Downhill assist control system (AWD vehicles) The downhill assist control system helps to prevent excessive speed on steep downhill slopes.The system will operate when the vehicle is traveling under 18 mph (30 km/h) with the accelerator and brake pedals released. System operation Press the downhill assist control switch. The downhill assist control system indicator will comes on and the system will operate. When the system is in operation, the slip indicator will flash, and the stop lights/high mounted stop lights will be lit. A sound may also occur during the operation. This does not indicated a malfunction. Turning off the system Press the downhill assist control switch while the system is in operation. The downhill assist control system indicator will flash as the system gradually ceases operation, and will turn off when the system is fully off.Press the downhill assist control switch while the downhill assist control system indicator is flashing to start the system again. Note: Operating tips Vehicles with 2.5L 4-cylinder (A25A-FXS) engine: The system will operate when the shift position is in a 1 range of S mode or R. Vehicles with 2.4L 4-cylinder (T24A-FTS) engine: The system will operate when the shift position is in a 1 range of M mode or R. The system will not operate when (vehicles with 2.5L 4-cylinder [A25A-FXS] engine) If the downhill assist control system indicator flashes In the following situations, the indicator flashes and the system will not operate: Vehicles with 2.5L 4-cylinder (A25A-FXS) engine: The shift position is in a position other 1 range of S mode or R. Vehicles with 2.4L 4-cylinder (T24A-FTS) engine: The shift position is in a position other 1 range of M mode or R. The accelerator or brake pedal is depressed. The vehicle speed exceeds approximately 15 mph (25 km/h). The brake system overheats. In the following situation, the indicator flashes to alert the driver, but the system will operate: The downhill assist control switch is turned off while the system is operating. The system will gradually ceases operation. The indicator will flash during operation, and then go off when the system is fully off. When the downhill assist control system is operated continuously This may cause the brake actuator to overheat. In this case, the downhill assist control system will stop operating, a buzzer will sound and the downhill assist control system indicator will start flashing, and the “Traction Control Turned OFF” will be shown on the multi-information display. Refrain from using the system until the downhill assist control system indicator stays on and the “Traction Control Turned OFF” goes off. (The vehicle can be driven normally during this time.) Sounds and vibrations caused by the downhill assist control system A sound may be heard from the engine compartment when the hybrid system is started or just after the vehicle begins to move. This sound does not indicate that a malfunction has occurred in downhill assist control system. Either of the following conditions may occur when the downhill assist control system is operating. None of these are indicators that a malfunction has occurred. Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering. A motor sound may be heard after the vehicle comes to a stop. System malfunction The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the power switch is turned to ON. The downhill assist control system indicator does not come on when the downhill assist control switch is pressed. The slip indicator comes on. Warning: When using downhill assist control system Do not rely overmuch on the downhill assist control system. This function does not extend the vehicle’s performance limitations. Always thoroughly check the road conditions, and drive safely. Situations in which the system may not operate properly The system may not operate on the following surfaces, which may lead to an accident causing death or serious injury. Slippery surfaces such as wet or muddy roads Icy surface Unpaved roads