JKlad

My ABS pump failed on my '08 JK 6-spd so had it & the control module replaced under warranty. Straight away I noticed a new feature; when on on a hill (or even just a slight incline) and I release the brake pedal, the brakes remain on for about 2 seconds to prevent rollback, negating the need to use the handbrake for hillstarts. If you apply power in under the delay time, the brakes release immediately so there's no hesitation on take-off.

I asked the service manager at the dealer about it, & he scratched his head at first but then said he'd heard it was a brand new feature coming out on new Chrysler vehicles. He confirmed that my SBS pump & module was shipped out fresh from Germany (had to wait 4 weeks) & flashed with the latest software, so that explains the new feature; it just seemed a bit strange as he seemed to be taking a guess about it.

Just wondering if anyone out there has a late '09 build JK (or had the ABS system replaced or reflashed) & has the same feature, & what you think about it if you do. Took me a while to get used to it but now it's second nature to me & a lot smoother than the 'ole handbrake start.

GoodysGotaCuda

My '09 has "hill assist" (is the name for it). I love it.

ronjenx

Sounds like you got a retrofit the dealer wouldn't do if you had asked for it.

jk dave

it is standard on the 10's it can be a pain in certain instances

JKlad

Yeah, the only downside I've found is when I'm on a steep hill offroad, & need to ease off the breaks a little to gently rollback & get the transfer case gears to mesh & engage 4-Low; the "hill assist" (as I've learned it's called) feature results in the brakes being either full-on or full-off in this situation

ronjenx

If you want to turn off hill assist, try this from the '09 owner's manual:

HSA Off
If you wish to turn off the HSA system, follow this
procedure:
1. Start with the engine off and vehicle in PARK (automatic
transmission) or NEUTRAL with clutch out
(manual transmission) with wheels straight. Apply parking
brake on manual transmission vehicle.
2. Start the engine.
3. With the engine running, the brake applied, and the
clutch out, rotate the steering wheel 180° counterclockwise
from center.
4. Press the ESP OFF switch four times within twenty
seconds.
5. Rotate the steering wheel 360° clockwise (180° clockwise
from center).
6. Cycle ignition switch OFF then ON.
7. If the sequence was completed properly, the “ESP/
TCS Indicator Light” will blink several times to confirm
HSA is off.
Steps 1-7 must be completed within 90 seconds to turn off
HSA. Repeat steps 1-7 to re-enable HSA functionality.

JKlad

Hey, thanks for that; I'll copy it & keep it in the glovebox for the next time I'm off-road with all the other bits & pieces of information I've picked up on this forum!

strat_53711

I've been driving stick for 30 years. Hill assist is nice for the noob manual transmission driver but I found myself stalling my Jeep a couple of times on small uphill starts. I turned it off and haven't stall since.

It is what it is.

Widewing

Yeah, roll-back on even the steepest hill usually denotes someone who is new to a manual transmission... Or, has poor coordination.



My regards,

Widewing

07Rubi2dr

i find with my rubi gearing even on the steepest inclines if you let the clutch out slow enough there is no roll back what so ever (in 4lo)