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How is the HIKE IT better than other Throttle Controllers on the market?
Understanding the smart tech in our gear is to understand why so many people upgrade to a HIKE IT from competitor products.
HIKE IT Throttle Controllers have more features, better performance and more settings, as well as a lifetime replacement warranty.
All HIKE IT controllers utilize a powerful 32BIT ARM Core MCU Processor. This is particularly important in AUTO IQ mode (X9 and XS models only).
The power of the CPU plays an important role in seamlessly selecting the correct mode, as you drive; which is why HIKE IT incorporates a 32BIT CPU. A slower 16BIT CPU will aggressively jump between ECO and performance mode and the result is usually so jerky and uncomfortable that you won’t use it.
As with the HIKE IT X9 and XS, the processor power coupled with our state-of-the-art software engineering and 40 driver settings make the Auto IQ Mode on the HIKE IT extremely comfortable, more responsive, and incredibly useful in accessing power when you need it or engaging a more delayed response when required in order to reduce fuel consumption. In addition, HIKE IT models have more pre-defined driving modes, an anti-theft mode which will lock the pedal with a password, auto light dimming and a clever overtake function (X9 and XS only) which lets you press a button to spring into the most responsive setting when you need the extra grunt.
HIKE IT New Car Warranty and Insurance FAQs:
Will fitting a HIKE IT Throttle Controller affect my vehicle’s new car warranty?
No. Vehicle manufacturers are required to fix manufacturing faults on vehicles during the defined warranty period. The fitment of quality accessories and vehicle upgrades does not affect this obligation unless it can be proven that the modification caused the fault. Quality aftermarket accessories may also include Bullbars, tow bars, winches, different wheels and tires, performance exhausts, spotlights, roof racks and so on. To avoid any confrontation with your service centre, it may be encouraged to remove the HIKE IT Throttle controller prior to service to save any issue that may arise.
HIKE IT Throttle Controllers have undergone extensive in field testing both in Australia & the USA to ensure its products meet the highest possible standards.
HIKE IT warrants all HIKE IT Throttle Controllers against any manufacturing faults with a Life Time Warranty (For Original Purchaser).
At HIKE IT we have extensively ran tests on new (and used) cars and found that when correctly installed it will not damage a vehicle in anyway. The HIKE IT also has a setting that can return your vehicle to its factory setting in the unlikely event that it develops a fault; in this mode the HIKE IT will be switched off and won’t affect the drivability of the car. Installation is quick and easy but if you have any concerns just unplug it and return it to us for a replacement or refund.
Will fitting a HIKE IT Throttle Controller affect my insurance?
As with fitting any aftermarket accessory, it is strongly recommended that you advise your insurer of any modification(s) made to your vehicle.
How difficult is the HIKE IT to install?
On most vehicles the HIKE IT can be installed in less than 5 minutes without any tools or special skills. All kits include printed instructions to help get the job done. On some rare occasions, we have had some customers experience difficulty with having the plug click in which has been caused by glue that needed to be removed on the vehicle plug.
Is the HIKE IT compatible with petrol engines?
The HIKE IT is perfect to be used on both naturally aspirated and forced induction diesel and petrol engines.
How does the HIKE IT operate?
The HIKE IT Throttle Response Controller works on most fly by wire pedal assemblies by modifying the voltage signal level from the pedal to your vehicles Engine Control Unit (ECU). In more ways than other controllers on the market do, the HIKE IT will allow you to finely tune the response from your accelerator pedal to greatly reduce throttle lag (or increase which is perfect when off-road or trying to reduce fuel consumption).
How can I get my hands on a HIKE IT?
The HIKE IT can be purchased either from a reseller or direct from our website. If you find your reseller is not selling HIKE IT ask them if they will be as we have new dealers coming on board all the time. To purchase direct from our website simply select your model, add to cart, fill in the shipping details and process payment. Payment can be made via Paypal, Bank Deposit, Visa and MasterCard.
Is it easy to change modes and toggle between the driver settings on the HIKE IT?
The HIKE IT is among the easiest on the market to operate. Just push the mode button to switch between Auto IQ mode, Eco/4×4, Sport/Tow, Cruise and HIKE IT High Performance Modes. Finely tune these modes by adjusting the response from 0 to 9.
How is the Auto Mode on the HIKE IT different to other models on the market?
