If a mid-sized truck that is an all-around great vehicle is your thing then the new Toyota Tacoma is a great example of one. Although some would say that this is a petite truck it really doesn't live up to that look when it comes to off-road performance. While you're not getting the cream of the crop when it comes to vehicle performance, the Tacoma is still a reliable 4x4 truck that will serve you for a long time.
As is the case with all Toyota vehicles. The resale value of the Tacoma will stay quite high, the same goes for its timeless looks. But like every vehicle that doesn't excel only at one thing, improving upon certain aspects is quite needed. Especially when it comes to performance. This is where a Tacoma throttle controller can help.
Throttle Controllers
How They Work
These small yet clever aftermarket accessories are made so that they are able to tap into the throttle body of your Tacoma. Throttle controllers are able to “hijack” the signals the throttle body receives from the accelerator pedal. This way a proper Tacoma pedal commander controls the fuel-air mixture and thus the way your Tacoma behaves on the road. While you won't be able to make your Tacoma behave like a race car, the benefits you get by installing a throttle controller are quite noticeable.
Benefits
The first and most important factor you improve with a throttle controller is how well your Tacoma uses fuel. Your truck will become more fuel-efficient while retaining its current performance. But if you don't mind having an increase in the former in exchange for a formidable performance boost then you can get that too. Tacoma pedal commanders are also able to eliminate what is known as throttle lag. This is when you press the accelerator pedal and there is a small delay between the actual movement of the pedal and the acceleration of your Tacoma.
How to Install a Throttle Controller in Your Tacoma
1. Installing a Tacoma throttle controller is one of the easiest things you will do for your truck. Once you get your controller delivered and out of the box get the long cable and connected it where the current plug is – behind the accelerator pedal.
2. Leave the original plug that was connected to the accelerator pedal and get the piggyback connector that came with the controller. Plug in that connector to the back of the cable you just plugged into the back of the accelerator pedal. With the piggyback connector plugged in, connect the original plug into the back of the piggyback connector.
3. With that being done, get your pedal commander Tacoma and place it on the dashboard. The location depends entirely on you as long as the controller and the cable coming from it aren't in the way of other controls. It's best that you run the cable through the steering column so it doesn't dangle between your knees. With that done, you usually need to turn on the ignition and then the controller.
4. While not every controller has the same set-up process, typically once turned on, the device will ask you to choose a number or a letter. This number/ letter needs to correspond with the type of transmission your Tacoma has. You can inform yourself about this in the instruction manual of the controller.
What to Look for in a Throttle Controller
Compatibility
The most important factor when choosing a Tacoma pedal commander is its compatibility. If the device is made to suit your Tacoma and your Tacoma only then it should be the one you get. You can also get a controller that is compatible with different vehicle models, just make sure that those models are similar to your Tacoma and are not sedans or hatchbacks.
Power Settings
Having plenty of options is key to improving your Tacoma's ride. If a throttle controller gives you 3 power settings to choose from it is a solid one. Usually, these are eco, performance, and auto. The first mode saves you fuel and the second one saves your sanity while the third one gives you a balance between the two so you get average performance and fuel consumption. The auto mode is usually there if you can't make up your mind between the previous two. This way the controller will choose the best settings based on your driving style.
Adjustment
With a versatile Tacoma throttle controller in your truck, you can create your own power setting or mode as it is also known. Controllers that allow you to do that are more expensive but they are worth the investment. You can make a custom mode that fits your driving style on a certain type of road. You can set the intensity of certain parameters and make your own mode that can be turned on by the press of a button. Being limited by 3 or more modes can be quite frustrating when you want to explore areas unknown to you.
