.

I haven’t heard of this device so in watching with interest.

[gavinwibrow]

To be perfectly honest just for the annoying accelerator map. For the life of me I can’t ever think of a time where I needed more power than 110kmh up the southern expressway Hill with the 1.8t camper in tow.

I haven’t heard of this device so in watching with interest.

If all you want is improved accelerator behaviour, the throttle controller should suffice - and cheaper than the retail cost of a proper remap I understand. Probably hence Mike's question?

[factory]

I just fitted one of these to my SDV6 Landmark. For me it really improves the way the car drives around town and corrects what, for me, is throttle mapping that is too soft from factory. Of course 100% throttle is not difference but it rally does change the behavior of the car and is not the same as putting your foot down further in the feel it gives. Also superior to sport mode in my view as you get sharper response without the altered trans shift points, which use too many revs for my liking. For off road use you would select the factory standard setting for sure.

Overall a nice little improvement in drive feel for a minor investment I think.

If you could have a re-map plus this it would be a nice combo and especially if you could program the trans to hold higher gears and use the torque a bit more. I'm a little reluctant on the few re-map suppliers I have spoken to in Melbourne though as they all send the ECU away to be re-tuned, i.e it is not done on a rolling road. Not the way to do it in my view.

Cheers,

PS: I got mine from All 4x4 Spares they are cheaper than the iDrive website.

[gavinwibrow]

I just fitted one of these to my SDV6 Landmark. For me it really improves the way the car drives around town and corrects what, for me, is throttle mapping that is too soft from factory. Of course 100% throttle is not difference but it rally does change the behavior of the car and is not the same as putting your foot down further in the feel it gives. Also superior to sport mode in my view as you get sharper response without the altered trans shift points, which use too many revs for my liking. For off road use you would select the factory standard setting for sure.

Overall a nice little improvement in drive feel for a minor investment I think.

If you could have a re-map plus this it would be a nice combo and especially if you could program the trans to hold higher gears and use the torque a bit more. I'm a little reluctant on the few re-map suppliers I have spoken to in Melbourne though as they all send the ECU away to be re-tuned, i.e it is not done on a rolling road. Not the way to do it in my view.

Cheers,

PS: I got mine from All 4x4 Spares they are cheaper than the iDrive website.


Now realising that you are in Perth, for remap questions, talk to DazzaTD5/Aztech 4x4 on here - he gets them done on a dyno - I'm very happy with my mild one, even though there is still a slight hesitation. I'm cogitating on the iDrive at the moment, especially with Tombie who also has a 2.7 being so positive.

[Discodicky]

Now realising that you are in Perth, for remap questions, talk to DazzaTD5/Aztech 4x4 on here - he gets them done on a dyno - I'm very happy with my mild one, even though there is still a slight hesitation. I'm cogitating on the iDrive at the moment, especially with Tombie who also has a 2.7 being so positive.

My understanding is that the 3.0 litre has to have the ECU removed for a re-map.

[gavinwibrow]

My understanding is that the 3.0 litre has to have the ECU removed for a re-map.

Have spoken with Darren and I'm sure 3.0L is no problem as is the ERG delete at the same time!