Second Hand Pedal Commander Dangers?

Tried to look this up online but there weren't many places to find info so I thought I'd ask. Recently upgraded to a 3rd gen tacoma and was interested in a pedal commander. As far as I can tell it should be safe to buy one second hand but I don't much about these things to know for sure. Do people hack these or do anything that would mess up my cars computer? Is there anything I should be aware of when buying one second hand?

 

Just mash the pedal harder.

That makes you the 'commander'.

Don't give up your human rights!

 

Just some of the negative reviews of pedal commander turned me off of that route. I just put it in s6 mode and leave it now. I think a tune is the direction most people suggest now a days.

 

Use pedal commander and shift sense pro. Absolutely love them both.

 

I bought one used. No problem here. These don’t get heavy usage or abuse so I wouldn’t expect product failure. Just choose wisely. The seller I bought from still had the original box and manual so I know he didn’t hack at it. I was able to save $100 off of the retail price by buying used.

 

Don't mean to sound like a noob here but what is "s6" mode?

 

Exactly! This is what I am looking to do. I figure if i can find one in good shape I can capitalize on the fact that because it is used it will have depreciated and a can save some money.

 

Its the.. quasi.. manual “shifting” mode. It has nothing to do with manual and all to do with not going past the gear you select on your auto trans tacoma. It’s suppose to be as close to a default mode, without the computer learning metrics based on your driving habits. I find it eliminates some of the sluggishness and improves responsiveness vs in D mode. Its not the be all solve all solution but it helps in the interim. Just slap your shifter to the left and push it forward or backward to change gear. Play around with it. I usually keep it on s5 or 6. Cruise works better when hilly in s mode.

 

Save your money, and get a tune instead. OTT, OR KD Maxx. World a difference over that pedal commander.

 

How much does a tune like that go for? Also, will this keep me warranty valid?

 

I would gladly get a OTT tune and sell my Pedal Commander but I’ve heard of problems passing smog here in “Commifornia” after it picks up that the computer has been altered.

 

'heard' from whom?

@tonered

 

I’ve heard numerous reports of the North Koreans injecting pedal commanders with camera hacks to collect child porn.

On a more serious note, I have come to understand that the pedal commander changes the relationship between the gas pedal position and the throttle position. Tacos are throttle by wire, meaning the re is no mechanical connection between the gas pedal and the throttle. If you like to play with that relationship, go for it, but don’t be duped into thinking it increases engine output.

 

Various reports on here and people needing to get used computers from junkyards to pass smog, then switch it back. Last I read, OTT was working on this with CARB.

 

They are right at $400. It shifts 100% better and there is multiple throttle responses to choose from. OTT has lite, mild, medium and spicy. I went with lite, and medium with push of ect. Deal can't detect. No warranty worries. As for commifornia, detecting on smog. I read one person had a problem. But I thought I heard he slipped up and mentioned it to them. Don't know if true, or whole story.

 

That’s a negative

 

I've heard of trucks getting errors from brand new ones...
For $200 I found an 'open box' one at Extreme Terrain last summer.
I like it.
No issues, to date.

 

Someone posted up recently that this will be a problem. They had to get a new ECU to pass in Cali.

 

I think I read similar. Was it this thread from CO.?
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ecu-tune-and-failed-emissions-testing-experience.818248/

 

Not the case anymore