Ford Focus 3 c346 2013, Manual

Page: 98 / 188

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Hill start assist
PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION
The hill start assist system makes it
easier to pull away when the vehicle is
on a slope without the need to use the
parking brake.
When the system is active, the vehicle
will remain stationary on the slope for a
short time after you release the brake
pedal. During this time, you have time
to move your foot from the brake to the
accelerator pedal and pull away. The
brakes are released automatically once
the engine has developed sufficient
drive torque to prevent the vehicle
from rolling down the slope. This is an
advantage when pulling away on a slope,
for example from a car park ramp, traffic
lights or when reversing uphill into a
parking space.
WARNING
The system does not replace the
parking brake. When you leave
the vehicle, always apply the parking
brake and select first or reverse gear.
USING HILL START ASSIST
The system is activated automatically
when the vehicle is stopped on a slope
greater than 4% for manual transmission
vehicles. The system operates with the
vehicle facing downhill if reverse gear is
selected and with the vehicle facing uphill
if any forward gear is selected.
The system can be switched on and
off using the information display. See
General information ( page 65 ).
Activating the system
WARNINGS
You must remain in the vehicle
once you have activated the
system.
At all times you are responsible
for controlling the vehicle,
supervising the system and intervening, if
required.
If a malfunction is detected when
the system is active, the system
will be deactivated and a message will
be shown in the display. See
Information messages ( page 72 ).
You can activate the system only if the
following conditions have been met:
• The engine is running.
• The system is switched on.
• The clutch pedal is pressed.
• No failure mode is present.
To activate the system:
1. Press the brake pedal to bring the
vehicle to a complete standstill.
Keep the brake pedal depressed.
2. If the sensors detect that the vehicle
is on a slope the system will be
activated automatically.
3. When you remove your foot from
the brake pedal, the vehicle will
remain on the slope without rolling
away for a short time. This hold time
will automatically be extended if you
are in the process of driving off.
4. Drive off in the normal manner.
The brakes will be released
automatically.