Electronic Throttle Control - Launch Pad - Car Mods

Best Vehicle Mods Under $200

Owning a luxury car isn’t only a privilege for the wealthy. There are plenty of inexpensive ways you can modify your car without breaking the bank. From taking your exterior to a bold look with a car wrap to increasing your vehicle’s acceleration with electronic throttle control, this quick guide will provide you with some easy ideas that you can get started with for just a few hundred bucks. Let’s dive right in.

Definition of Vehicle Mods

Mods (or modifications) is a term used to refer to any type of modification you make to your car to enhance performance or appearance. These types of accessories are usually not included in the vehicle manufacturer’s packages. This means that mods are creative ways you can really make your car unique.

Mods are often DIY projects that you can complete pretty inexpensively. Of course, there are also mods that are not cheap, but for the purposes of this article, we are going to focus on mods that are inexpensive.

Examples of mods could include performance devices such as an electronic throttle control or performance chip, as well as specialty tires, paint jobs, car wraps, and more.

Exterior Vehicle Mods

Let’s start with exterior mods that can really take your vehicle from boring to amazing. Exterior modifications are some of the best ways to really let your personality shine through your vehicle.

Grilles

A customized grille is an awesome way to make an average vehicle look above average. Custom grilles are often used on trucks and SUVs. If you are looking for a mod to make your vehicle look rugged, you might consider using a heavy mesh in black. If you want a more luxurious look, you could consider chrome mesh. Customized grilles are very inexpensive. You can replace your entire grille for about $100 or less.

Ditch Front License Plates

If you are thinking about a custom grille, you should also consider ditching the front license plate. This mod is completely free, and yet it can really change the look of the front of your vehicle. It is important to note, though, that some states require a front license plate. Be sure to check the rules where you live before removing them.

Vanity Plates

If you are going to keep the plate, then why not jazz it up with vanity plates? This is an easy and totally legal way to show personality and change your car’s aesthetic. Custom plate prices vary, but generally, you can look to spend $20-$50 on this modification.

Car Wraps

If you are ready to make a bold modification and are willing to pay a little more, car wraps might be an option. A vinyl wrap allows you to change your car’s color or add cool graphics without a permanent paint job. Wraps can be easily peeled away when you change your mind. This is great for car owners who like to keep things fresh and exciting with lots of changes. Although wraps can run up to $2500, it is still far less expensive than a custom paint job.

Interior Vehicle Mods

If you are not ready to do bold exterior mods, you may want to consider some easy interior modifications first.

Vinyl

You can add color to the interior of your car by applying vinyl to the dashboard. Vinyl wraps can come in a variety of colors and graphics. This is one of the best, cheap, DIY interior mods. Dashboard wraps can be purchased as a DIY kit for as little as $10. The best part is that the wrap can peel off when you want to change it out or go back to your regular dashboard. If you want a dashboard or interior wrap done professionally, you might spend $100 or more.

LED Lighting

LED lighting is not just for your bedroom. You can also use these colorful lighting options in your car as well. Accent lighting can be added under the dashboard, along footwells, or in other areas of the car. LED lighting kits for your car start at $40.

Seat Covers

Seat covers have long been a go-to easy interior mod. You can change up colors and designs with seat covers. The bonus is that seat covers also help to protect the upholstery of your vehicle, as well.

Best Vehicle Mods

If you want to take your vehicle’s performance to another level, then consider upgrading it with the best vehicle mods available on the market today – the electronic throttle control and performance chip. Both devices are easy to install, improve the driving experience, and increase MPG for under $200 each!

Service Electronic Throttle Control - Yellow Car
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When to Service Your Electronic Throttle Control

What is Electronic Throttle Control?

Your vehicle is designed to operate at its peak performance, but like anything else, it will encounter mechanical and electrical issues. One issue that may arise is problems with the electronic throttle control. This component is crucial to fuel efficiency and proper engine operations. When the electronic throttle control is functioning as it should, drivers notice a smooth and fuel-efficient ride.

Old throttle controllers used a cable from the pedal to the throttle control housing to function, while more modern throttle controllers are electronic, using sensors and computers to carry out operations. These older throttle controllers connected the gas pedal with a control linkage on the throttle body via a cable. Pressing the pedal opens and closes a valve in the throttle body housing.

Newer throttle controllers are referred to as Electronic Throttle Control or ETC. Instead of using a cable, small computerized sensors relay information about the gas pedal position to ensure it is correct. This newer technology has helped improve fuel efficiency and increase engine performance.

