How To Fix Hill Start Assist Not Available?

There are several software and internal issues that can cause a hill start assist system to disappear, causing a car to have trouble starting on very steep inclines. In spite of the fact that you can still drive with the hill start assist not on, fixing the problem will increase safety and prevent the car from rolling back.

How To Fix Hill Start Assist Not Available

So, what can be done to fix the problem of hill start assist not being available? In the event that this error message appears randomly or due to a software issue, you can easily solve it by resetting or upgrading the software. This error message will appear if your rear-wheel ABS sensors are damaged, your brake light fuse is blown, or your ESC or TC is faulty. You’ll need help from an expert if your car displays this message. Let’s get to the bottom of it


Hill Start Assist Not Available: Reasons

As soon as the driver removes their foot from the accelerator, hill start will assist and the brake will be held for a short time. An incline-assist feature is activated after parking the vehicle on an incline.

There are numerous pages on registered NHTSA where owners have shared their experiences with hill start assist not being available. A bad battery, a faulty fuel injector, and a misaligned radar are most likely to cause this error message.

When you are driving unevenly or lose ground on start up, the hill start assist not available message may appear. Neither is it a sign that something is wrong. It should disappear automatically after appearing a few times. The following problems might be the cause if this is not the case:

Bad Battery

In the event of a battery voltage drop-down, the HSA will be temporarily disabled resulting in poor performance. In cases where this massage appears when you start the car and disappears shortly thereafter, a bad battery could be to blame. There may be no other warning lights or DTC codes displayed on the dashboard. The battery may need to be recharged or replaced if this is the case.

Overheated Transmission

It is possible for a transmission to overheat if you drive a vehicle in hot weather or heavy traffic. It is possible that the hill start assist is not available and light may come on as a result. The transmission should cool down, however, and the symptom should disappear.

Driving Aat High Speed

As long as the speed is below 10 mph, the HSA system is designed to work. The car will display a warning light if you drive too fast and the system will disable.

Damaged ABS sensors on the rear wheels

Upon firing or burning your car’s rear-wheel ABS sensor, a warning light will appear on the dashboard saying ABS and hill start assist are not available. There is also a possibility that the car will display OBD codes on the display. You will have to replace the sensor in this case in order for the hill start failure message to disappear.

Broken Brake Light Fuse

It is also possible for this error message to be caused by a broken brake light fuse, particularly on Ford edge cars. There is a connection between Ford’s brake light and its hill start assist system. If your brake light malfunctions, you will see the “hill start assist not available” indicator light on your Ford. Repairing or replacing the brake light circuit is the only way to fix this issue.

Random Error

It is not uncommon for Ford vehicles to show error messages, codes, and lights randomly. There is also a possibility that the HSA error light may appear randomly. Vehicles that have driven only a few miles, old and new, can suffer from this problem.

A vehicle’s error message may appear if it’s taken out of a garage with the hood open, the start button held down for an extended period, or some function is disabled. Having a child passenger or a car wash partner can also cause the HSA light to turn on mistakenly.

Faulty ESC and TC

The vehicle can turn on some other features including HSA if your car’s electronic stability control (ESC) or traction control light (TCL) has been deactivated completely. You will need the assistance of a mechanic if this is the case.


How To Reset Hill Start Assist not Available Problem?

In order to fix HSA error messages, it is necessary to understand the underlying problems. Depending on the issue, you might be able to fix some of it at the home garage, but others may require an expert mechanic’s attention. Some possible solutions are listed below:

How To Reset Hill Start Assist not Available Problem

Use an OBD scanner

A diagnostic scanner (OBD) is needed to determine the actual issue. As a result of this device, you will be able to read the error code, which you will have to interpret to diagnose and fix the problem.

Perform a software update

The HSA issue can be resolved by updating the car’s software, especially if it needs an update. As a matter of fact, it’s much easier to do this than using an OBD scanner to diagnose the problem. Your Ford vehicle’s software can be updated by following this procedure.

Reset the Feature

Simply reset the HSA system if your vehicle’s system turns on and off frequently.


What is the procedure for resetting the Hill Start Assist Problem?

When the car is started from a stop, the HSA system prevents it from rolling backward. You can easily restore hill start assistance functionality by simply resetting the system once you notice that the hill start assistance light is not on. Here are the steps:

  • The vehicle should be parked and the engine should be turned off.
  • Depress the brake pedal with your left foot and hold it for 30 seconds.
  • Start the engine again.
  • You should receive a complete massage when you release the brake pedal.
  • The car should now be driven normally.

In the event that the message appears again, there might be a mechanical fault which needs to be investigated. After the underlying issue is resolved, the message should automatically disappear.

Several parameters must be considered when using the HSA feature, including the hill angle, the vehicle speed, and the voltage of the battery. Therefore, you should read the owner’s manual and speak to a qualified mechanic so you can utilize this safety system properly and avoid getting massaged.


How much will it cost to fix the Hill Start Assist problem?

In case the resetting method doesn’t work, you have to spend a lot of money on repairs or replacements. In order to fix HSA, the most common part that needs to be replaced is the fuel injector. Depending on the brand and model, the cost can be around $1200.

It is, however, more affordable to replace faulty rear-wheel ABS sensors and faulty brake light fuses. The rear-wheel ABS sensors will run you $100 to $150, and the brake light fuse will run you $30 to $75. The cost of replacing a bad battery can range from $45 to $250, while fixing ESC and TC costs between $96 and $106.


Is it possible to drive without Hill Start Assist?

The hill start assist system is not part of the engine, so you can drive your car without it. As a result, you won’t experience any problems when driving without a hill start assist. Driving on certain terrain that requires special vehicle behavior requires this feature to keep the car from rolling backwards on the hill.

Is it possible to drive without Hill Start Assist

For people who drive on flat roads all the time, the HSA feature isn’t necessary. In some Ford models, there is a hill descent control system called hill descent control (HDC). When driving on rough terrain or rough terrain, HDC helps the car maintain a steady speed. It would be necessary for a driver to drive downhill with extra caution if this feature disappeared.

A dashboard light or error message should be repaired according to automobile enthusiasts. Whether you use HSA or not, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition if it has one. You will be at risk of losing your life if this happens.


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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Hill Start Assist Be Installed?

Using a manual installation, you can add hill start assist to your car if it doesn’t come with one. It’s important to note, however, that aftermarket systems can cost a fortune and may void your warranty. When driving on a hill, you will benefit from this system if you have a car that includes it.

How Long Does Hill Start Assist Last?

After releasing the brake pedal, the hill start assist automatically operates the brake system for 3 seconds.

Does Hill Start Assist Work with Handbrake?

 When the handbrake is released, hill start assistance continues to work. A hill-sensing brake helps the car run safely on rough terrain by holding the brake for a few seconds.


Conclusion

It is highly beneficial for a new driver to have hill start assist in order to avoid rolling back on an incline when starting the vehicle. To drive safely on uneven terrain, it is essential to know how to fix hill start assistance not available.

It should be possible to fix this error message by resetting or upgrading the software, but if the problem is internal, you may require the assistance of a professional. If you are not capable of handling it yourself, don’t hesitate to pay a qualified mechanic.

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