Hill descent control

Had my 2006 Freelander TD4 a few weeks now and would like advice on the hill descent control. Can it be used offroad on loose surfaces or wet grass/snow etc or when towing my caravan on site in muddy/wet conditions or is it best to leave in normal drive mode for these uses and use the hill descent control purely for steep downhill use.

Hi :welcome2:
The hill descent is only of use on steep slopes whether up or down them it maintains your speed via the abs system your actual four wheel drive is through the traction control TC which again gives you traction via the abs when one wheel spins on mud etc it applies the abs and thus puts power to the other wheel which is hopefully on firmer ground i tow with my freelander a 22 ft caravan and have never been stuck yet

Hope you enjoy your freelander

Gordon

It can be selected at any time, but will only work when descending steep hills in the appropriate gear. I usually press the button as soon as I come off a hard surface. It mat not help, but it won't do any harm, and it's ready when you need it.

The manual recommends engaging HDC all the time you are off road. As Davec said, it won't actually do anything unless it needs to, but won't do any harm. I found it is quite a odd feeling to take your feet off brake and clutch and let the gizmo do its stuff when you do go down a descent though.

Gordonthornton said:

The hill descent is only of use on steep slopes whether up or down them

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surely only effective when DESCENDING a hill, i.e. hill descent control. Would have no effect ASCENDING a hill. Hill descent control is to safely control the speed of the vehicle down hill forwards or backwards and is only operative in 1st and reverse (or 1 and reverse on auto).

As soon as either the brake or more importantly the throttle are pressed, the HDC system is disengaged by the ECU. Therefore if you were climbing a hill, it would be permanently disengaged as you would be using the throttle.

It's purpose is to overcome the lack of a low range box which would allow engine speed to brake the vehicle.

Not withstanding, it is a good idea to switch it on as soon as you venture off road, then you don't need to think about it as you approach a slope.

Used it quite a few times in anger, and is actually quite impressive once you get used to it.

Hi optimus

This is a very valid point and one i hadnt thought of but makes sense, thanks for your help in the past it is appreciated

Gordon

The reason for using it when ascending hills is that when you fail, it will help keep you under control as you return to the bottom.
I agree it will have no affect whilst actually climbing the hill.

Thanks for your replies, really helpful.