Grade Assist

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Improves vehicle handling in hilly terrain or mountainous areas by providing engine braking and extending lower gear operation on uphill climbs.
Additional engine braking is provided through the automatic transmission shift strategy which reacts to vehicle inputs (vehicle acceleration, accelerator pedal, brake pedal and vehicle speed).
The transmission will select gears that will provide the engine braking desired, based on the vehicle inputs, this will increase engine rpm during engine braking.

It is recommended to return to DRIVE mode on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission function. The transmission returns to O/D when the TCS is pressed again or anytime the key is turned OFF.