Hill Start Assist, Hill Hold Assist and Malfunction Indicators

Hill Assist

These are Hill Start Assist (HSA) Indicator symbols. Hill start assist applies the brakes to hold the vehicle after it is brought to a stop on a slope. This makes it easier for a driver to pull away without using the park brake. The indicators may be seen in green or black and white. In the latter case, a message will likely also be seen in the information screen

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As a general rule the hill start assist works as follows. When the system is active, the vehicle remains stationary for a few seconds after the brake pedal is released. This gives the driver time to move the foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle moving.

The brakes release when the accelerator is pressed and the vehicle begins to move forward, or the system exceeds the time allowed for automatically applying the brakes.

Hill start assist activates when the vehicle is in any forward gear and facing uphill, or when it is in reverse and facing downhill.

Hill hold assist

These are Hill Hold Assist Indicator symbols, which is clearly related to the Start Assist described above. In fact, it is the same system by a different name. The indicator will be illuminated when the hill holder switch is activated.

Since the system also makes use of the vehicle’s brakes, a brake problem is indicated if the light does not come on when the switch is activated. If this occurs, contact you dealer or authorized service center as soon as possible. Again, these symbols very much resemble those for grade assist and are thus included here.

Malfunction indicators

These versions indicates a problem with the Hill Start or Hill Hold Assist system or it has been turned off. As a malfunction indicator, they are usually seen in yellow/amber/orange. If it is seen, your dealer or a qualified service shop will be needed. The symbols are shown as a car or SUV on an angled line alone or inside a circle which itself is inside brackets.

A symbol seen with the word OFF or in green with a line through it are also malfunction indicators.

The circle and brackets are commonly used in symbols that involve the the vehicle’s brake system, which is a big part of these systems.

Terrain Assist and Grade Assist

Note similar symbols like the ones to the right are Terrain Assist or Grade Assist indicators. You can see Terrain Assist (far right) here and Grade Assist (right) here.

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