TECH TALK By Dave Howard
Hands up those who believe Throttle Controllers are all in the mind , or if you just press the pedal harder you will get the same result ? Admittedly I had my hand up too , but after having fitted a IDrive for a few months I ’ m convinced they work …. and well .
So what do these throttle controllers do ? And how do they work ?
The IDrive unit itself have two Potentiometers in the unit and this alters the signal from your throttle pedal to your ECU , so that brings the throttle curve on earlier / quicker as compared to a standard response from the factory settings Obviously these units will only work if you have a later model vehicle that uses a Fly by Wire accelerator system instead of a cable drive . They remap the throttle and basically allow you to adjust it to suit the conditions , whether you ’ re on-road or offroad . Most vehicles from around 2006 onwards run Fly by Wire systems .
iDRIVE includes an automatic control function that changes the level of throttle performance based on pedal pressure . So if you are in traffic and accelerating gently the iDRIVE will select setting 1 . If you are accelerating hard to overtake , towing a heavy trailer , or just having fun the iDRIVE will select 9 . The result is the smoothest aftermarket control module on the market .
How It Works Multiple settings ensures iDRIVE suits everyones driving style ' Eco Mode
ECO mode is designed for economy by reducing the accelerator response time . Also handy when you are on the trails and looking for a bit more throttle control when crawling .
Ultimate Mode
Ultimate Mode offers 9 sensitivity levels , this allows the driver to tune the controller to the desired level of sensitivity . Choose level 9 and grip the steering wheel tight or hit level 1 for a gentle smooth acceleration .
AC Mode
Automatic control mode automatically selects the sensitivity level based on pedal pressure . If you are in traffic and accelerating gently the iDRIVE will automatically choose a reduced level of throttle response . If you accelerate hard for overtaking or just even just for fun the iDRIVE will choose a mode with an increased level of throttle response . Automatic Control mode is what makes iDRIVE the most intelligent throttle controller on the market .
Since fitting mine I have left it in AC Mode although once you get in low range you really need to look at dialing it down to Eco mode or Off as it is very sensitive to acceleration input .
After having a look at chipping my NX Pajero I really feel I don ’ t need to anymore , now with the IDrive fitted it has given the Paj a more robust response in acceleration that puts a smile on my dial everytime I take off from a set of lights or overtake .
34 Vol 35 No . 6 - Oct / Nov