Maximum Response for my Yeti - PedalBox

[bahnstormer vrs]

I have an arthritic right ankle that severely reduces the down/up movement available to me and as such I've had a long standing issue with my DSG Yeti in that, whilst I've had it remapped by Shark Performance (excellent by the way), I find the travel on the throttle pedal too long to get a good and quick throttle response. That is I can only easily move my right foot over about 2/3rd of the pedal travel and applying full throttle is a pain, literally.

I bought the CR140 DSG version of Yeti (much as I would have dearly loved the CR170) as I needed the DSG automatic so that, with the problems in my right ankle, I can left foot brake.

Additionally, notwithstanding my ankle issues, I do find my Yeti’s pedal response a degree lethargic and would dearly like to have some form of ‘Sport’ button, as on my Company’s FIAT 500s and my Son’s MINI Cooper (and various other cars), without having to resort to using the ‘S’ mode on the DSG which can then hang onto gears longer that I would wish.

At the end of last year I saw an advert in EVO magazine for the PedalBox offering improved throttle response, did some research and then did some dithering. There was a degree of scepticism in my decision to buy a PedalBox as, whilst there are plenty of positive testimonials on their website, I also found some negative and 'doubting Thomas' comments in some forums (not least of which was Briskoda).

However about a month ago, with my ankle not getting any better, I took the plunge, decided to give it a go and contacted Diesel Tuning UK about a PedalBox. Speaking with Andy, the Guv'nor, he told me that a Version 3.0 was due to be released soon, details of which can be found here;- www.pedalbox.com/en/ but in the meantime he would sell me a Version 1.0 to try out and upgrade me to the V3.0 when it was available.

Further details can also be found on Diesel Tuning's UK PedalBox website here;- www.pedal-box.co.uk

Fitting was pretty straightforward and simple, once I’d removed the throttle pedal assembly for which I needed a special tool from my local dealer, which cost less than £10.

The PedalBox V1.0 gives a selection of four ‘Maps’ for the improvement of the throttle pedal response and I have now been testing these out in my Yeti over the past few weeks, getting some reasonable mileage, both town and open road/Motorway on each map to get and understand the ‘feel’ of each setting. My thoughts and response to each Map is as follows;-

Map 1 – Sharper response with a ‘light’ feel to it, akin to the ‘S’ setting on the DSG but with change up points remaining normal as opposed to the S where the DSG hangs onto the gears (higher revs) much more. Down change more responsive as well. Good setting when in the mood to press on.

Map 2 – Stronger and sharper version of map 1 with the same traits. However down change is too keen even to the point that, when in ‘manual’ application of the throttle will cause the DSG to change down, when it should stay in gear selected, as if ‘kickdown’ mode is being used (which I virtually never use). A bit ‘over the top’ – for use with a DSG gearbox but may well be OK in a manual car.

Map 3 – Strong and solid response, very similar to the OE setting in character, but clearly stronger. Feels like the engine is working for economy, without being lethargic. Engine retains the deeper tone of a swell of torque being used. It doesn’t though seem to be too much different to the OE map.

Map 4 – Stronger version of Map 3 with engine really pulling well. Good to use on a daily basis feels like the engine has a good dollop of extra power/torque.

Having now tried the basis maps I am now testing out the + or – 1, 2 or 3 options; to see how these vary the basic settings.

Overall though I’ve found that the PedalBox does ‘exactly what it says on the tin’ in a manner that is best described as giving me a multi variable ‘sport’ button to my throttle pedal and has 1. improved the driveability of my Yeti no end, making it more enjoyable that it already is, and 2. made life much easier for me with my restricted ankle movement.

Conclusion; A Winner.

[bahnstormer vrs]

Well, I’ve been trying out the + 1, + 2 & + 3 settings over the last few weeks and found that I like;-

1. Map 1 with + 1 or + 2; but not + 3 as it makes the response too sharp and the DSG changes down too easily and
   
2. Map 3 with + 2 or + 3 and
   
3. Map 4 with + 1 or + 2; but not + 3 as it seems to choke things off, almost as if the engine is being over fuelled.
   

I would happily ‘play’ with these settings depending on my mood but for now rotate around Map 4 + 2 and Map 1 + 2, just for a change.

Removed the PedalBox this morning to return to Diesel Tuning UK and swap over for a V_3 version that allows you to switch between maps at the press of a button 'on the fly'.

The V_3 though allows only 3 Maps (not 4) but the option to turn it off and revert to the OE map so have decided to go for Maps 1, 2, and 4 and will then play with the + and - from there. Hopefully will get the V-3 by the weekend.

