EVC Throttle Controller Settings Explained
Tom Vondrasek | 26th May 2024 | 4 minutes to read
Before we get into setting up the EVC Throttle Controller here is a brief overview of what it does. It only works on modern drive-by wire accelerator pedals so any vehicle with a fully mechanical linkage from the accelerator pedal to the engine is out. The EVC units are vehicle specific so you need to get the one that is compatible with your vehicle as it needs to plug into the factory wiring harness.
The throttle controller sits between the accelerator pedal and the vehicles computer and put simply it changes the accelerator input to the vehicles computer based on how you programmed it. Installation is plug and play and you need to make sure the control unit is accessible and that you can easily see the screen and operate the 2 x buttons.
To program the Throttle Controller:
The Controller
The EVC Throttle Controller has a 2 character/number LED screen with a Mode button underneath on the left side and Set button underneath on the right side. The screen helps you program the unit and tells you at a quick glance the current setting the controller is in.
Automatic or Manual
The first step is to set up the transmission type. Is the vehicle fitted with an Automatic Transmission or a Manual Gearbox?
- 00 on screen is for Manual Gearboxes
- 88 on screen is for Automatic Transmissions
Once this is done we can look at the four different driving Modes.
4 x Driving Modes
The EVC throttle Controller allows you to select 4 x different driving Modes. You can switch driving modes even when the vehicle is in operation. This is best done while the vehicle is stationary and idling, foot off the accelerator. Do Not change while the accelerator pedal is being depressed.
1/ Normal Mode - Factory Default
No change at all with the throttle controller connected. Vehicle drives as if there is no throttle controller installed.
Display Shows:
- Digit 1: Dash or minus sign
- Digit 2: Dash or minus sign
2/ Ultimate Mode Performance Mode
The accelerator response is sharper. The car will accelerates harder with less accelerator input than previously. It has 9 different settings with 1 being the least noticeable and 9 being for the drag strip. Acceleration is crisper and response is more instantaneous.
Display Shows:
- Digit 1: U for Ultimate Mode
- Digit 2: Any number from 1 to
3/ Economy Mode Reduced Response Mode
The opposite of Ultimate mode. The accelerator response is slower for the amount of input provided. This suits 4WDriving on bush tracks or low speed towing. In standard form it offers better fuel economy as your accelerator input is dampened. Like Ultimate Mode It has 9 different settings with 1 being the least noticeable and 9 being for scenic cruising. Acceleration is slowed and response is smoother.
Display Shows:
- Digit 1: E for Economy Mode
- Digit 2: Any number from 1 to
4/ Automatic Control Set & Forget
This offers the best of Ultimate & Economy Modes. It detects how hard you pressed the accelerator pedal and how far and uses the EVC Throttle Controller to enhance that input. So whether you want hard acceleration for overtaking or a slow cruise on a dirt track the throttle controller will improve your driving experience.
Display Shows:
- Digit 1: A for Automatic
- Digit 2: C for Control
Cautions:
The EVC Throttle Controller enhances the accelerator input. There are some things to consider when playing with it especially in Ultimate or Economy Modes. Here are some examples:
Ultimate Mode if put on 9 the highest setting this is great for fast starts and overtaking. When puttering around in a car park the quick throttle response may cause the car to lurch forward for a small amount of acceleration. Something to be mindful of.
Economy Mode - if put on 9 the highest setting this is great for slow smooth cruising and fuel economy. When stuck at a T intersection, in peak hour traffic and you need quick acceleration to get into a gap before the next lot of cars comes through, then you need to allow for the slower acceleration.
For Ultimate and Economy Modes it would pay to do gradual adjustments so you can see how it impacts your overall driving. It lets you get used to it and see what suits your driving style best. It is a lot safer than going the big bang first.
