The hill start assist system can disappear due to software or internal issues, causing a car to have trouble starting on very steep inclines. If the problem is fixed, you will be able to drive even if the hill start assist is not on, which will increase safety and prevent rolling back.
Is there anything that can be done to fix the issue of hill start assist not being available? The error message can be resolved by resetting or upgrading the software if it appears randomly or due to a software issue. A rear-wheel ABS sensor damage, a blown brake light fuse, or a faulty ESC or TC will result in this error message. Having this message on your car will require expert assistance. Come on, let’s get to the bottom of this
Hill Start Assist Not Available: Reasons
A short period of time will be held on the brake as soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator. Once the vehicle has been parked on an incline, incline-assist is activated.
Owners have shared their experiences on registered NHTSA pages about hill start assist not working. These errors are usually caused by faulty fuel injectors, faulty batteries, and misaligned radars.
Hill start assist may not be available when you are driving unevenly or losing ground on start up. In addition, it does not indicate that something is wrong. A few times should be enough for it to disappear automatically. In the event that this is not the case, the following problems may be the cause:
Bad Battery
The HSA will be temporarily disabled if the battery voltage drops, resulting in poor performance. Bad batteries may be to blame if you see this massage when starting your car and it disappears shortly thereafter. DTC codes or warning lights may not appear on the dashboard. It may be necessary to recharge or replace the battery in this case.
Overheated Transmission
If your vehicle is driven in hot weather or in heavy traffic, the transmission may overheat. A light may come on as a result of a lack of hill start assist. This symptom should disappear after the transmission cools down.
Driving at high Speed
It is designed to work as long as the speed does not exceed 10 mph. You will see a warning light on the dashboard if you drive too fast, and the system will be disabled.
Damaged ABS Sensors On The Rear Wheels
Your car’s dashboard will show a warning light if its rear-wheel ABS sensor is burned out or fired up. It is also possible for the car to display OBD codes. The hill start failure message will go away when you replace the sensor in this case.
Broken Brake Light Fuse
Also, a blown brake light fuse can cause this error message, particularly on Ford edge vehicles. In Ford’s hill start assist system, the brake light is connected to the hill start assist function. Your Ford will display the “hill start assist not available” indicator light if your brake light malfunctions. The only way to fix this problem is to repair or replace the brake light circuit.
Random Error
Occasionally, Ford vehicles display error messages, codes, or lights randomly. It is also possible for the HSA error light to appear at random. It can occur in new and old vehicles alike, regardless of how many miles they have driven.
Taking a vehicle out of the garage with the hood open, holding the start button for an extended period, or disabling some function can result in an error message. HSA lights can also be accidentally turned on by passengers or car wash partners.
Faulty ESC And TC
ESC/TCL light deactivation can cause HSA to be activated, as well as some other features in the vehicle. If this is the case, you will need a mechanic’s assistance.
How To Reset Hill Start Assist Not Available Problem?
The underlying causes of HSA error messages must be understood in order to fix them. Some issues can be fixed in the garage, while others require the attention of an expert mechanic. The following solutions are possible:
Use An OBD Scanner
The issue can only be detected with a diagnostic scanner (OBD). You will be able to read the error code with this device, and you will need to interpret it in order to diagnose and fix the problem.
Perform A Software Update
If the car’s software needs to be updated, the HSA issue can be resolved. I have found that it is much easier to diagnose the problem this way than with an OBD scanner. Using this procedure, you can update the software on your Ford vehicle.
Reset The Feature
If your HSA system frequently turns on and off, reset it.
What Is The Procedure For Resetting The Hill Start Assist Problem?
The HSA system prevents the car from rolling backward when it starts from a stop. When you notice that the hill start assistance light is not on, simply reset the system to restore functionality. The steps are as follows:
Occasionally, the message may appear due to a mechanical problem. The message should automatically disappear once the underlying issue has been resolved.
HSA requires consideration of several parameters, including the hill angle, the vehicle speed, and the battery voltage. So that you can utilize this safety system properly and avoid getting massaged, you should read the owner’s manual and speak to a qualified mechanic.
How Much Will It Cost To Fix The Hill Start Assist Problem?
You will have to spend a great deal of money on repairs and replacements if the resetting method doesn’t work. Fuel injectors are the most common part to be replaced in order to fix HSA. It can cost between $1200 and $1500, depending on the model and brand.
A faulty rear-wheel ABS sensor and a faulty brake light fuse are more affordable to replace. There will be a $100-150 cost for the rear-wheel ABS sensors, and a $30-75 cost for the brake light fuse. Battery replacement can cost between $45 and $250, while ESC and TC repairs cost between $96 and $106.
Is It Possible To Drive Without Hill Start Assist?
You can drive your car without the hill start assist system because it is not part of the engine. This means that driving without a hill start assist won’t cause you any problems. This feature helps keep the car from rolling backwards on hills that require special vehicle behavior.
It isn’t necessary to use the HSA feature if you drive on flat roads all the time. There is a hill descent control system (HDC) that is available in some Ford models. A car’s HDC helps it maintain a steady speed on rough terrain. In the absence of this feature, drivers would have to drive downhill with extra caution.
Automobile enthusiasts recommend fixing dashboard lights or error messages. You should maintain your vehicle if it has a HSA, even if you don’t use it. If this happens, you are at risk of losing your life.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Hill Start Assist Be Installed?
If your car doesn’t come with hill start assistance, you can add it manually. You should note, however, that aftermarket systems can be expensive and may void your warranty. You will benefit from this system if your car includes it if you are driving on a hill.
How Long Does Hill Start Assist Last?
During hill starts, the hill start assist automatically operates the brake system for three seconds after the brake pedal has been released.
Does Hill Start Assist Work with Handbrake?
Hill start assistance continues to function even after the handbrake is released. By holding the brake for a few seconds, a hill-sensing brake keeps the car safe on rough terrain.
Conclusion
Hill start assist is highly beneficial to a new driver to prevent rolling back when starting on an incline. The ability to fix hill start assistance that does not work is essential for safe driving on uneven terrain.
By resetting or upgrading the software, you should be able to fix this error message, but if the problem is internal, you will need a professional’s help. Hire a qualified mechanic if you cannot handle it yourself.