Mazda 2 Quiz
Driving

Hill Launch Assist (HLA) system

In this manual: Driving
Driving — 65Operation and maintenance — 45IN AN EMERGENCY — 45Interior comfort — 40Technical data — 4Customer Information — 9Getting to know your Mazda — 32Standard Safety Equipment — 24Your Vehicle - At a Glance — 12Fuel Requirements (SKYACTIV-G 1.3, SKYACTIV-G 1.5) — 1Fuel Requirements (SKYACTIV-D 1.5) — 1Emission Control System (SKYACTIV-G 1.3, SKYACTIV-G 1.5) — 1Emission Control System (SKYACTIV-D 1.5) — 1Engine Exhaust Emissions (Carbon Monoxide) — 1Replacing Exterior Light Bulbs — 1Replacing interior bulbs — 1
~2min read

The Hill Launch Assist (HLA) system is a function that helps you start moving on a hill. When the vehicle has stopped on an incline, after the driver releases the brake pedal and presses the accelerator pedal, the HLA system prevents the vehicle from rolling backward. The braking force is held automatically after the brake pedal is released when the vehicle is stopped on a steep slope.

On vehicles with a manual transmission, the HLA system operates on a downhill slope with the gear shift lever in the R position, and on an uphill slope with the gear shift lever in any position other than R.

On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the HLA system operates on a downhill slope with the shift lever in the R position, and on an uphill slope with the shift lever in a forward driving position.

WARNING

Do not rely solely on the Hill Launch Assist (HLA) system: It is designed only as a driver aid when starting on a hill. Relying only on the HLA system to prevent the vehicle from rolling is dangerous, because the system operates for about two seconds, after which the vehicle will move, which may lead to an accident.

The vehicle may roll back depending on the load and whether or not it is towing a trailer.

Additionally, on vehicles with a manual transmission, the vehicle may roll back depending on how the clutch and accelerator pedals are used.

Always check the conditions around the vehicle before moving off.

CAUTION

  • The HLA system does not operate on a gentle slope. Moreover, the incline angle at which the function activates depends on the vehicle load.

  • The HLA system does not operate when the parking brake is applied, the vehicle has not come to a complete stop, or the clutch pedal is released.

  • When the HLA system is operating, the brake pedal may feel firm and vibrate, but this is not a sign of a malfunction.

  • The HLA system does not operate when the TCS/DSC warning light is illuminated.

    See the section “Warning and Indicator Lights” on page 4-40.

  • The HLA system will not switch off even if the DSC OFF switch is pressed to turn off TCS/DSC.

  • (Automatic transmission) Although the HLA system does not operate while the i-stop function is active, the vehicle roll-back prevention function still works.

Test yourself

A quick Mazda 2 quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.