Hill Descent Control (HDC) System Operation

Activating the HDC System

The Hill Descent Control (HDC) system can be activated when the vehicle's speed is below 80 km/h (50 mph).

For vehicles with a manual transmission: HDC can be used in first and reverse gears.

For vehicles with an automatic transmission: HDC can be used in Drive (D), Reverse (R), and CommandShift 1 (manual mode). In Drive (D), the system automatically selects the most suitable gear.

Note: The HDC system may automatically engage with certain Terrain Response system special programs.

To activate HDC, press and release the HDC on/off button (1). If the HDC indicator light flashes, the system is active but not currently controlling speed. This typically occurs if operating conditions are not met, such as excessive speed.

If the HDC system deactivates during operation, the indicator light will flash during the gradual disengagement, allowing the vehicle to smoothly regain speed. If the vehicle speed exceeds 80 km/h (50 mph), HDC will deactivate, and the indicator light will extinguish.

Note: HDC automatically deactivates if the ignition is switched off for more than six hours.

Activation Controls:

Press to turn HDC on and off.
Press this button to increase the set speed.
Press to decrease the set speed.

Operating the HDC System

With HDC engaged, the driving speed downhill can be adjusted using the cruise control switches on the steering wheel:

To increase speed, press and hold the '+' switch (2) until the desired speed is reached.
To decrease speed, press and hold the '-' switch (3) until the desired speed is reached.

Once a switch is released, the selected speed will be maintained. To incrementally increase or decrease speed, press the '+' or '-' button briefly. Each press adjusts the speed by 0.5 km/h (0.3 mph).

Speed can also be increased using the accelerator pedal, up to the maximum limit for the current gear.

Note: A minimum speed is set for each gear.

Increasing the driving force may only occur on a sufficiently steep slope. Therefore, pressing the '+' button on a gentle slope might not result in a speed increase.

On vehicles with a manual transmission, pressing the clutch pedal disengages HDC speed control.

Applying the brake pedal deactivates HDC, and the brakes operate normally. Once the brake pedal is released, HDC resumes control of the downhill speed.

If HDC is deactivated by the brake pedal while driving downhill, its effect on speed will gradually reduce. This is to prevent loss of control during accidental HDC disengagement. HDC will resume control after re-engagement if still needed, based on the vehicle's speed at the moment the brake pedal was released.

Hill Start Assist (HDC) Engagement (GRC)

When HDC is active and the vehicle is stopped on a slope using the brake pedal, the Hill Start Assist (GRC) system engages (except in certain 'Sand' mode Terrain Response program scenarios). When the brake pedal is released while moving uphill, GRC automatically holds the brakes momentarily, allowing for a smooth start. On downhill slopes, a similar braking and gradual release mechanism is used for a smooth HDC engagement.

GRC operates during forward and reverse starts and does not require driver intervention.

Driving Uphill on Steep Slopes

When driving uphill on a steep slope with HDC engaged, the driver maintains full control of the vehicle as normal. If HDC is deactivated, the vehicle's maximum speed will be limited to ensure more precise control during the ascent.

Warning Messages

⚠️ Do not attempt to descend a steep slope if HDC is not functioning or if warning messages are displayed.

Brake Temperature

Under demanding conditions, HDC may cause brake temperatures to exceed normal limits. In such cases, the message 'HDC TEMPORARILY UNAVAILABLE' will appear on the information display. HDC's action will then gradually reduce, and the system will become temporarily inactive. Once the brakes have cooled, the message will disappear (or the indicator light will extinguish), and HDC will resume operation if required.

System Malfunction

If a system malfunction is detected, the message 'HDC UNAVAILABLE SYSTEM FAULT' will appear on the information display. If a malfunction is detected while HDC is active, its effect on speed will gradually reduce. If a malfunction is detected, it is recommended to contact a Land Rover dealer or service center as soon as possible.

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