Grade braking

[Dale L]

Googling I found this:

 

 

• For grade braking to activate it requires the driver to apply steady brake pedal pressure to maintain desired speed while driving on a downhill grade. The vehicle’s modules monitor the amount of brake pedal apply, vehicle deceleration rates, and other factors to determine if normal mode powertrain grade braking is necessary. When the feature activates for the first time that ignition cycle, the DIC will display “Grade Braking On” or “Grade Braking Active” and you will notice the transmission down shifts and engine RPM increases. At this point, if the brake pedal is released the transmission will hold the current gear. If additional engine/transmissionbraking is needed to help maintain desired speed, reapply steady brake pedal pressure and additional down shifts may occur.
• Normal mode powertrain grade braking will have a less aggressive transmission down shift schedule than Tow/Haul mode powertrain grade braking.
• Grade-braking can be exited by depressing the accelerator pedal.

If this is correct it answers my question and raises another question -- why the heck isn't this included in the manual?

[Sierra Jon]

Two levels.

 

Powertrain grade braking. This is on all the time unless you hold the tow/haul button for 5-7 seconds.

 

Tow/Haul grade braking. Much stronger/more aggressive form of powertrain grade braking. Helps when slowing heavy loads/trailers.

 

Your case I would experiment a bit. Hills, leave Tow/Haul on and in D. You can experiment with the M/L range shift if you want but it does turn all grade braking off.

 

I'd leave it on flat ground as well as the 3.08 gears with a load you will never touch 6th gear with it off IMO. 5th gear is a good sweet spot with 3.08.

This is a good description.

 

Only thing I would add is that the grade braking will not activate unless you apply the brakes. I know that sounds obvious but what I'm saying is as you coast downhill you may need to hold the brake for a few seconds to activate the grade braking.

[Krusty]

Related thread in the HD section:

 

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/topic/187329-turning-off-active-grade-braking/?hl=grade+braking

[newdude]

This is a good description.

 

Only thing I would add is that the grade braking will not activate unless you apply the brakes. I know that sounds obvious but what I'm saying is as you coast downhill you may need to hold the brake for a few seconds to activate the grade braking.

 

Correct.

[mookdoc6]

I just recently went down some large grades....I did nothing and it seemed the automatic powertrain braking did everything for me.

I would have to say it was a complete joy to crest the mountains and then glide down perfectly balanced and hardly pick up any speed maybe 1-3 mph. Freaking loved it!