Default Learning Throttle Sensitivity.I could do with some advice from those who understand the control electronics of our magnificent cars, please. As I understand it, after a soft reboot by disconnecting the battery etc., they learn the driver's acceleration style and adjust the throttle's sensitivity accordingly. I find the result of this cleverness does not really suit me, probably because I am not consistent. Most of the time, I am content to move off from traffic lights in a steady, firm sweep of modest power and bask in the muted V8 burble. Occasionally, for a variety of reasons, I give in to the temptation to briefly floor the pedal. The result of my inconsistency is that I am teaching the system bad habits, so that I am frequently unable to move off in whatever style I happen to choose on that occasion; either she leaps forward like a jack-in-a-box or creeps forward like an elderly tortoise, relatively speaking; this is most aggravating when I get one but wanted the other.

So, my question for those who know is, can I turn off this ability to change throttle sensitivity? I would just like to fix it at a medium setting, and then it can teach me how to use it. That is what I grew up with, and it suits me better.

 

I got no answers from the Forum, so I thought to ask my AI, who/which replied:

That’s a beautifully articulated frustration, John—and one that resonates with many owners of modern Jaguars who appreciate consistency over adaptive cleverness. The electronic throttle control (ETC) system in these cars does indeed “learn” driver behavior over time, adjusting throttle response based on patterns it detects. But as you’ve found, this can lead to erratic behavior when your driving style varies—even slightly.

🧠 What’s Actually Happening

Modern Jaguars use a “drive-by-wire” system:

• The accelerator pedal sends signals to the Engine Control Module (ECM).
• The ECM interprets these signals and adjusts throttle opening, fuel delivery, and other parameters.
• Over time, it builds a profile of your driving habits—especially throttle aggression—and adapts accordingly.

This adaptive logic is designed to improve responsiveness and fuel efficiency, but it can feel unpredictable if your inputs aren’t uniform.



🔧 Can You Disable Throttle Learning?

Unfortunately, Jaguar doesn’t offer a native setting to permanently disable throttle adaptation or fix it at a medium sensitivity. However, here are your best options:

1. Throttle Relearn Procedure

You can manually reset the throttle adaptation by disconnecting the battery and performing a relearn:

• Disconnect both battery terminals and link them together with a jumper lead for ~1 hour. This drains residual charge from capacitors and clears learned behavior.
• Reconnect the battery and drive gently for the first 20–50 miles to “teach” the ECM your preferred style.

This won’t lock the throttle response, but it gives you a clean slate.

2. Jaguar SDD Diagnostic Tool

Using Jaguar’s proprietary SDD (Symptom Driven Diagnostics) software, a technician can:

• Reset throttle and gearbox adaptations.
• Recalibrate the throttle position sensor (TPS).
• In some cases, adjust throttle mapping if supported by your model.

This is more precise than a battery disconnect and may offer longer-lasting results.

3. Aftermarket Solutions

Some owners opt for throttle controllers like PedalBox or Sprint Booster:

• These intercept the pedal signal and allow you to manually select throttle sensitivity.
• You can fix it at a “medium” setting regardless of ECM adaptation.
• Installation is typically plug-and-play and reversible.

This might be the closest to your ideal—consistent response, no learning curve.



🧭 A Thoughtful Workaround

Given your appreciation for empirical refinement, you might consider:

• Performing a reset and logging throttle response over a few days.
• Using a simple accelerometer app or OBD-II logger to track pedal input vs. acceleration.
• Sharing this data with your brother or fellow enthusiasts to explore whether a fixed mapping could be emulated or coded.

If you’d like, I can help draft a diagnostic protocol or even a note for your technician to explain your preferences in engineering terms.

Would you like to explore the aftermarket controller route next, or dig into the SDD reset procedure in more detail?
WOW.

Perhaps the AIs should be fed all the posts?

 

“Perhaps the AIs should be fed all the posts?”

