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STARTING AND DRIVING
* Option/accessory.
290
WARNING
HDC does not work in all situations but is
designed merely as a supplementary aid.
The driver always bears ultimate responsibility
for ensuring that the vehicle is driven safely.
Function
HDC On/Off.
HDC is activated or deactivated with one of the
centre console's switches. The lamp within it illu-
minates when the function is activated.
When HDC is working normally the com-
bined instrument panel's symbol illumi-
nates combined with the text message Hill
descent control ON.
With manual transmission, the function works
only on first gear and reverse gear.
With automatic transmission, gear 1 must be
selected in manual gearshift mode (+S-), or R
must be selected. This is indicated by the number
1 or R in the combined instrument panel, see
Automatic gearbox - Geartronic* (p. 274).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated on an automatic
gearbox in position D.
Operation
HDC allows the car to roll at a maximum of
10 km/h (6 mph) forwards with engine braking
and 7 km/h (4 mph) backwards. However, any
speed within the gear's speed register can be
selected using the accelerator pedal. When the
accelerator pedal is released, the car is braked
quickly to 10 or 7 km/h (6 or 4 mph) respec-
tively, irrespective of the hill's gradient and with-
out the need for the foot brake.
The brake lights come on automatically when the
function is operating. The driver can brake or stop
the car at any time by using the footbrake.
HDC is deactivated:
•with the centre console's On/Off button
•if a gear other than 1 or R is selected on a
manual gearbox
•if a gear other than 1 or R is selected in
manual gearshift mode on an automatic
gearbox.
The function can be disengaged at any time. If it
takes place on a steep downhill gradient then the
braking effect will not release directly, but slowly
instead.
NOTE
With HDC activated you may experience a
delay between acceleration pedal activation
and engine response.
Related information
•All Wheel Drive (AWD)* (p. 289)
•Automatic gearbox - Geartronic* (p. 274)
•Manual gearbox (p. 273)
