Grade Braking

[Kootenay Herb]

Not sure if this is the correct spot? Hope someone can help me with this seemingly dumb question. I can't figure out how to use the engine to slow down on steep hills. I've got a 2011 Sierra 1500 Z71. The other day I'm coming down a steep logging road riding my brakes the whole way I tried using the tow/haul mode and tried the Manual mode with no luck. Would be nice to keep the truck at a low speed 10-20 kmh or mph without riding the brakes.

[sdeeter19555]

It should engage in Drive with Tow/Haul engaged...manual disables it. At slower speeds it may not be effective, and you may need to simply drop to an acceptable gear in manual? I usually do the latter.

 

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[newdude]

sdeeter is on the $$. 2011 will only have grade braking with Tow/Haul on. Tow/Haul and manual mode together will override the Tow/Haul grade braking as you are in control of downshifts.

[Kootenay Herb]

Update: Thank you for the responses. So I tested this weekend while highway driving and in fact with tow/haul engaged I am able to use the engine to keep at a constant speed (... no acceleration) on hills. However, appears to only work at higher speeds and I wasn't able to engage at lower speeds necessary for steep logging roads. Will try again this weekend on a logging road and see if I can use a low manual gear to slow without over using the brakes (... didn't seem to work for me last time).