The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a popular SUV known for its off-road capabilities and advanced safety features. One such feature is the Hill Start Assist (HSA), which is designed to prevent roll back when starting on an incline. In this article, we will explain how to enable or disable the Hill Start Assist system in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and discuss its functionality and limitations.
What is Hill Start Assist?
Hill Start Assist (HSA) is a feature available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee that is designed to mitigate roll back when starting on an incline. It is a safety system that provides assistance to drivers by maintaining brake pressure for a short period after the brake pedal is released, allowing the driver to transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling back.
When the driver stops on an incline and releases the brake pedal, HSA will continue to hold the brake pressure for a brief duration. During this time, the driver can move their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal without worrying about the vehicle rolling back. If the driver fails to apply throttle within the specified time, the system will release the brake pressure, and the vehicle will roll down the hill as it normally would.
The purpose of Hill Start Assist is to provide added convenience and safety, particularly in situations where a driver may need to start on a steep incline. It helps prevent the vehicle from rolling back, which can be particularly useful when driving in traffic on hilly roads, maneuvering in off-road situations, or when towing a trailer.
To activate Hill Start Assist in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, certain conditions must be met. The feature needs to be enabled through the vehicle’s settings menu, the vehicle must be completely stopped, the parking brake must be disengaged, the driver door must be closed, the vehicle must be on a sufficient grade or incline, and the gear selection must match the vehicle’s uphill direction.
It is important to note that Hill Start Assist is not a substitute for active driving involvement. Drivers should always be attentive to the distance from other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects, and they should also be responsible for brake operation to ensure safe vehicle operation under all road conditions. Hill Start Assist is meant to assist drivers, but it is crucial for drivers to remain fully engaged and exercise caution while driving.
Accessing the Hill Start Assist Setting
To enable or disable Hill Start Assist in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, follow these steps:
- On the center screen of your Jeep Grand Cherokee, locate the “Vehicle” option on the bottom category bar.
- Tap on “Settings” in the top right corner of the screen.
- From the left menu, select “Safety & Driving Assistance.”
- Scroll down the options until you find “Hill Start Assist” on the right list.
- Tap on the radio button next to “Hill Start Assist” to toggle the setting on or off according to your preference.
Understanding the Hill Start Assist System
Hill Start Assist (HSA) is a feature designed to enhance safety when starting on an incline. Its purpose is to prevent the vehicle from rolling back while the driver transitions from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal.
When the driver releases the brake while stopped on an incline, HSA will continue to hold the brake pressure for a short period. If the driver fails to apply throttle within this time, the system will release the brake pressure, allowing the vehicle to roll down the hill as normal.
Activation Requirements for HSA:
Several conditions must be met for Hill Start Assist to activate:
- The feature must be enabled through the vehicle’s settings menu.
- The vehicle must be completely stopped.
- The parking brake must be disengaged.
- The driver door must be closed.
- The vehicle must be on a sufficient grade or incline.
- The gear selection must match the vehicle’s uphill direction. For example, if the vehicle is facing uphill, it should be in a forward gear, whereas if the vehicle is backing uphill, it should be in the REVERSE (R) gear.
- HSA works in both forward gears and REVERSE gear. However, the system will not activate if the transmission is in PARK (P) or NEUTRAL (N). In vehicles equipped with a manual transmission, pressing the clutch will keep HSA active.
Limitations and Driver Responsibilities
It is important to note that Hill Start Assist (HSA) has certain limitations and should not be relied upon as a substitute for attentive driving. The system may not activate in some situations, such as on minor hills, with a loaded vehicle, or while pulling a trailer.
Drivers must remain fully engaged and exercise caution, maintaining proper distance from other vehicles, pedestrians, and objects. Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of brake operation to ensure safe vehicle operation under all road conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hill assist and auto hold?
Hill Assist and Auto Hold are two distinct features found in many modern vehicles, including some models of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. While both features provide assistance to drivers in certain situations, they serve different purposes. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between Hill Assist and Auto Hold:
Hill Assist
Hill Assist, also known as Hill Start Assist or Hill Start Control, is designed to prevent a vehicle from rolling back when starting on an incline. It is particularly helpful in situations where the driver needs to transition from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal without the vehicle rolling backward.
How it works: When the driver releases the brake pedal while stopped on an incline, the Hill Assist system holds the brake pressure for a short period. This allows the driver to move their foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal without worrying about the vehicle rolling back. If the driver fails to apply throttle within the specified time, the system releases the brake pressure, and the vehicle behaves as it normally would on a hill.
Purpose: Hill Assist is primarily focused on preventing roll back on inclines and making it easier for drivers to start on uphill slopes, especially in situations where the slope is steep or traffic conditions require precise control.
Auto Hold
Auto Hold, also referred to as Hill Hold Assist or Auto Brake Hold, is a feature that helps maintain the vehicle’s stationary position without the need to continuously press the brake pedal. It is convenient in situations where the driver wants to keep the vehicle stationary at a traffic light, in heavy traffic, or on an incline, without having to keep their foot on the brake.
How it works: When activated, Auto Hold keeps the vehicle stationary even after the driver releases the brake pedal. This is achieved by automatically applying and holding the brake pressure until the driver presses the accelerator pedal to move forward. When the driver applies the accelerator, the Auto Hold system releases the brakes, and the vehicle can start moving.
Purpose: Auto Hold is primarily focused on enhancing convenience and reducing driver fatigue in stop-and-go traffic or situations where the driver needs to keep the vehicle stationary for an extended period. It eliminates the need to keep the foot on the brake pedal, providing comfort and ease during long waits or on inclines.
In summary, Hill Assist is designed to prevent roll back on inclines when starting from a complete stop, while Auto Hold maintains the vehicle’s stationary position without requiring the driver to continuously press the brake pedal. Both features offer benefits in different driving scenarios, with Hill Assist emphasizing hill-starting assistance and Auto Hold prioritizing convenience in traffic situations.
Conclusion
The Hill Start Assist (HSA) system in the Jeep Grand Cherokee provides added convenience and safety when starting on inclines. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily enable or disable this feature according to your preferences.
Remember, while HSA is designed to assist drivers, it does not replace the need for attentive driving and careful control of the vehicle. Always prioritize safety, maintain focus, and adhere to traffic regulations while operating your Jeep Grand Cherokee.
