TCS and Grade Assist Switch

Drive with grade assist is activated when the TCS (if equipped) or grade assist switch (if equipped) is pressed. The TCS is located on the LH lower instrument panel. The grade assist switch (if equipped) is located on the selector lever knob. When the either switch is pressed, the 6th gear or O/D upshift is prevented or the transmission shifts down to 5th gear. The TCS (if equipped) or grade assist switch (if equipped) is meant to be used when driving conditions cause excessive shifting from 6th to other gears such as hilly terrain, mountainous areas or when engine braking is required.

The TCS (if equipped) or grade assist switch (if equipped):

• 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 O/D mode on flat terrain to provide the best fuel economy and transmission function. The transmission returns to O/D when the TCS (if equipped) or grade assist switch (if equipped) is pressed again or anytime the key is turned OFF.