Grade Assist

[Ducky]

So, going down a hill, pumping breaks, not exactly sure what triggers it, but my display then says something like "Grade Braking Assist" or something, so I let off the brake, and my truck doesn't maintain speed or anything, it just speeds up. Am I misunderstanding how to use it? I thought It was to maintain relative speed going down hill?

[m3n00b]

I'm also curious.

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[silveradosid]

when you are going down a steep hill let your truck go to the speed you want and step on the brake and release the grade braking will do it from there on unless you hit the brake again, do not pump your brake a couple of times or it will not function properly

[CadillacLuke24]

Grade Brake Assist works in addition to the hydraulic brake system, not in place of it. 

 

Grade Brake Assist will activate after around 30 seconds ( I believe, something like that). Once active, the engine will downshift in an effort to slow the truck. Further application of the brakes will result in further downshifts. Depending on how long you brake, the engine will downshift to a point where engine braking is more effective than hydraulic braking, and the truck will slow without further hydraulic brake input. However, it will require further hydraulic brake application past the initial Grade Braking Active. Grade Brake Assist is intended for paved roads at relatively high speeds (think above 30 mph). 

 

What you may be thinking of, Ducky, and what silveradosid is describing, is Hill Descent Control.

 

Hill Descent Control (HDC) is a feature exclusive to Z71 trucks, and is enabled by toggling a switch on the center stack. HDC can be enabled at speeds of 31 MPH or below. Once enabled, an icon of a green speedometer with a vehicle on a downgrade will illuminate on the dash. 

 

When the truck is traveling between 2 and 14 mph on a 10% or greater grade, HDC can be engaged to function as a low speed cruise control. HDC will activate once within the specified range. Once in the specified range, speed can be increased or decreased by applying the gas or brake accordingly. Brief inputs on the gas and brake are plenty sufficient, longer inputs may disable HDC. The light on the dash will flash, and the truck will respond accordingly.

 

When engaged, HDC works very well (I speak from experience) and is a nice feature to have, allowing the driver to focus entirely on directing the path of vehicle travel. Should vehicle speed exceed 11 mph, HDC will disengage, but will remain enabled. Should the truck exceed speeds of 37 mph for 30 seconds, or 50 mph in general, HDC will disable. 

[Ducky]

Thanks for the info, For clarification, I'm not talking about HDC, its literally "Grade Braking Assist" when going down hill on the info center. Just never knew what triggers it, and even when on, my vehicle continues to accelerate down hill if I don't use my brakes... so It's odd that I don't feel it controlling speed or downshifting. 

 

I'm going to try it again as per silveradosid. We will see if it does any different of behaviour.

[Ducky]

Hrm, must be doing something wrong, I had my foot on the brake till the message came up, let off the brake, and it just kept coasting downhill increasing speed. Do you have to have a trailer on the truck for this to work?