Benefits of Electronic Throttle Control

The throttle control works with the acceleration pedal, Electronic Control Module (ECM), and a throttle body valve. It helps regulate fuel usage when the acceleration pedal is pressed. Lowered emissions and better engine operations are benefits of the ETC.

When the acceleration pedal is engaged the electronic throttle control informs the main ECM how much the pedal is pressed. The ECM is a computer that is like a brain for your car. Many sensors and components relay important vehicle operations to this computer. The electronic throttle control uses sensors to relay information to the ECM that can help determine changes or problems with fuel usage. This process can become faulty which can lead to mechanical or electrical issues.

Signs of a Faulty Electronic Throttle Control

It is important to troubleshoot a faulty throttle control as soon as possible to avoid issues. Fortunately, these days we don’t have to worry as much since most kinks have been worked out. There are some signs that can indicate that the electronic throttle control is bad. These signs include:

  • Less gas mileage – If you’ve purchased the wrong throttle control it will cause the amount of air can fluctuate in the throttle body. This can be problematic causing fuel economy to noticeably decrease. This is one of the most common problems of a bad throttle sensor.
  • Idling issues – Another common sign of poorly made electronic throttle control is sporadic idling. Your vehicle may stall or hesitate as well.
  • Indication light – Your dashboard has warning and service lights that activate when there are issues. A bad electronic throttle control will cause this light to come on.
  • Acceleration problems – Random acceleration can occur while driving. This can be a serious problem and your vehicle should be examined immediately in this rare case.

Benefits of New Electronic Throttle Control

The benefits of modern electronic throttle control definitely outweigh the older devices. Older systems were not as sensitive and they did not maximize fuel economy for this reason. An improvement in fuel economy is usually one of the first benefits noticed over the newer and older throttle controllers. The modern ETC can make subtle adjustments in fuel usage based on how you use the gas pedal. This can help save fuel in the long run. Something every car owner can agree on is a plus.

Another noticeable benefit of electronic throttle control is an increase in overall engine performance. This happens due to adjustments made by the ETC based on driving habits. How you use the acceleration pedal is a factor in this process. A smoother ride and better performance are often attributed to the ETC functions.

The Importance of Servicing Electronic Throttle Control

Make sure you decide on the quality, and a newer version of electronic throttle control to avoid any future problems. Your vehicle will not perform at its peak and it can be a safety issue if this problem is neglected. In addition to poorly operating and potentially unsafe drivability, other systems can be affected by faulty electronic throttle control.

Since every vehicle is different the cost of servicing the ETC can range from relatively inexpensive to somewhat costly. Luckily it is a fairly quick service so you can be back on the road quickly. It never hurts to regularly check your vehicle anyways.

Check out Launch Pad’s electronic throttle control – Available for all makes and models!

Electronic Throttle Control - Launch Pad - Install

How to Install Electronic Throttle Control

If you’re one of many frustrated drivers who experience long delays when it comes to putting the “pedal to the metal” then you may have heard about electronic throttle control. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Luckily, with advances in automobile technology, we’re able to solve our vehicle’s slow response with a small modification that’s super easy to install as well.

Electronic throttle control simply remaps your vehicle’s voltage signal to create a more precise throttle response that triggers the throttle earlier in the pedal push. So acceleration can begin as soon as you can get your foot on the gas, taking seconds off the throttle response and leaving you with less lag time. In addition, throttle control allows your car or truck to quickly adapt to your surroundings. It settings for a number of environmental challenges, such as terrain, load capacity, or even driving conditions.

As mentioned earlier, installation is a simple process. No need for mechanical training or special tools. For most cars and trucks, installing Launch Pad’s electronic throttle control only takes about 5 minutes.

How to Install Electronic Throttle Control

In order to begin installing you need the throttle control manual that should be included along with it. Also, the vehicle owner’s manual could come in handy as well.

Step 1: Disconnecting the battery

Disconnect the battery from the negative side. The negative terminal is the black one. (The red terminal is the positive side).

If you have an electronic key, put it at least 20 feet away so that it doesn’t send a signal while you are working. Don’t keep it in your pocket while you are installing the throttle controller.

Let your vehicle sit for at least 20 minutes. This makes sure that there are no currents still running. When it comes to electrocution, safer is always better.

Step 2: Unplug the accelerator pedal sensor

The accelerator pedal sensor sends a signal to the engine control when you press on or release the gas pedal.

When you look at the pedal, you’ll see wires coming out, those coming out of the accelerator pedal sensor.

