Tranny downgrade button

[Bearcatrp]

I have this button close to tow haul mode that looks like its supposed to help slow me down when going down hill. Nothing in the book on it. Have pressed it when going down hill while pulling my camper but doesn't do anything. What is it supposed to do? since I don't have an air compressor on my truck like a TT uses to help slow down while pulling a heavy load, am assuming its supposed to do something in the tranny to help slow me down. Anyone have this? My truck is a 2017 3/4 tradesman. Thanks.

 

[MADDOG]

Got a picture of this mysterious button?

 

[Hemi395]

Hill decent button maybe?

 

[crash68]

The button next the Tow/Haul mode is the Traction Control button, if it was diesel, the Exhaust Brake would be on the other side.

 

[Nick@GotExhaust]

sounds like the hill descent button. read your manual it will explain it better than me. It will maintain a speed going down a hill. it is only for low speed, mostly offroad. read up on it so it can be properly and safely used

 

[Bearcatrp]

Its the hill descent. Couldn't think of the name when I typed this. Have looked in the manual with no luck. It works only in low speeds?

 

[9thousandfeet]

Its the hill descent. Couldn't think of the name when I typed this. Have looked in the manual with no luck. It works only in low speeds?

From the manual:

Hill Descent Control (HDC) — If Equipped
HDC is intended for low speed off road driving while in
4WD Low Range. HDC maintains vehicle speed while
descending hills during various driving situations. HDC
controls vehicle speed by actively controlling the brakes.
HDC Has Three States:
1. Off (feature is not enabled and will not activate).
2. Enabled (feature is enabled and ready but activation
conditions are not met, or driver is actively overriding
with brake or throttle application).
3. Active (feature is enabled and actively controlling vehicle
speed).
Enabling HDC
HDC is enabled by pushing the HDC switch, but the
following conditions must also be met to enable HDC:
• Driveline is in 4WD Low Range.
• Vehicle speed is below 5 mph (8 km/h).
• Parking brake is released.
• Driver door is closed.

There's quite a bit more detail than that in the manual. That cut and paste is from page 216 in the 2018 edition. The 2017 version may have different page numbers, I don't know, but it's in there for sure.

 

[ColdCase]

Very effective cruise control, but yes 4 low Lock and under 5 mph. The way you adjust the speed varies.

 

[averageguy]

I have this button close to tow haul mode that looks like its supposed to help slow me down when going down hill. Nothing in the book on it. Have pressed it when going down hill while pulling my camper but doesn't do anything. What is it supposed to do? since I don't have an air compressor on my truck like a TT uses to help slow down while pulling a heavy load, am assuming its supposed to do something in the tranny to help slow me down. Anyone have this? My truck is a 2017 3/4 tradesman. Thanks.

I am intrigued by your thoughts on why TT ( I'm guessing tractor trailers?) have air compressors. The tractor trailer compressed air system takes the place of brake fluid in a vehicles brake system. Instead of pressurized liquid it works off pressurized air. The cackling sound you hear from the exhaust when a truck is decelerating is an engine brake or Jacobs (jake) brake. It ******* the valve timing which causes resistance from the engine which in turn slows down the truck. It is not part of the air system. I hope I don't sound like a smart ass that was not my intention but if your not involved with big trucks how or why would you know. Just trying to share useless info I guess.

 

[GsRAM]

I am intrigued by your thoughts on why TT ( I'm guessing tractor trailers?) have air compressors. The tractor trailer compressed air system takes the place of brake fluid in a vehicles brake system. Instead of pressurized liquid it works off pressurized air. The cackling sound you hear from the exhaust when a truck is decelerating is an engine brake or Jacobs (jake) brake. It ******* the valve timing which causes resistance from the engine which in turn slows down the truck. It is not part of the air system. I hope I don't sound like a smart ass that was not my intention but if your not involved with big trucks how or why would you know. Just trying to share useless info I guess.

Correct. If you hadn't posted by this i was going to.