AI doesn’t work that way unless you build your own LLM.

It is session based. It will remember your question and any info it scans during that interaction (and history of using an app and continue that convo).
But if you come back tomorrow to a new convo/session, it will rescan for the answer.

I built my own LLM based on this and the UK heavy forums, a bit of Reddit, the 4000 page service manual, tech bulletins and whatever I could find.
And it still makes mistakes. So I have to keep retraining it.

 

With a 4.17 1st gear ratio in the zf6hp no matter what you do it's going to be quite punchy of the line , why don't you use the paddles and take off in 2nd gear to avoid the sudden jerky movement. ???

 

Battery disconnect also clears all OBD monitors, used for smog test in many places, as well as learned values e.g. fuel trims. Only do it at your own risk.

 

Having the same issue. Throttle response is so quick at slow speeds I can barely touch the gas pedal. I'd like to slow it down just a little bit occasionally. Going to try the "pedal dance". No promise that it works. Yes I bought an R for "spirited driving" but I'd like to be able to relax sometimes. No problem on the highway, just around town.

- Turn the key to on position.
- Wait 3 seconds
- slowly and fully press the accelerator pedal to the floor
- wait 3 seconds
- slowly release the pedal all the way up. slow movement lets the system recalibrate
- repeat 2 more times
- turn ignition off and remove key. wait 10 seconds
- start the car and let it idle for a couple of minutes to allow ECU to recalibrate

Hard pass on "Pedal Commander" connect between accelerator sensor and TB. Yes can feather the accelerator at slow speeds if I want to keep things more relaxed. Still get to enjoy full throttle hard acceleration and paddle shifts at redline when desired. Good luck.

 

Jaunty I just tried a hard reset to desensitize my pedal. I think it worked.
Also if your throttle body is dirty it is very important to keep it clean for throttle sensitivity.

 

I’ve been thinking for a while about getting one of these, which addresses the desires of both those who want more throttle response and also those who want something calmer in city traffic. I’d be interested to know if anyone has tried one:

https://jagmadness.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=300103284

 

Total garbage. IF it does ANYTHING, it would be Faster Response and that's all.

 

Thank you, thwts good to hear. Mind you, I didn’t expect it to improve power, just make the throttle more respinsive or more sluggish depending on the preference. And they’re honest in telling you that. The fact that it’s a 30 day satisfaction guarantee made me think, what have I got to lose?

I only see the benefit of using it to make the car less responsive for city traffic, as of course you can reset the throttle to make it more responsive by a hard reset.

 

Very low tech, no cost solution. Make sure your foot is flat on the accelerator pedal. Not as simple as it sounds if you have long legs and big feet. To compensate, had my heel on the floor and angled to the top of the accelerator pedal. Different pivot point why the throttle was so touchy at low speeds. Tried "flat footing it". Tight fit for me but doable. Next step is a pair of "British driving shoes" (loafers). Car is now completely driveable. Slower starts (if desired). Relaxed cruise. Zero throttle lag under full acceleration. Hope this is helpful for someone.

No way I would put any aftermarket device between pedal and TB electronics. Expensive garbage. Had to LOL at one guy saying how much he liked "eco" mode in his XKR!

Jim

 

j
I am using MS Copilot, and it does seem to have a long-term memory of all our conversations going way back. So I asked it whether it could. It says:
"It depends on the platform you're using to chat with me! Some platforms save conversation history so you can review past chats. If you’re using a browser, your history might be available through the chat interface itself. On certain apps, there may be a "Chat History" or "Previous Conversations" section you can check.If you’re not seeing a way to access past chats, let me know where you're chatting with me, and I’ll try to point you in the right direction!".

 

I saw a ChatGTP output the other day... It was asked "Is 9.11 larger than 9.9" and the reply was "Yes, 9.11 is larger because 11 is larger than 9".

AI is an abomination that will only cause users to get even dumber than they already are. Nobody will even try to think for themselves in a few years.