Why does my truck say grade braking active?
If you've ever noticed the message "Grade Braking Active" on your truck's dashboard, you might be wondering what it means and whether it’s something to be concerned about. As an experienced auto service provider, I’m here to explain what grade braking is, why it activates, and how it benefits your driving experience.
What Is Grade Braking?
Grade braking is a feature found in many modern trucks and vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. It is designed to assist drivers when descending steep grades or hills by automatically downshifting the transmission to help control the vehicle's speed. This reduces the reliance on the brake pedal, preventing brake overheating and improving overall safety.
Why Does "Grade Braking Active" Appear?
The "Grade Braking Active" message appears when your truck's system detects that you are driving downhill and determines that additional braking assistance is needed. This feature is typically triggered under the following conditions:
- You are driving on a steep incline or decline.
- The vehicle's speed is increasing rapidly without throttle input.
- The system senses that the brakes are being used frequently to maintain speed.
When these conditions are met, the system engages grade braking to help maintain a safe and steady speed, reducing the strain on your brakes.
How Does Grade Braking Work?
Grade braking works by using the engine and transmission to slow the vehicle. Here’s how it typically functions:
- The system monitors the vehicle's speed, throttle input, and brake usage.
- When it detects a steep downhill grade, it automatically downshifts the transmission to a lower gear.
- This increases engine resistance, which helps slow the vehicle without relying solely on the brakes.
This process is seamless and designed to enhance safety, especially when towing heavy loads or driving in mountainous areas.
Is Grade Braking Something to Worry About?
In most cases, the "Grade Braking Active" message is nothing to worry about. It’s simply your truck’s way of helping you maintain control and prevent brake wear. However, if the message appears frequently on flat terrain or when you’re not descending a hill, it could indicate a problem with the system. In such cases, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic.
Tips for Using Grade Braking Effectively
To make the most of your truck’s grade braking feature, keep these tips in mind:
- Use cruise control when driving on highways or long descents to allow the system to manage speed more effectively.
- Pay attention to the "Grade Braking Active" message and adjust your driving as needed.
- If towing, ensure your load is properly balanced and within the vehicle’s towing capacity.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you notice unusual behavior, such as the grade braking system activating unnecessarily or failing to engage when needed, it’s time to consult a trusted mechanic. At Kevin’s Autos, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing all types of vehicle systems, including grade braking. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your truck’s performance.
Grade braking is a valuable feature that enhances safety and prolongs the life of your brakes. By understanding how it works and when to seek help, you can ensure a smoother and safer driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when my car says grade braking active?
GRADE BRAKING ON: This message displays when the grade braking has been activated while driving on downhill grades. This message will only appear the first time the feature is activated in an ignition cycle. This message will not display if Cruise Control Grade Braking goes active.
Can you turn off active brake assist?
All you do is go into settings. And go to assistance avoid contact. And here you can now switch off the systems. And when you switch it off you'll also get a message on instrument cluster.
How to fix brake system warning light?
How Do You Fix a Brake Light Warning?
- Pull Over Safely.
- Restart the Vehicle and/or Dashboard.
- Replace the Brake Pads.
- Check the Brake Fluid.
- Check or Replace the Bulbs.
- Stop the vehicle and check the Parking Brake.
- Take Your Car to an Auto Shop.
- Recent Articles.
How to know if brake fluid is low?
Brake Lights - If you see the letters ABS pop up on your instrument cluster, chances are you're low on brake fluid. This light lets you know that there's an issue with your anti-lock braking system. If the parking brake is disengaged but you still see the word BRAKE, that's another sign that your fluid levels are low.
What does grade braking active mean?
• GRADE BRAKING ACTIVE: This message displays when the grade braking has been activated while driving on downhill grades. This message will only. appear the first time the feature is activated in an ignition cycle. This message will not display if Cruise Control Grade Braking goes active.
What is grade braking in a truck?
The grade-braking system is part of the Allison transmission, and its primary purpose is to downshift to provide engine braking to heavy vehicles on steep downgrades, to reduce overheating and wear on the brakes. The system overrides the gear selector position and selects the next lower gear automatically.
Is grade braking bad for your car?
Remember, the grade braking feature is designed to use the transmission and engine to provide engine braking during deceleration when the proper conditions are met. This feature improves vehicle control while reducing wear and tear on the vehicle brakes.
How to turn off brake assist on Chevy Silverado?
You can also turn the feature off through the Settings menu of your infotainment system. Go to the Rear Park Assist section of the Settings menu and disable “Alert and Brake” to do this. If you turn Reverse Automatic Braking off, the feature will automatically turn back on if you restart the vehicle.
How do I turn off active grade braking?
Grade-braking can be exited by depressing the accelerator pedal.
Why does my truck say brake?
If your brake service warning light is always on, it could be due to a need for parking brake adjustment, worn brake pads, or hydraulic issues. If your brake service warning light turns on when you hit the pedal, it could be due to hydraulic loss on one side of your vehicle or low brake fluid in the master cylinder.