[bahnstormer vrs]

Well got the V_3 PedalBox a couple of weeks ago and got it fitted the other weekend.

The V_3 version makes a big difference to the usability of the PedalBox as, having mounted the control box on the dashboard by the screen pillar, I can now change maps at will during a journey i.e. I went for a bit of a blast on one of my favourite roads this week (B660 Kimbolton to Sawtry on the A1(M)) and used Map 1 with +1 on the B660 itself but as soon as I got back onto the A1(M) switched over to Map 3. It's just like the Sport button on my Son's Mini Cooper S, except with 4 settings not 2!

Fitting is really quite simple, following the instructions that come with the PedalBox with a little adaptation as the Accelerator pedal unit on my Yeti conceals the plug connector to the wiring loom. Here's a step by Step of what to do;-

1. Prise off the cover to the bolt securing the accelerator unit to the floor and undo (10mm socket)

Insert the 'Special Tool', bought from my local dealer for around £8, into the base of the accelerator unit to release the base clips

Pushing the tool forward and angled down, releases the catches on the base of the accelerator unit

which can then be lifted up and out. Mulitpin plug is disconnected from the unit.

PedalBox is then readied for fitting

plugs on the wire are fed between the carpet and wheelarch ready for connection

pedalBox plug is connected to wiring loom plug and accelerator unit is offered up ready to connect

Second PedalBox plug is connected to pedal unit

Having connected all up, ignition switched on and throttle pedal pressed to check operation. All was OK and ignition switched back off. Pedal unit is then refitted/secured into position

Finally, control unit wire is routed around the back of, and up the side of the dashboard unit to exit at the base of the screen pillar and positioning set, then secured with some velcro pads; ready to use. In this position the control unit is easily and safely reachable whilst driving

Job done, off on a test drive and looking forward to much future enjoyment.

[swordstoke]

Good review

Had considered investing myself but couldnt find anyone who had experienced the supposed benefits at the time.(18 months ago).

Time to give it another look .

[bahnstormer vrs]

Good review

Had considered investing myself but couldn't find anyone who had experienced the supposed benefits at the time.(18 months ago).

Time to give it another look .

18 months ago I believe you could only get the V_1 (or perhaps V_2) version, which did the job, but with the factor that if you wanted to change the 'map', you had to stop the car, open the box and move small pins around.

The V_3 which came out only a few weeks ago gets around this and allows you to change settings 'on the fly'; plus it gives you a setting of 'off' i.e. back to OE map; ideal for when you put the car into your dealer.

Fitting on your Octavia will most likely be the same as fitting to my Yeti as I know the pedal unit is identical. If you go ahead and would like instructions, beyond what I have already posted, of how to remove the pedal unit and detach the multi pin connectors (there are two types with different mechanisms) I'd be happy to provide a copy of the instructions from ELSAWIN.

[swordstoke]

Cheers

Will bear that in mind if I take the plunge !

Quick call to Andrew would do it!

[Kiwibacon]

One of the maps in your ECU is the throttle map, also called "drivers wish". If you told Shark that you can only easily use 2/3 of the pedal stroke, then they could easily shorten this throttle map so 2/3 pedal stroke (or whatever you want really) gives full throttle.

The throttle map is a lot more customisable than a pedalbox and is already there, no new hardware needed.

[bahnstormer vrs]

One of the maps in your ECU is the throttle map, also called "drivers wish". If you told Shark that you can only easily use 2/3 of the pedal stroke, then they could easily shorten this throttle map so 2/3 pedal stroke (or whatever you want really) gives full throttle.

The throttle map is a lot more customisable than a pedalbox and is already there, no new hardware needed.

I appreciate your valid point but there are two snags with it;-

1. Shark Performance will only be able to provide me with one alternative 'map', whereas the PedalBox gives OE plus 3 alternatives, each variable + or - 3 clicks (and if I send it back, Andrew is happy to adjust the maps on request) and

2. I'd have to take at least a half day, more likely a day, off work each time to visit Shark and spend £35 - £40 in fuel alone for the trip.

[Kiwibacon]

I appreciate your valid point but there are two snags with it;-

1. Shark Performance will only be able to provide me with one alternative 'map', whereas the PedalBox gives OE plus 3 alternatives, each variable + or - 3 clicks (and if I send it back, Andrew is happy to adjust the maps on request) and

2. I'd have to take at least a half day, more likely a day, off work each time to visit Shark and spend £35 - £40 in fuel alone for the trip.

Fair enough then.

[Stormchaser]

Great write up. Never knew these existed until now. Looks a great product and a reasonable price too. I will certainly be thinking about one of these.