Tug gently to unplug the sensor from the pedal.

Step 3: Plug in the Electronic Throttle Control

Now you can plug the electronic throttle control into the same outlet the sensor was plugged in. Then plug the sensor into the throttle control.

Tuck any wires behind the pedal so that you won’t accidentally catch them when you are driving. (Unplugging the sensor while you are driving would not be good). If the wires won’t stay put, use a cable tie to keep them from wandering.

It’s the same idea as removing a lamp plug from an outlet, plugging in an extension cord, then plugging the lamp into the extension cord.

It’s really that easy.

Step 4: Reconnect the battery

Undo what you did in Step 1. Reconnect the black terminal of the battery.

You didn’t need to disconnect both sides of the battery, but if you did then reconnect the positive side (red) first. Then reconnect the black.

Step 5: Always Test to Ensure Proper Installation

Download the app to your phone for Launch Pad electronic throttle control.

Turn on your phone’s Bluetooth connection, then turn on your engine. When the display screen appears, it will show a four-digit code. Verify the code on your phone, then you are ready to go!

Start testing out the different driving modes – You now have full control over your throttle!

Available for all vehicle makes and models, Launch Pad offers the best electronic throttle control out there for an affordable price.

Electronic Throttle Control - Launch Pad - Fuel Economy 2

Best Ways To Improve Fuel Economy

If your main focus while driving is how fast that fuel gauge is moving, these ideas will be a perfect fit for you. You may be familiar with some of these but the cocktail of practicing all of them together will give you real results. They can be used for any type of car you are driving, be it a 4WD truck or a corvette.

Drive Sensibly to Improve Fuel Economy

In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get into the habit of forceful driving. This includes behaviors like; speeding, extreme acceleration, and last-second braking, which all contribute to wasted fuel.

The best practice is to drive sensibly. Imagine you’re taking your grandma to church. That’s how you should be driving all the time to save the most fuel.

Electronic Throttle Control - Launch Pad - Fuel Economy

Follow the Speed Limit

I’m sure it seems obvious, and maybe you already do this but, DON’T SPEED! But if you do, remember that your vehicle is pushing more wind and therefore burns more fuel as speed increases. At over 50 mph, the aerodynamic drag goes up, and as basic material science tells us, wind resistance keeps increasing exponentially with speed. The EPA estimated that each 5 mph over 50 mph costs the vehicle owner an extra $0.20 per gallon of gas.

Only Drive with a Roof Rack When it’s in Use

Roof racks are great for stowing away your larger items that won’t fit inside your vehicle when you’re making a trip. But, a mistake that many people make is leaving the roof rack on even when it’s not being used. This is because it skews the aerodynamic profile of your vehicle. The EPA figured that a large squared-off rooftop box can cut mileage by 2-8% at lower speeds and 6-17% at higher speeds. While they do make aerodynamic cargo boxes and back-mounted racks that sit on a tow hitch, these can still lower mileage by 1-2% at lower speeds and 1-5% at higher speeds.

Get Rid of the Dead Weight

That suitcase that’s been sitting in your back seat since your vacation or the cooler that you never took out of your trunk are weighing down your vehicle. Your back seat and truck should not become alternative storage areas. Of course, there are some heavy things that are inevitably going to be stored in our vehicles, such as kitty litter in the winter or a spare tire. But, you should try to keep these heavy items to a minimum and remove them when you can. The smaller your vehicle, the less weight it can handle.

Don’t Leave Your Car Running

There is an old myth that “it takes more fuel to start your car than it does to leave it running for a couple of minutes”. This is false. The EPA estimates it takes 10 seconds of fuel to restart your engine. The best thing you can do is to never leave your car idling if you can help it. This means turning your engine off during those long stoplights on your morning commute or in the drive-thru when you’re waiting for your food.

Take Advantage of Your Cruise Control

This one should need little clarification. Cruise control keeps the vehicle’s speed more easily than you can. Obviously, cruise control is great for long interstate trips but consider using it when there is a long stretch of empty road in front of you as well.

Electronic Throttle Control - Launch Pad - Fuel EconomyMake Sure Your Tires Are Inflated Correctly

Buy a tire pressure gauge and check your tire pressure regularly. Temperature changes throughout the year can cause fluctuation in tire pressure since cold air is denser and less extended than hot air. Each tire has a unique manufacturer suggested weight, make sure you’re filling them to that weight for the best performance.

Make sure you install the easy plug-in and drive Launch Pad – electronic throttle control – for an entirely new driving experience!