Applies to X9 and XS models only
HIKE IT controllers have adaptive software that studies your driving style and adjusts depending on the situation. Auto mode is a great way to set and forget as it will give you both power and economy when you need it. Due to the HIKE IT having a processor twice as fast as the competition and a large amount of tune settings (40 compared to 20 with the competition) it’s one of the most preferred settings as it will apply gradual setting changes as you drive, not harsh setting selection which will drive as either spongy eco mode or flat stick high performance.
How can I utilize the Over-take function on the X9 model?
If no setting has been changed on the Hike IT in the past 5 seconds, press on the MODE button to jump directly into HIKE IT High Performance mode to facilitate overtaking or intense driving. To exit out of Hike IT mode just press the MODE continuously to select your preferred driving mode. Before testing this we strongly recommend you learn the position of the buttons so you may control the HIKE IT without taking your eyes off the road.
How can I utilize the Over-take function on the XS model?
Push the L (Launch button) to turn on and off. Before testing this we strongly recommend you learn the position of the buttons so you may control the HIKE IT without taking your eyes off the road.
Can I use the HIKE IT with an Aftermarket Cruise Control System?
Short answer is yes. So far, we have not been made aware of an aftermarket cruise control systems that will not work with our throttle response controller.
Can I use the HIKE IT if my car has had an ECU Tune or Reflash?
As our product does not change throttle parameters it will not affect the operation or cause issues when used in conjunction with an ECU tune or reflash.
Can I use the HIKE IT if I’ve installed a Power Chip or aftermarket Exhaust?
The HIKE IT will compliment aftermarket chips and exhausts and will not have an adverse effect as the HIKE IT and Power Chip/Exhaust utilise different internal systems.
Will the HIKE IT ruin my engine or lead to increased wear and tear?
The HIKE IT only uses already available power which is reserved by the manufacturer. As HIKE IT will only activate when you need the power (e.g., when applying power, HIKE IT will not work when idling). Your car’s machine-driven parts (e.g., the engine, clutch, transmission, brakes) are only pushed to the limits which are appropriate not beyond. The security functions and safety of the engine and the vehicle’s ECU do not get changed at all or get turned off. It’s out of the question for HIKE IT to push your vehicle beyond its factory limits.
Can i move the HIKE IT between vehicle?
Potentially. Some vehicles will use the same plugs and operating systems, however many do not. If you want to make 100% sure simply send us an email of the current model and the one you are looking to change into, and we can advise you correctly.
Will the dealership know I installed a HIKE IT on my vehicle?
We recommend the HIKE IT is temporarily removed when you visit your dealership. If you remove it prior to a visit, they will not know any upgrade has been installed or used.
We can understand you don’t want to risk your maintenance warranty program on a new car, but that means now you don’t have to wait years to customise your car and get the value of HIKE IT right away.
When a dealer completes a repair or maintenance schedule, the process they do is a scan the vehicle’s ECU (engine control unit) to see if anything has changed. Other aftermarket products and programs will leave red flags on the ECU after installation and will stay there even after being removed. These red flags are what causes the dealership to void your claim.
The HIKE IT is 100% UNTRACEABLE by them. Just make sure before going in for service you power down the device, and hide it away (we advise to remove it from the car).
How can I utilize the Anti-theft mode?
Applies to X9 and X5 models only
Entering the Anti-Theft function will lock the car’s throttle and will not accelerate at idle. To enter into the anti-theft state, hold the MODE and buttons together for three seconds. The display will show 000. Use the 3 buttons (MODE, ↑ and ↓ ) to enter a 3-digit anti-theft password. Once you have entered your desired password hold the MODE and buttons for 3 seconds; the screen will show LOC to indicate you are in the anti-theft state. To exit the anti-theft state just press any button to display 000 then use the MODE, and buttons to input your anti-theft password which must be consistent with the password entered when entering the anti-theft state, then hold the MODE and buttons for 3 seconds.
How does the fuel save mode function?
Usually when you put the pedal to the metal the engine straight away goes into higher revs which essentially causes you to use more fuel. The ECO mode (fuel saving mode) on the HIKE IT slows the response of this down, which stops the engine responding in that way. The slower response allows your engine to get to the right speeds without using as much fuel. Which means that instead it creates a smoother acceleration rather than the higher revs. This function in turn can give you up to 20% more distance for the same amount of fuel.
How come my vehicle shows error messages such as (check-engine light) & why does my vehicle switch to the emergency program (limp mode)?
