Hill Decent Control

Dnt · March 12, 2014

ACTUALLY....

I think we are discussing 3 distinct things here.

One is Hill Start Assist, and it's just what it sounds like, it holds the brakes for up to 1.5 seconds while facing uphill or until you hit the gas. Keeps you from rolling back. I would say this is handy, and it probably is, but where was this in the days of a manual slush box???

One is Grade Engine Braking (really not sure of the name, or IF it has a distinct name). Think of it as a cruise control jake brake. It uses the engine to maintain speed downhill, particularly when you have a load. It can rev the engine rather high, you'll know it when it happens. I think this is standard issue on nearly, if not all trims. It works at higher, cruise speeds and doesn't involve the brakes.

Last, but not least is Hill Descent Control. Only comes on certain packages, (I know AT has, I think Z71 has as well), and it requires a push of the button. Low speed operation only, think <37 mph or something like that. It's like cruise control for SLOW down hill descents. Uses a combination of engine braking (mentioned before) and conventional braking. Yes, it will apply the brakes FOR you. But, at least you have to actively select this by pushing the button on the console. Do you have it? Well...do you have the button??

Dang it man, these new trucks may require a 30 hour training class to properly use all the features. I have the Z71 package and will try that hill descent button thing this weekend. Sounds like fun. But still what is this Hill Decent thing? I cannot find a reference to that in the Manual. Does it make sure you are dressed correctly to offroad? maybe chastises you if you do not have on a proper Go To He** hat/ Your beer cooler is getting low or maybe you do not have on clean underwear or something? hahaha my fav truck made a funny.... Have a great day.

MikeNH · March 12, 2014

It will hold a low speed going down hill without you using the brake pedal.

fondupot · March 12, 2014

havent used the truck offroad yet, but I think it only works at below 15 mph or so.

jnaugle775 · March 12, 2014

I have it on my Z71 and its awesome. I live on a very steep north facing hill. Most of the winter it has been covered in snow or ice. The truck just walks it right down the hill with no issues. I will never go without this feature again!! Its the best part of the Z71 package

HDNitehawk · March 12, 2014

Amazing...

I asked the salesman what this button did on the Z71 and he told me you pushed the button when you were parked on a steep incline and needed to start your vehicle.

Your fuel runs to one side of the tank and this button helps pick up fuel so you can start.

bdbake01 · March 12, 2014

Amazing...

I asked the salesman what this button did on the Z71 and he told me you pushed the button when you were parked on a steep incline and needed to start your vehicle.

Your fuel runs to one side of the tank and this button helps pick up fuel so you can start.

Seriously? I mean...seriously? WTF????

"That button there, that's the cruise control. One press of that and you can crawl into the back and take a nap. Before you do, make sure the truck has plenty of change for toll so you don't get woken up at the toll booths. And this truck isn't equipped with the optional opposable thumbs so you'll have to make sure the nickels are properly loaded into the nickel dipsenser. It's this little thing here that kinda looks like a household outlet. But isn't. Trust me."

So how would it do this anyway? Tilt the gas tank back up straight so everything works again?

MikeNH · March 12, 2014

Not too uncommon for sales people to be clueless sadly. The good ones will educate themselves. When I was at the dealer in the service dept there were a couple of decent salespeople who'd come to me with questions if something wasn't clear to them. I'm not sure what sort of new model training they got but at least a few cared enough to fill in the gaps.

Dnt · March 13, 2014

Amazing...

I asked the salesman what this button did on the Z71 and he told me you pushed the button when you were parked on a steep incline and needed to start your vehicle.

Your fuel runs to one side of the tank and this button helps pick up fuel so you can start.

Dang man that salesman is good LMFAO hey Nitehawk are you and Dragon still hanging out together. DONT TOUCH MY STUFF (oops some people might not be Will Ferrell fans for those people check out the movie stepbrothers)

Texas Husker · March 14, 2014

Dang man that salesman is good LMFAO hey Nitehawk are you and Dragon still hanging out together. DONT TOUCH MY STUFF (oops some people might not be Will Ferrell fans for those people check out the movie stepbrothers)

Ketchup and onions.

This thread is one option away from an Abbott and Costello skit

redwngr · March 14, 2014

Dang it man, these new trucks may require a 30 hour training class to properly use all the features. I have the Z71 package and will try that hill descent button thing this weekend. Sounds like fun. But still what is this Hill Decent thing? I cannot find a reference to that in the Manual. Does it make sure you are dressed correctly to offroad? maybe chastises you if you do not have on a proper Go To He** hat/ Your beer cooler is getting low or maybe you do not have on clean underwear or something? hahaha my fav truck made a funny.... Have a great day.

Here's the manual reference:

Hill Descent

Control (HDC)

If equipped, HDC can be used when

driving downhill. It sets and

maintains vehicle speed while

descending a very steep incline in a

forward or reverse gear.

The HDC switch is on the center

stack, below the climate controls.

Press 5 to enable or disable HDC.

Vehicle speed must be below

50 km/h (31 mph).

The HDC light displays on the

instrument cluster when enabled.

HDC can maintain vehicle speeds

between 3 and 22 km/h (2 and

14 mph) on an incline greater than

or equal to a 10% grade. A blinking

HDC light indicates that the system

is actively applying the brakes to

maintain vehicle speed.

When HDC is set, that is the initial

set speed. It can be increased or

decreased by applying the

accelerator or brake pedal. This

adjusted speed becomes the new

set speed.

HDC will remain enabled between

22 and 60 km/h (14 and 37 mph),

however vehicle speed cannot be

set or maintained in this range.

It will automatically disable if the

vehicle speed is above 80 km/h

(50 mph) or above 60 km/h

(37 mph) for at least 30 seconds.

5 must be pressed again to

re-enable HDC.

When enabled, if the vehicle is at a

speed above 22 km/h (14 mph) and

less than 60 km/h (37 mph), a DIC

message will display.

Dnt · March 15, 2014

Gawd I made it almost all the way through the instructions without dozing OFF Yaaaaaaaaawn. I think I have enough information to have a Decent Descent now thanks.

Norcal Flyfisherman · May 6, 2014

Has anyone used the Hill Descent Control? Not the automatic grade braking, but the Hill Descent Control that is engaged by pressing the button on the center stack? I've been playing with mine a little bit, and it seems to work well.

How are other using it? Does it make noise? I've used mine in 4 HI, Auto 4 wheel drive, and 2 Wheel drive so far, and I hear a noise from the front end in each.

gtptyler · May 6, 2014

I have no hills to try it on around here ha going to have to find one eventually

fondupot · May 6, 2014

My truck is a street queen yo!

Seriously though. I have not had a chance to use it yet. Cant even imagine going offroad with the air damn hanging so low on these trucks. Mine will be coming off soon...

Norcal Flyfisherman · May 6, 2014

Yeah, I haven't done anything rough with mine either. That's what the jeep is for. I spend some time on steep hills though, and the Hill Descent seems like a nice idea. I wasn't expecting to hear a noise when I used it though. Maybe it has to do with how that system uses the antilock brakes...