If your car is equipped with Hill Descent Control (HDC), and you experience a fault with it, you may be wondering how to fix hill descent control fault.
Fortunately, you can have things done quickly with some simple steps. Look no further but see the step-by-step guidance inside this post.
With the help of a few essential tools and a little mechanical know-how, you can have your Ford hill descent control system back to normal and run in no time.
But first, have its meaning and operation clear now!
What Is The Hill Descent Control? How Does It Work?
Definition
An Hill Descent Control Ford (HDC) is a support system providing drivers with multiple safety measures and precautions.
A driver can preset a speed limit for the car during road driving thanks to this cruise control system.
As such, you can sustain a certain speed regardless of descending steep grades or a long mountainside.
How It Works
After you turn on this function, the Hill descent control Ford F150 (or other Ford models) uses and cooperates with the vehicle’s anti-brake system (ABS light) to track and regulate its speed as it descends a hill.
Thus, you could concentrate on steering.
Press the dash’s HDC button to turn the feature on or off. For owners of a Ford regular F150, the Ford F150 Hill descent control button sits at the warning light’s right side.
Once the system is on, a chime will ring, and the traction control light will illuminate on the instrument cluster.
The HDC service allows you to set a speed range of 2–20 miles per hour (mph). Yet, you always have the chance to alter the speed.
Your auto will continue to travel at the predetermined pace as soon as you release the brake pedal or gas.
The HDC is intended to sustain speed on downhill grades. Still, it will turn off once the automobile exceeds its top speed.
The HDC cools itself off after a while for better self-maintenance and self-control.
When this occurs, you’ll hear a voice message from the message center alerting you that the system will either quit functioning or have disconnected.
We’ll reveal more about this mechanism in the next section.
How To Fix Hill Descent Control Fault With Each Cause
Steering Rack Misalignment
The HDC may appear in good shape until you adjust your steering wheel a few inches to the left or right. In particular, the HDC may pose a problem after doing this if the steering rack is out of alignment.
Sometimes, you may mount the steering angle sensor plug and steering gear box incorrectly, and the erroneous wheel-to-column connection can ruin the HDC.
You might forget to connect the steering angle sensor correctly after you switch the steering rack. A hill descent control fault F150 or AdvanceTrac error may manifest if this is the case.
To cope with this issue, go to your dash and use the touchscreen option to reset the HDC to the factory default settings to get the system to function again.
If it’s in vain, consult the local auto store or dealer for a diagnosis and essential maintenance. The technicians can help align the steering rack and mount the steering angle sensor.
Faulty ABS Sensor
An HDC error notice may also appear in your instrument cluster if you have a bad ABS sensor. A malfunctioning ABS sensor, like a defective ABS module, may trigger the ABS light.
The ABS might fail for several different factors, ranging from dirt and debris to moisture obstructing the brake sensor.
Also, broken sensor wiring, malfunctioning hydraulic control unit, or brake fluid contamination are other causes.
You should seek expert assistance once your vehicle displays the “Service AdvanceTrac” and “Check Brake System” problem messages.
You cannot confirm the cause without making a diagnosis at the auto service. Sometimes, a new ABS may be required.
With labor costs included, you could pay roughly $1,500. Try to handle this issue soon to keep you safe on the road.
Overheating Protection
After some time, your HDC mechanism disengages itself to halt overheating. This results from constant use, frequently calling for some cooling down time.
Based on the car’s circumstances, such as the terrain, weather, speed, brakes, etc., your system may operate within a certain period before stopping for its cooling time.
The message center will display an alarm signal when the HDC shuts down and inform you that this system is no longer operational.
Lucky you, it’s pretty easy to solve this. Just engage your brake pedal manually to slow down your auto. Let the car continue to move at the HDC-preset speed.
The HDC will only operate again once it is totally cooled down throughout this period.
The Service Advancetrac/Hill Descent Matters
The “Service AdvanceTrac” and “Hill descent control Ford fault” warning messages or error messages may have been displayed to you.
We discover that the entire steering rack’s alignment is typically the problem, but you should contact your nearby dealer to evaluate it and pinpoint the right culprit.
Afterward, you can fix it by accessing your touchscreen settings and resetting your system to its default. See if this works. Consult professional help when your DIY attempts are not effective.
Overall, like how to fix the power steering assist fault Ford Fusion, tackling HDC errors is not that hard at all. Realizing the culprits is the top priority for the efficient fix after that.
FAQs
What Are The Things To Do While Adopting An HDC System?
First things first, do not use the hill descent control tool when descending a steep incline. Avoid driving on rougher terrain as well.
Once more, stay alert for any dangers during the car going down a hill. You can stop safely and steer in this manner.
Moreover, the Hill descent assist should automatically engage while you are driving your Ford. Put your feet on your brake pedal in the event that it doesn’t.
This will let the motorists or drivers behind you know that you’re progressively slowing down.
What Is AdvanceTrac, And Why Is It Related To HDC?
The AdvanceTrac tech is quite complex, with multiple sensors used to monitor wheel speed (along with the HDC) and various other factors of vehicle stability.
Thus, following the HDC fault message, this error code may appear to inform the drives of the safety notes.
The system combines various independent safety features into one cohesive system to lessen the possibility of an accident caused by traction control loss.
How Could I Reset The AdvanceTrac F150 Service?
An AdvanceTrac light reset requires disconnecting the ground terminal from your battery.
After turning off the battery, drain any power left by holding the brake pedal down for a few seconds. Afterward, reconnect your battery and that’s all.
Can I Drive When My Service AdvanceTrac Light Is Coming On?
Yes. In the event that the AdvanceTrac system fails, you can still operate the vehicle without running a risk.
Most vehicles will turn off all AdvanceTrac capabilities when a problem is detected in the active system.
However, it’s better to find the root causes soon and fix them to avoid the later repercussions.
How Do Hill Descent Control and Hill Assist Differ?
You can use hill decline control to move down steep inclines, particularly in dangerous terrain that might put you at risk.
Meanwhile, the hill assist feature comes handy when stranded on a hill, notably when you’re in heavy traffic or ascending a sloped ramp or driveway.
Is It Feasible To Apply Hill Descent Control In Reverse?
Yes. Be mindful that they will work wonders in the low and reverse, but its performance in the high range is pretty hard, even if installed correctly.
Still, do not abuse it when your car is in reverse transmission. Also, HDC systems might not perform as expected in some ratios and vehicle configurations.
Can I Use Hill Descent Control Function In The Snow?
Yes. Using the HDC function on hills with ice pavement is even safer. Plus, for the best traction in the snow, you might as well get winter tires for your wheels.
Final Words!
Hill Descent Control is a top-notch feature of modern road vehicles allowing drivers to maintain a consistent speed when descending steep hills.
It also aids in alleviating the risk of skidding or sliding down the hill.
Still, you may face many hardships once this section is stuck in trouble.
Thankfully, we’ve just rounded up some simple steps on how to fix hill descent control fault and get your car back on the road quickly.
Hopefully, this informative read can do wonders in handling your dilemma with HDC matters and saving your life. Share this good read with other car owners as well!