Kia Soul: Hill-start assist control (HAC)

Kia Soul 2009-2013 AM Owner's Manual / Driving your vehicle / Brake system / Hill-start assist control (HAC)

Hill start Assist Control is a comfort function. The main intend is to prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards while driving off uphill on an inclined surface. HAC holds the braking pressure builtup by driver during stopping procedure for 2 seconds after releasing brake pedal.

During the pressure-hold period, the driver has enough time to press the accelerator pedal to drive off.

The braking pressure is reduced as soon as the system detects the driver’s intention to drive off.

WARNING - Rolling backward

Drivers should pay close attention when activating the HAC. The vehicle may roll backward causing an accident due to insufficient brake hold pressure.

The HAC does not operate when the transaxle shift lever is in the P (Park) or N (Neutral) position.
The HAC activates even though the ESC is off but it does not activate when the ESC has malfunctioned.

ESC OFF usage

When driving It’s a good idea to keep the ESC turned on for daily driving whenever possible. To turn ESC off while driving, press the ESC OFF button while driving on a flat road surface. ...

Vehicle stability management (VSM)

This system provides further enhancements to vehicle stability and steering responses when a vehicle is driving on a slippery road or a vehicle detected changes in coefficient of friction between ...