Driving on slopes
Hill start assist
Hill start assist helps when starting to drive uphill by actively holding the vehicle in place.
Functional requirements
The following requirements must be met at the same time:
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The vehicle must be stationary and held with the brake pedal until you start driving.
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The engine must be running “evenly”.
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A gear or a position is engaged for driving up an incline.
To start driving, take your foot off the brake pedal and press the accelerator pedal immediately. The brakes will release gradually as you start driving.
The holding function of the Hill Start Assist remains active only for a short time. Drive off within approx. two seconds.
When is it active?
Hill Start Assist is immediately deactivated if one of the conditions specified below in is no longer met:
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The driver’s door is opened.
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If the engine is running “unevenly” or in the event of an engine fault.
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The engine is switched off or it stalls.
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The selector lever is in the neutral position
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CAUTION
If you do not pull away immediately after releasing the brake pedal, the vehicle may roll backward under certain circumstances.
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If this is the case, press the brake pedal or set the electronic parking brake immediately.
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Press the brake pedal or set the electronic parking brake immediately if the engine stops.
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Press the brake pedal for a few seconds before you start to drive if you are driving on an incline in heavy traffic and you would like to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting to drive.
Downhill speed control
Downhill speed control helps when braking when traveling downhill on vehicles with DSG® automated transmission. Downhill speed control does this by using the braking power of the engine.
The DSG® automated transmission selects the optimum gear itself, depending on the present gradient and current speed. The selector lever must be in the selector lever position. Downhill speed control is not active in Tiptronic mode.
As the downhill speed control can only downshift as far as third gear, you may need to switch to Tiptronic mode on very steep downhill stretches. In Tiptronic mode, manually shift into second or first gear to use the engine's braking efficiency and reduce the load on the brakes.
While downhill speed control is active, the start-stop system is automatically deactivated.
Downhill speed control activates automatically:
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If the gradient is greater than approximately 6%.
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And: if the selector lever is in the
selector lever position.
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Additionally if cruise control (CCS) is switched off: if the speed is slower than approx. 80 km/h (50 mph).
Or: The brake is pressed.
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Additionally if the cruise control system is active: If the saved speed is exceeded.
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Additionally if Adaptive Cruise Control (AAC) is switched off: if the speed is slower than approx. 80 km/h (50 mph).
Or: The brake is pressed.
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Additionally if Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: If the saved speed is exceeded.
Downhill speed control deactivates automatically:
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When the gradient decreases.
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Or: if the transmission upshifts because the engine speed is greater than approximately 4500 rpm.
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Or: additionally if the cruise control system is active: if the saved speed can be complied with.
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Or: additionally if Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is active: if the saved speed can be complied with.
WARNING
The intelligent technology of downhill speed control cannot overcome the natural laws of physics and it can only operate within the limits of the system. Do not allow the increased convenience of the downhill speed control to tempt you into taking risks.
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Unintentional vehicle movements can cause serious injuries.
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Downhill speed control is not a replacement for the driver's attention.
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Always adapt your speed and driving style to the visibility, weather, road and traffic conditions.
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Downhill speed control cannot hold the vehicle on the incline or brake sufficiently going downhill in every situation, for example if the ground is slippery or icy.
WARNING
Always be ready to brake. If this is not the case, accidents and injuries may result.
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Downhill speed control is merely a tool and cannot sufficiently brake the vehicle going downhill under every circumstance.
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The vehicle can go faster despite the downhill speed control.
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