Aussies might be reeling that home-grown V8s are no longer a thing, but there are abundant stateside and European options still offering the characteristic rumble of 8 cylinders working in tune. And many come fitted to large SUVs and 4WDs that are well suited to our way of life. One prime example is the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with the 6.4-litre petrol naturally aspirated engine churning out more than 450 horsepower and truckloads of torque. The numbers speak for themselves.
With quoted 0-100 km/h in less than five seconds, this is a car that you don’t want to mess about with. And it can haul a family of seven (when optioned in the right trim), across any type of terrain. Of course, there are also more reasonable six-cylinder diesels with comparable pulling power (great for towing) and slightly underpowered 3.6-litre petrol engines if you’re not willing to spend six figures on a car. There are well-maintained Grand Cherokees on the used market and a good option for off-roading uses or when hauling a caravan on the summer holiday trip.
What all cars have in common is the wide selection of accessories and parts available aftermarket. Most buyers will be looking for a little more performance and here an electronic throttle control Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a lot of sense. It brings a host of benefits for all Grand Cherokee trims and engines, making better use of the available power.
What Exactly is a Throttle Controller?
This is a small electronic device that helps with the throttle response in your car each time you press the acceleration pedal. To understand how it works, we must first get a hold of how modern EFI engines work. Multiple systems are controlled by your car’s onboard computer, the ECU including what happens when you put your foot down.
A system of sensors lining the acceleration pedal read the position the pedal is in, and relays that data to the ECU. The ECU also gets info from sensors lining the throttle body, or the engine part tasked to supply the right amount of air for combustion, by opening to the needed position. The collected data is then interpreted by the computer in order for it to control the amount of fuel sprayed into the cylinder head by the injectors.
All newer cars work this way. What isn’t accounted for is the manufacturer’s inbuilt delay, or when you press the acceleration and for a few moments, nothing happens. This is mostly due to emissions targets that carmakers need to meet, and what they cite as ‘safety reasons’ intended to prevent unwanted vehicle jerking or jolting. This though can make the engine less responsive, often when you’re relying on timely power delivery. The delayed reaction, or throttle lag, is what the throttle controller is designed to prevent.
How do Throttle Controllers Work?
Throttle controllers use some electronic wizardry to make your Jeep faster off a standstill. More precisely, they manipulate the voltage coming out from the acceleration pedal assembly, tricking the ECU that your foot and the pedal are further down than they actually are. The higher voltage then leads the ECU to open the throttle body wider and let more air in. This is accompanied by a healthy dose of fuel, and combustion takes place. The result is instant acceleration. And this is something that helps both the 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, or the V8 behemoth in the SRT.
Do Throttle Controllers Add Power?
There’s been some hype about throttle controllers adding more power. This a misconception used for quick sales. What a Jeep throttle controller does is make timely and more efficient use of the available power the cars have. And it can do this in incremental adjustments, so drivers can increase or decrease the throttle response as they see fit and depending on driving conditions and needs. Besides the benefit of added performance, there’s no paperwork that you need to get ready as throttle controllers are perfectly legal.
What are the Benefits for the Grand Cherokee?
In any trim and engine option, the Grand Cherokee is a big, heavy car. With an electronic throttle control Jeep Grand Cherokee installed, drivers get faster acceleration, improved performance when overtaking and towing, increased off-roading ability, and lower fuel use. This is available due to the different modes in the controller, which can be changed when driving and on the fly.
Faster Acceleration
This will benefit the 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines the most, as the controller significantly cuts down on throttle lag. Whether it’s moving from a standstill from the lights or the driveway, merging with motorway traffic, or going uphill, the car and controller will never disappoint. And there are additional thrills in the SRT, with the controller dialled to the max. Just beware of speed cameras and the boys in blue.
Safer Overtaking
If the engine isn’t responding to throttle input from the driver, then overtaking can become dangerous. The instant buildup of revs and the faster gear changes that come with it help in this respect. Overtaking is made easier and safer, and this builds confidence.
Easier Towing
Hauling heavy trailers, boats or caravans won’t be an issue either. The direct feel and immediate response from the engine mean the car is up and running no matter the road or weather conditions. There’s no hesitancy, and the whole thing is done without unneeded dramas.
Improved Fuel Use
The numerous settings on throttle controllers also mean that besides better outright performance, you can cut down on fuel use. The 6.4-litre petrol engine is particularly thirsty, sipping over 20 litres of petrol in some cases. High numbers are also seen when stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic. With the controller dialled down to eco mode, you’ll see a considerable reduction in wasted fuel and more money in the back pocket.
Increased Off-roading Capabilities
The Grand Cherokee is capable of off-road, but the throttle controller brings this to another level. Models equipped with low gearing and locking rear diffs can benefit from more controlled throttle response when going downhill or attempting tough terrain, like undulations and ruts. This can prevent forward lunges and wheels from digging into loose surfaces like mud or sand, getting you stuck.
So, are Throttle Controllers Worth the Asking Price?
The short and honest answer is, yes, every cent. This is one of the cheapest performance upgrades you can get for your Jeep. And don’t let the small size fool you. The only thing that you’ll have to think about is where to install the control unit. Get one from your nearest car parts retailer or online.
