2nd Gen Pedal commander review.

Hey everyone! I'm doing a detailed review of the pedal commander calibrator. I've been asked by many people how it works and the big question of is it worth it. I recently install it in my 2015 V6 tacoma with auto transmission and have put a lot of time and miles into each mode and messing with the priority levels. I have also had others drive the truck to get their opinion. So lets get to it.
What is the pedal commander and what does it do?
The Pedal Commander calibrator is a device that connects to your trucks electronic throttle pedal. This allows the device to increase the signal from your pedal to the engine. The unit comes with 4 different modes that change the signal based on your needs. Those modes are: ECO, CITY, SPORT, and SPORT PLUS. In each mode there is a priority setting from -4 to +4 to determine that modes "strength". For example: If you put it in ECO mode and Priority +4 then its going to reduce your power during acceleration to prevent burning more fuel. SPORT PLUS mode in priority +4 gives the max power and response for those fast and powerful takeoffs!
My experience since day one.
When i received my unit my first impression was good! It came in a nice box with everything you need, instructions and a sticker. Install was super simple. You simply unplug the connector located on top of you pedal and plug the unit into both the pedal and the old connector. Then just mount the unit somewhere on the dash and you're good to go. On first start up the unit is turned off and is easily turned on by pushing the power/mode button. This button is used to change modes by simply pushing it and cycles from CITY, SPORT, SPORT PLUS and the OFF(factory driving conditions). These modes are indicated by lights as well as priority level. To activate ECO mode you simply hold down the button for 3 seconds. Now ill give my feedback with each mode.
My experience with ECO mode.
ECO mode is strange... It makes the acceleration sluggish. You do get used to it over time but i would recommend this mode for long distance trips. I put 100miles in ECO mode driving up and down my local MT. pass and loved it! My truck has a RTT, gear and lift and where i would normally get around 13.5mpg up the MT. i was getting closer to 16mpgs. I ran this mode on 0 priority and felt it was perfect.
CITY MODE.
CITY mode is great for daily driving. I've been running this mode for my daily driving and have noticed a small increase in MPG but also seems to have some of that power from sport mode. I personally like this mode on -2 priority due to it still having a snappiness on take off.
SPORT MODE.
This mode is just fun! IMO you can run this mode on any priority and its perfect for that aggressive acceleration. It did take a little time to get used to it but it is manageable if one wished to drive in this mode for long periods of time. It significantly reduced the lag and distance needed to push the pedal for that drop gear take off.
Finally SPORT PLUS!!!!
This mode is just insane! Any priority you choose will still be fun and powerful but +4 is raw Power. In this mode the truck has a feather throttle and just a toe makes the truck drop all gears and launch. The acceleration in this mode is like drag racing on the street and has left me and all my testers with a huge grin! I DO NOT recommend this mode for heavy traffic driving and daily driving because of how sensitive it makes your pedal and how quick it takes off! Plus your MPGs go to heck!
The Big Question!
Is it worth the $300 price tag? In my opinion and all my testing.... YES. This unit is so impressive and gives you so many options to fine tune your needs! Overall id give it a 10 out of 10 for how simple it is, how easy to install, and how effective it is. I hope this helps anyone whose been on the fence about the Pedal Commander and i'
m always willing to answer any more questions. Finally use Code SALAS10 for a discount on the unit.
This is the code they gave me for Toyota owners since the sponsor a Toyota racer. Thanks everyone and please feel free to leave your reviews and feed back for others to read too.
-Tim

 

Nice review, but I question it’s authenticity because of the discount code dropped at the end. Makes me wonder if you're just a salesman and not a customer reviewing the product.

 

That's exactly what i thought too I could understand throwing the price out there but what normal person has discount codes to give out

 

Hey guys I should have included details on the code. I'm not in any way apart of pedal commander or sales of theirs. I got the code from them and that code is the general Toyota discount code since they sponsor a Toyota driver. I apologize for not stating that.

 

Anybody have experience with this thing on a 6 speed?

 

Ya, how does it work with a MANual. Also, can't believe that a 300 dollar gadget is worth only 2-3 mpgs....

 

It's not a diesel so it takes a lot of bucks to get a little bang...

 

I love mine, if I bought another Tacoma I would install again. City +2 here, night and day difference.

 

Currently run one on my 2015 manual trans and could not imagine life without it. I found it eliminated lag in throttle between shifts and made heel toe shifting a breeze. The truck will always shift like a truck (manual) but definitely gets rid of the throttle lag. I personally run mine in sport plus two and love the response. In race mode it is easy to light up my 32” tires! Off road warehouse sells them and offers a money back return policy if you do not like. I personally feel that if you have a manual tacoma this is a must purchase. I am no way affiliated with pedal comander or the mentioned vendor. I was very sceptical when purchasing thus the reason I went with the full money back trial option. I will never operate my truck without it, night and day difference. Most nay sayers in forums like this who question it often have not tryed it and more importantly not tryed it on a manual.

 

Thanks for the reviews! I saw this installed on a YouTuber's 4runner just the other day for the first time and was intrigued. I've added it to my future mod list.

 

The review was on a v6 automatic which being a v6 already has some power! Give us a review with it in a 4cyl. Automatic 4 door and let’s see how much of an improvement it can do.

 

I was reading some reviews on the 3rd gen area and one guy had it on his automatic and said it felt like the ECU was "learning" that it was installed because it felt like the truck was going back to the way it originally was. Does anybody have any experience or input in regards to that?

 

Thanks for the review, I've been curious about these.

 

I have one on my 2015 and really like it. Would buy again. A bit pricey, but since I have two other vehicles and the Tacoma is by far the most lethargic, it made it a bit more enjoyable to drive.

 

Very good write up Tim!

 

I don't think this is necessary. In fact, what if you are in eco and need that power in an emergency,

I'm not sold and I think you could get yourself it a bad spot with that thing installed if you get in an accident.

If I represented the insurance company on either side I'd be all over that. I'd seek to invalidate your coverage or lead that it overrode the factory calibration and safety.

You don't have to be right, you just have to plant the seed.

 

I have one. I'm middle of the road on it. Yes, it's a neat touch. If someone offered me what I paid for it I'd sell it right now. If it was hp per dollar I'd spend double and get headers that make 20 something hp.

 

Hey, so I was worried about that same thing but checked day one and if you are in eco mode and punch it, you truck does still drop gears and take off as if driving normal. I was worried of same thing but it looks like they took care of that in case of emergency need for power.

 

I've always hated the drive by wire setup ever since car manufactures starting going that route. I was so used to the old school throttle cable where acceleration was instant. You push it and it goes with no lag whatsoever. With the Tacoma, even with a TRD SC, you punch it and have to wait a split second before the truck actually takes off. Changing lanes quickly on the highway drove me nuts.

With the speed commander, I get most of that instant response back in Sport mode +3, but still not like a traditional cable would. The pedal can initially feel too sensitive in Sport and Sport+ mode which where I think it feels unnatural. This is definitely something you will want to shut down on the trails. However, overall I'm happy with it and would buy it again.