An extremely unpleasant Ford warning known as “Hill Descent Control Fault” or “Hill Descent Control Malfunction” can be experienced by many Ford drivers.
You don’t have to worry, I’ll explain why this message appears and how to fix it in this article. I am looking forward to getting started!
Why does Ford have Hill Descent Control?
Your Ford’s hill descent control fault alert can be caused by a number of things, but before we get into it,
Prior to understanding hill descent control, it is imperative to understand what it is and how it operates.
As such, the Hill Descent Control System (HDC) controls your vehicle’s speed automatically down steep hills, much like a cruise control system does.
In order to maintain a steady speed down the hill, the system uses your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and traction control system.
This system keeps the vehicle at the speed you set as you descend by constantly adjusting the braking pressure.
By eliminating the need to use the brakes and change transmission gears, you can easily go down steep grades without putting much effort into it.
It has a gear ratio of 2 to 12 mph for maintaining speed on downhills.
The vehicle’s descent speed won’t be re-engaged until you move back below 20 mph if it happens to be over 20 mph while you are going over 20 mph.
Therefore, this system is intended to be used in steep hills as an advanced cruise control. As a result, you can concentrate more on steering, not braking, because it uses anti-lock brakes to maintain a steady speed.
There is a greater sense of control and ease when going downhill.
Why is Ford issuing an alert regarding its “Hill Descent Control Fault”?
The purpose of Ford’s HDC System has now been briefly explained, let us now address the significance of the alert.
It means that the computer (PCM) has detected some kind of problem with the HDC system when it displays the “Hill Descent Control Fault” or “Hill Descent Control Malfunction” message.
A bad wheel sensor or a faulty ABS control module can cause it, or it can be something more serious.
Following are a few of the causes I’ve encountered as an auto technician.
Causes of Hill Descent Control Faults
This warning alert is primarily caused by the following factors:
1. A defective brake switch:
It’s usually a faulty brake light switch that causes Hill Descent Malfunction.
When you press the brake pedal, the brake switch detects it.
In the event that it malfunctions, the Hill Descent Control module will not receive proper signals regarding brake application, which will prevent the system from functioning.
2. Sensor failure for the wheel speed:
Second, a bad wheel speed sensor is frequently responsible for this error (also referred to as an ABS sensor).
Each wheel is monitored by these sensors. It will not be possible for Hill Descent Control to function properly if one of these failures occurs.
Until the sensor is replaced, the device will not function.
3. Voltage drop:
Hill Descent Control is highly dependent on a properly charged battery just like most other Ford electronics.
Bad batteries or low battery charges can cause the system to malfunction if the battery voltage drops below a certain point.
4. Battery-related false alarms:
The Hill Descent Control can sometimes be false flagged when reconnecting or replacing the battery.
After resetting the battery, the faults usually resolve themselves.
4. Steering rack damaged or faulty:
Vehicle direction and movement are communicated to the computer system through the steering rack.
The Hill Descent Control can be affected if it is damaged or faulty. The “hill descent control fault” is less commonly caused by this problem.
Ford owners have reported enough cases of this error being caused by steering racks.
6. Defective ABS module:
Among HDC’s most critical components is the ABS (Antilock Braking System). During ABS braking events, it regulates brake pressure through logic and valves.
In a malfunctioning ABS module, communication and signals can be disrupted with the Hill Descent Control system, triggering error codes.
7. Fuse blown in a battery:
Lastly, blown fuses usually cause “hill descent control faults/malfunctions”.
There may be other fuses connected to the Hill Descent Control system besides the Hill Descent Control fuse. It is possible for other components, such as the brake control module and ABS control unit, to have fuse connections.
It is possible to experience hill descent control failures if any of these related fuses blow.
Fused brake and traction control systems can be repaired or replaced if they are blown.
Ford Hill Descent Control Fault Message: How to Fix and Reset
In conclusion, let’s investigate how this problem might be solved.
Battery should be disconnected and reconnected
I recommend disconnecting and reconnecting the battery the moment this alert appears on your dashboard.
If you are having computer problems like this, this is a good way to reset it.
Battery voltage should be checked
Test the battery voltage next if the alert does not disappear.
AutoZone will test your Ford for free if you bring it to your nearest location.
Replacing a bad battery is the best solution.
Take a diagnostic test
As long as the battery is still in good condition after being disconnected and reconnected.
The OBD diagnostic tool should be used to scan your vehicle as a mechanic would advise.
All the stored codes will be read by the scanner, so you’ll know what’s wrong.
A Ford dealer or an independent mechanic can fix it for you.
Below are the best places to start if you want to try to resolve the Hill descent control malfunction on your own, without having to scan the vehicle.
Brake switch needs to be changed
The next step you should take is to check the brake switch itself if the “Hill Descent Control Fault” warning is still displayed on your Ford.
In most cases, it can be changed by yourself and is relatively simple to do.
A professional mechanic should be able to perform this task for you if you are not mechanically inclined.
It is necessary to replace the wheel speed sensors:
Your Ford’s wheel speed sensors should be checked if the “Hill Descent Control Fault” warning remains.
The axles of your vehicle have these sensors. Rather than replacing them all separately, I would recommend replacing them all together.
The problem should now be resolved.
Find a qualified mechanic to repair car:
Taking your car to a qualified Ford dealer or repair garage will fix your “Hill Descent Control Fault” if doing the above doesn’t work.
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