A vehicle will show a check-engine light or go into limp mode when the throttle sensor is unplugged before the ECU has had enough time to go to “sleep.” Since it thinks something has been unplugged, it shows you a light as a warning, even if you’ve already plugged it back in.
You can get rid of the check-engine light and cut out limp mode by removing the negative battery on your vehicle for 20 minutes, or by taking away the codes with an OBDII code reader, available at most stores.
Do I have to turn the HIKE IT off every time I turn off my vehicle?
No. The HIKE IT is powered by your vehicle and depends on that power. Once your vehicle has powered down (after it has completely switch off e.g., 5m after vehicle has shut down), the HIKE IT will shut off by itself.
Will I have to put it back into my favourite mode every time I start my vehicle?
No. The HIKE IT has an internal memory that will naturally go to the last mode you have driven in.
Is the HIKE IT suitable for towing?
The HIKE IT Throttle Controller has a dedicated Towing Mode and is the perfect companion when towing by helping your vehicle get up to speed from a standing start with less effort and therefore placing less strain on your engine and using less fuel.
The HIKE IT has been plugged in for the first time but my car revs high in neutral. Is the HIKE IT not compatible?
In some VERY RARE cases your car may rev high immediately after connecting the HIKE IT and starting the car. If you find after you have connected your car, and it begins to rev high before pressing down the accelerator pedal. If this happens, please enter into the learning mode as follows:
The HIKE IT product matches with the same model of your vehicle at the time of start-up, but there may be problems with matching in some select few vehicles. In order to adapt to this situation for the best driving experience, we have added a learning mode function, that will help the accelerator automatically match the car data correctly. This function is generally not required to be used, as it is normally going to always match up with your vehicle parameters.
However, this function is there, when this is not the case to avoid poor acceleration effects, high idling speeds and so forth.
Learning mode process
Turn the car power on but do not start the car up (do not turn-over the engine)
Long press the up and down buttons together for about 5 seconds ( ↑ and ↓ at the same time), the accelerator screen should show a 15 second countdown period. During this period push the accelerator pedal all the way in (make sure to press pedal in as far as you can) and hold it there for about 2 seconds before letting go.
Sit tight and wait for the accelerator countdown to end. If -00 is displayed, the learning function has been successfully processed. If -11 is displayed and you followed the instructions correctly then it means that the learning function can’t solve the issue – please contact HIKE IT Support.
Is the HIKE IT easy to install?
Essentially, it’s as easy as plug and play. Switch off your car, wait a few seconds, locate the pedal plug (behind the pedal) and unplug it. Add in the vehicle specific harness and connect everything provided; ensure you hear a click, have a tug at the plugs to ensure a good fit. If you have problems plugging in, please check the pins in the plug as you may have bent these while plugging it in. Safely tie away all cables to ensure they do not drop while driving as this will be dangerous.
Can the HIKE IT work with a Manual Transmission?
The HIKE IT throttle controllers have settings for both Automatic (AT) and Manual (MT) Transmissions because they naturally drive differently. When Auto mode is selected are suited to both manual and automatic transmissions.
Is there a risk of the HIKE IT over accelerating without my instruction?
Pedal acceleration will not happen without you controlling it. In the unlikely event that the HIKE IT is faulty, the pedal will become unresponsive (at worst). At this point the car should safely be pulled over and the HIKE IT removed to return the vehicle to factory. Doing so will allow the car to be back to factory standard and it will be as the HIKE IT was never there.
Can the HIKE IT damage my clutch?
It’s not possible for a throttle controller to directly damage the clutch. The clutch only works when the car starts to move and to shift gears, at which time the accelerator is not active.
The purpose of throttle controller is to amplify the signals being sent by your foot via the pedal to the throttle positioning sensor in the intake manifold.
In vehicles where the opening of the throttle is governed by a signal coming from the pedal instead of a cable opening the butterfly, the boost/throttle controller simply increases sensitivity which in turn improves the response. Also, as the clutch on the torque converter only works when the car speed is very low, a throttle controller will not have an effect because when the speed is very low the throttle controller is either not operating or having an extremely weak role.
Does the HIKE IT increase performance/horsepower?
The HIKE IT has no control over injection timing, air to fuel ratio, fuel mapping and so on, therefore cannot increase power output. The HIKE IT simply improves the way your throttle responds.
Are HIKE IT Controllers universal or vehicle specific?
Each HIKE IT model is suited to a different set of vehicles in both its software and plugs.
