Hill Start Assist (HSA)

The HSA system is designed to assist the driver when starting a vehicle from a stop on a hill. HSA will maintain the level of brake pressure the driver applied for a short period of time after the driver takes his foot off the brake pedal. If the driver does not apply the throttle during this short period of time, the system will release brake pressure and the vehicle will roll down the hill. The system will release brake pressure in proportion to the amount of throttle applied as the vehicle starts to move in the intended direction of travel.

HSA Activation Criteria

The following criteria must be met in order for HSA to activate:

• Vehicle must be stopped.
• Vehicle must be on a 2.5% (manual transmission) or 7% grade or greater (automatic transmission) hill.
• Gear selection matches vehicle uphill direction (i.e., vehicle in NEUTRAL (manual transmission), vehicle facing uphill is in forward gear; vehicle backing uphill is in REVERSE gear).

There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than 8%), with a loaded WARNING!

There may be situations on minor hills (i.e., less than 8%), with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer, when the system will not activate and slight rolling may occur. This could cause a collision with another vehicle or object. Always remember the driver is responsible for braking the vehicle.

Disabling/Enabling HSA

If you wish to turn the HSA system on or off, it can be done using the Customer Programmable Features in the Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC). Refer to “Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC)” in “Understanding Your Instrument Panel” for further information.

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