kcdubya

I have a 2018 Audi SQ5. Can someone please explain to me the similarities and differences between Hill Descent Assist (page 152 of manual) and Hill Descent Control (page 87 of manual)? I have seen various threads that talk about various aspects, but nothing that succinctly describes the differences. I have had no luck engaging Hill Descent Control on the car and from the descriptions they both sound like two ways of automatically maintaining your speed when descending a hill. However, both descriptions are certainly lacking.

Thanks all for your help.

Ken

SCarGuy

There is Hill Assist, and Hill Descent

https://www.audi.co.uk/glossary/h/hi...rt-assist.html



Hill Descent is done via the switch on the dash, under climate control, with the icon of the vehicle and the downward slope

kcdubya

Thanks for the reply SCarGuy. As described in the manual, the 2018 Audi SQ5 actually has 3 features that are designed to help the driver with hills:

1. Hill Hold Assist (page 82 of manual)
   • when pointing up a hill holds you on a hill without keeping you foot on the break
   • described by the 1st link and the 3rd link (video) in your reply as I understand it
   • I have gotten it to work as described
     
2. Hill Descent Control (page 87 of manual)
   • limits you speed when going down a hill
   • activated by pressing on the break when descending
   • described by the 2nd link (vido) in your reply as I understand it
   • I have not been able to get it to work
     
3. Hill Descent Assist (page 142 of manual)
   • limits your speed when going down a hill
   • activated when by the switch on the dash under the climate control
   • only works when going 19mph or less
   • do not see this described in the link or video that you provided although you refer to it in your comments
   • I have gotten this to work

Maybe there is an error in the manual and if the vehicle has Hill Descent Assist it does not have Hill Descent Control. The manual does not describe any connection between the features.

In any case, any further clarification you have would be great.

Thanks.

Ken

U-2

Many modern cars just automatically downshift going downhill when you apply the brakes a little. That is basically what owner's manual says:"transmission automatically selects a gear that is suitable..."
I do not think the guy's claim in the second video that car will not go above the current speed is accurate. Even manual says that you may apply the breaks again to adjust the speed.

kcdubya

Thanks U-2. Based on your comments and re-reading the manual I guess it makes sense. Unfortunately there is no indicator/icon on the dash that tells you if Hill Descent Control has been activated, and as you alluded to while the manual does say that it will try to maintain the speed that the vehicle is going when you break there is no guarantee. I must say, however, I have tried breaking on several hill of varying pitches and never got it to maintain the speed other than controlling it with the break myself, so I am still a little bit skeptical that I understand how it works and/or that it is working correctly on my vehicle.