Hill Launch Assist (Automatic transmission)

Vehicles with i-stop are equipped with Hill Launch Assist. This function prevents the vehicle from rolling when the brake pedal is released while stopped on an incline, in the following situations:

• After the engine has been stopped by i-stop (prevents rolling backward)
• When the engine restarts after the brake pedal is released (prevents sudden vehicle movement caused by creep), sudden movement is prevented by controlling the brakes or the automatic transmission.

WARNING

Do not rely solely on Hill Launch Assist.

Hill Launch Assist is a supplementary function that operates for up to four seconds after the brake pedal is released, when driving resumes after the engine has been restarted by i-stop. Relying solely on the system may lead to an unexpected accident if the vehicle starts to move suddenly. Before driving off, always make sure there are no hazards around the vehicle, and operate the gear selector lever, brake pedal and accelerator pedal correctly.

Note that if the vehicle is heavily loaded or towing a trailer or another vehicle, sudden movement of the vehicle is possible.

Note that in the following circumstances the vehicle may move suddenly after Hill Launch Assist operates: the gear selector lever is in N.

If the gear selector lever is placed in N and the brake pedal is released while i-stop is active, the force applied to the brakes is gradually released. To accelerate, release the brake pedal after the engine has restarted and the gear selector lever is in a position other than N.

• CAUTION

• When the vehicle is stopped on a steep incline, Hill Launch Assist does not operate, because i-stop does not operate in that situation.

• While Hill Launch Assist is operating, the brake pedal response may change, and you may hear a sound from the brakes or feel vibration in the brake pedal. This does not indicate a malfunction.