System Outline

The VSC system helps prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways as a result of a strong front or rear wheel skid during cornering.

The following are two examples of circumstances in which the tires may exceed their lateral grip limit. The VSC system is designed to help control the vehicle behavior by controlling the engine output and the brakes pressure at each wheel when the vehicle is under one of the conditions indicated below.

* When the front wheels lose grip in relation to the rear wheels (Strong front wheel skid).

* When the rear wheels lose grip in relation to the front wheels (Strong rear wheel skid).

The downhill assist control operation controls the braking pressure for each wheel to help prevent the vehicle posture from becoming out of balance when the vehicle is descending a steep hill or traveling at a speed which exceeds the wheel grip capability threshold. When the downhill assist control is in operation, the brake system controls the vehicle speed within the range of 5 to 7 km/h. For the downhill assist control to operate all of the following conditions must be met:

* Downhill assist control switch ON

* Transfer L4 selected

* Vehicle speed 5 km/h or more, but less than 25 km/h

* Accelerator pedal OFF

* Brake pedal OFF

When starting off while facing up a steep hill, the hill-start support control will automatically apply the brakes momentarily - from the moment when the driver releases his foot from the brake pedal until he steps on the accelerator pedal. This is to help the driver start the vehicle off safely and smoothly.

It should be noted however, that it will only apply the brakes for a maximum of 3 seconds.

For the hill-start support control to operate all of the following conditions must be met:

* Shift position D, 2, or L

* Vehicle not moving forward with one or more wheels slipping

* Vehicle speed is greater than 0 km/h