Operation Manual

533
Driving your vehicle
Hill-start assist control (HAC)
(if equipped)
A vehicle has the tendency to slip back
on a steep hill when the driver begins to
accelerate after a stop. The Hill-start
Assist Control (HAC) prevents the vehi-
cle from slipping back by operating the
brakes automatically for about 2 sec-
onds. The brakes are released when the
accelerator pedal is depressed or after
about 2 seconds.
NOTICE
The HAC does not operate when the
transaxle shift lever is in the P (Park)
or N (Neutral) position.
The HAC activates even though the
ESC is off but it does not activate
when the ESC has malfunctioned.
Downhill brake control (DBC)
(if equipped)
The Downhill Brake Control (DBC) helps
the driver descend steep hills and is acti-
vated at speeds less then 22 mph.
DBC defaults to the OFF position when-
ever the ignition is turned on.
The DBC can be turned on or off by
pushing the button.
OLM059021L
WARNING
The HAC is activated only for about
2 seconds, so always depress the
accelerator pedal to begin acceler-
ating after a stop.
WARNING
The Vehicle Stability Management
system is not a substitute for
safe driving practices but a sup-
plementary function only. It is the
responsibility of the driver to
always check the speed and the
distance to the vehicle ahead.
Always hold the steering wheel
firmly while driving.
Your vehicle is designed to acti-
vate according to the driver’s
intention, even with installed
VSM. Always follow all the normal
precautions for driving at safe
speeds for the conditions –
including driving inclement
weather and on a slippery road.
Driving with varying tire or wheel
sizes may cause the VSM system
to malfunction. When replacing
tires, make sure they are the
same size as your original tires.