While enjoying a mountain adventure, you may encounter an unexpected situation where the hill hold assist or hill hold control malfunction light illuminates. Hill hold control, abbreviated as HHC, serves as a driver assistance system aimed at preventing a vehicle from rolling back on hills, slopes, or inclined surfaces when the driver starts moving from a stationary position. The HHC system consists of multiple components, and a malfunction in any of these components can trigger the HHC malfunction warning light.
What is HHC Malfunctioning Warning Lights ?
The hill-hold control is a safety feature that stops a car from rolling backward as the driver begins moving from a stationary position on an incline. When drivers release the brake and engage the accelerator, there’s a potential risk of rolling backward, particularly when ascending a hill.
If the hill-hold control malfunction warning light is on, it indicates that the car might not maintain its position while climbing steep hills.
Can You Drive Your Car With HHC Malfunctioning Light ON?
You can definitely continue driving with the hill-hold control (HHC) malfunction warning light on.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the HHC system won’t be functional during your drive. In essence, your vehicle will operate like a standard car without this specific safety feature, particularly on slopes or inclined surfaces.
Why is The HHC Malfunctioning Light In My Car Illuminated?
An illuminated HHC Malfunction can be caused by a number of issues, including:
1. Malfunction of Angle Sensors:
These sensors are responsible for measuring the car’s angle on an incline by comparing it to the hill’s grade. When these sensors malfunction, it triggers the illumination of the HHC malfunction warning light.
2. Malfunction of Pressure Sensor:
When the pressure sensors responsible for measuring the vehicle’s weight malfunction within the suspension system, it can lead to the illumination of the HHC (Hill-Hold Control) malfunction warning light.
This sensor assesses the weight of the vehicle, accounting for passengers and cargo. Piezoelectric sensors or strain gauges are commonly utilized in this system.
If these sensors fail to function correctly, they can prompt the HHC malfunction warning light to illuminate.
3. Malfunction of Torque Sensor:
Torque sensors measure the rotational force an engine generates to accelerate a vehicle. The torque sensors measure how much torque the drivetrain transfers to the wheels.
If these sensors fail to function correctly, they can prompt the HHC malfunction warning light to illuminate.
4. Malfunction of Wheel-speed Sensors:
By measuring the rotational speed and direction of wheels, these sensors determine their rotational speed and direction.
When these sensors malfunction and fail to operate as intended, they can cause the HHC (Hill-Hold Control) malfunction warning light to illuminate.
5. Malfunction of Electronic Control Unit (ECU):
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is a computer system within vehicles that receives signals from various sensors, making decisions like when to engage the brakes. It utilizes information from pressure and angle sensors to calculate the moving resistance on hills. This computation assists in determining engine torque based on the uphill movement.
If the ECU malfunction and fail to function as intended, they can cause the HHC (Hill-Hold Control) malfunction warning light to turn on.
6. Malfunction in Electrical Circuit:
An issue in the electrical circuit, such as a blown fuse, can activate the HHC (Hill-Hold Control) malfunction warning light.
7. Malfunction in Brake actuator:
An actuator is a device that translates an electrical signal into a physical movement. The brake actuator, upon receiving a signal from the ECU, engages the brakes, preventing the vehicle from rolling backward down a hill.
If there is a malfunction in the brake actuator, it can result in the illumination of the HHC malfunction warning light.
How to Fix HHC Malfunction Warning Light ?
Here are steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue and understand why the HHC Malfunction Warning has come on:
1. Inspect for Blown Fuse:
Check for any blown fuses related to the affected component. If a blown fuse is discovered, replace it. Replacing the blown fuse might resolve the issue.
2. Examine the Angle Sensors:
Check the wiring of the angle sensor or any other potential issues.
3. Examine the Pressure Sensor:
4. Examine the Torque Sensor:
5. Examine the Wheel-speed Sensors:
6. Examine the Electronic Control Unit (ECU):
