Hill descent

[Lricaud81]

So my truck has the hill descent button. I've never even pushed it but what exactly is it used for. I assume something with off roading as it's part of the fx4 package. Any quick description as to when or why I'd use it.
Sorry for the dumb question but I was wondering and tried searching forum but all I saw was posts about its part of fx4 package.
Tia

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[UNIKRN150]

Using Hill Descent when traversing a rutted, boulder ridden, heavily wooded steep downhill off-road trail gives you the ability to focus on steering around obstacles without having to concern yourself with speed.

I also use it when going down a twisty, winding street with blind corners while towing my trailer.

 

[Lricaud81]

So is it kind of like an engine or exhaust brake. Or just real low speeds.
This is only my 2nd 4wd in my life and first one didn't have this. Lol.
Yes I'm old and should already know this stuff.

 

[Samson16]

I have 4x4 but not FX4 without Hill Descent. Does the Cruise Control stop working at lower speeds and thus the need for Hill Descent?

 

[FirstFord]

Hill Descent Control is a helpful tool when descending particularly steep grades, especially with a load or towing. It can be activated at any point under 20 MPH. At whatever speed you engage HDC, that is the speed that the truck will maintain going down the hill. In a weird sort of way, it is like a cruise control for braking - but understand that is just an expression, trying to describe the function - there is NO actual connection between HDC and cruise control. Based on my use of it, I also don't see any connection to engine braking. It appears to me that it is the computer activating the brakes, as needed, to descend the hill at the selected speed.

 

[9663mu]

Very useful in certain areas.

 

[Samson16]

Copy that. Auto braking as it were. My truck doesn't have it but my 40k Outback does
I just haven't used it.

 

[Lricaud81]

Ah OK. So it only works under 20mph. Well I'll prolly never use it but good to know what it is

 

[Calson]

If you take a couple minutes and download the owner manual and read the very clear and comprehensive explanation provided.

 

[HammaMan]

Copy that. Auto braking as it were. My truck doesn't have it but my 40k Outback does
I just haven't used it.

Well you can buy the button and turn it on if you want.

 

[Lricaud81]

If you take a couple minutes and download the owner manual and read the very clear and comprehensive explanation provided.

Can I do this on my phone as my truck is not always available for me to sit in and read

 

[GregBC]

Can I do this on my phone as my truck is not always available for me to sit in and read

The Ford App has them. Service-> Reference Guide-> Owners Manual.

You need to search a bit, as different owners manuals will be available, including pdf and interactive options.

For me, I searched under 2021-11-22, it has the description for Hill Descent Control for a 2022. Other ones were for the police cruisers and Ford Lightning (not sure why those would be available but they are).

 

[JohngaltinOC]

Can I do this on my phone as my truck is not always available for me to sit in and read

Just Google "ford f150 (your year) manual filetypedf" and you'll find all 790 pages of it. Send copy to ur phone and home...("filetype(colon)pdf")

 

[Calson]

Can I do this on my phone as my truck is not always available for me to sit in and read

It downloads as a PDF so you can view it on your smartphone or ipad. I find it much faster to look in the owner manual than to post a question on a forum and then determine which are accurate and can be trusted and which are one person's opinion or belief.

For example in the GM manual for my truck it states that when the transmission is in manual mode the grade control is disabled but a great many people think that with their truck that on downgrades they need to be in manual mode with the transmission and then negate the benefits of owning their truck.

Most folks do not understand how tow haul mode works and what it does in the transmission and when to use or not use cruise control. Better to go to the source, i.e. the manufacturer if it is important to know about your expensive vehicle.

 

[Lricaud81]

I need to go do that so I can read up on it. What happened to the good Ole days where you got a physical book. I'd love to have a book .

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