Hill decent feature?

TitanicSE · 10-17-2004, 11:32 PM

I've not seen this mentioned here yet, and I can find nothing anywhere about it but.....my truck seems to have some sort of "Hill Decent" feature. I've notioced it a few times now while going downhill while in "D". Whereas most vehicles will speed up bigtime when pointed down a steep(ish) hill, the Titan seems to hold it's speed with the throttle lifted, and in some cases, apply some needed engine braking. Has anyone else noticed this? I think it's great that this great bohemoth doesn't just go blasting down hills.

dooboy2112 · 10-17-2004, 11:42 PM

I have noticed this too on my truck when going down a hill.

cajunscotsman · 10-18-2004, 05:07 AM

I used to have this feature on my Landrover Freelander, they called it HDC Hill decent control, when activated it would keep the vehicle at 5MPH going downhill, this in theory means you shouldn't have to hit the brake while going downhill which may cause the vehicle to roll. In the Landrover though you had to be in 1st gear and have the HDC switch activated. The fact the Nissan picks this up automatically is way cool.

**goathead** · 10-18-2004, 05:28 AM

i have seen this discussed before here. the transmission will automatically shift into a lower gear when going down a hill. this is vastly different from HDC, which also applies braking to control a vehicle going down steep hills.

steve

wareagle · 10-18-2004, 06:22 AM

I notice that mine does shift down to stay at the same speed but I have to tap my brake some times to make it happen. I was wondering if it was a feature or just a coincidence.

Half Shovel · 10-18-2004, 08:35 AM

sorry, I gotta tease you for your "hill decent"...decent?
HS

pciley · 10-18-2004, 05:47 PM

When you are coming down a grade, if you slightly depress the brakes for several seconds, the TCM (transmission contr0ol module) is instructed by another computer (probably the ECU or BCM) to drop a gear. You should have to depress the brakes for this to occur.
If your tranni downshifts without depressing the brake pedal, that is way cool.

I wish this was automatic in tow mode. It would be nice for the engine to brake without having to use the brake pedal to give the signal.

TitanicSE · 10-18-2004, 07:41 PM

Nope...does it all by itself when you let off the gas while going downhill. I love it. Seems like it'll save the brakes.

NorCal 4x4 · 10-19-2004, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanicSE

Nope...does it all by itself when you let off the gas while going downhill. I love it. Seems like it'll save the brakes.

I've noticed this as well, (no brakes are needed).

Stomper4x4 · 10-19-2004, 10:59 AM

More advanced versions use the brakes to hold the vehicle in place when climbing hills, preventing roll back.