Volvo S 60, Owner'S Manual

Page: 285 / 452

STARTING AND DRIVING
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* Option/accessory, for more information, see Introduction. 283
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
*
13
HDC can be compared to an automatic engine
brake. When you release the accelerator on
downhill gradients the car is normally braked by
means of the engine striving for low engine
idling speeds, so-called engine braking. But the
steeper the roadway and the more load in the
car, the faster the car coasts despite engine
braking - the HDC function compensates for this
with automatic brake intervention.
General information on HDC
HDC makes it possible to increase/reduce speed
on steep downhill gradients, with a foot only on
the accelerator pedal, without using the foot
brake. The sensitivity of the accelerator pedal
decreases and becomes more precise by means
of the full actuation of the pedal being restricted
to adjusting engine speed within a limited range.
The brake system brakes itself and provides the
car with a low and even speed, so allowing the
driver to fully focus on steering.
HDC is particularly helpful on steep gradients
with an uneven road surface and slippery sec-
tions. E.g. when launching a boat on a trailer from
a ramp.
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 operating, the combined
instrument panel's symbol illuminates
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. 277).
NOTE
HDC cannot be activated on an automatic
gearbox when the gear selector is 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 foot brake.
HDC is deactivated:
13 Only possible on the S60 Cross Country with AWD.