© Copyright 2023 Wealth Quint. All rights reserved.
If you own a Ford vehicle, you may have got the error “hill start assist not available” while driving.
This error can be frustrating and may leave you wondering what is causing the issue and how to fix it.
In this blog, we will explore the possible causes of the “hill start assist not available” message on Ford Transit, Focus, Fusion, F150, and Escape vehicles, as well as provide some tips for troubleshooting and fixing the issue.
What Does “Hill Start Assist Not Available” Mean?
“Hill start assist not available” means that the hill start assist feature is not currently able to be used.
Hill start assist is a feature that helps a vehicle to remain stationary when starting on an incline.
It works by applying the brakes automatically to keep the vehicle from rolling backwards when you take your foot off the brake pedal to accelerate.
Why Did “Hill Start Assist Not Available” Error Occurred?
There are several possible reasons for the “hill start assist not available” error to appear on a Ford vehicle:
1. Incorrect Position For Hill Start Assist
Hill start assist is designed to be used when the vehicle is stopped on an incline.
If your vehicle is on level ground or going downhill, Hill start assist feature will not be available.
2. Problem With Your Hill Start Assist System
A malfunctioning sensor, a fault in the system’s software, or a problem with the brakes or other components can cause your hill start assist system to not function properly.
3. Hill Start Assist Feature Disabled By You
Some Ford vehicles allow to turn off the hill start assist feature if needed.
4. Weak Or Dead Vehicle Battery
Hill start assist relies on the vehicle’s electronics to function, so if your vehicle battery is weak or dead, hill start assist feature will not be available.
5. Vehicle In 4WD Or AWD Mode
Some Ford vehicles do not allow hill start assist to be used in 4WD or AWD mode.
How To Fix “Hill Start Assist Not Available” On Ford?
If you are getting the “hill start assist not available” error on your Ford vehicle, there are a few steps you can take to try to fix the issue:
1. Check The Position Of Your Vehicle
Make sure that your vehicle is stopped on an incline, as hill start assist is only available when your vehicle is in this position.
If your vehicle is on level ground or going downhill, the feature will not be available.
2. Check The Battery
If the battery is weak or dead, it may be causing the hill start assist system to not function properly.
You can try jump starting the vehicle or charging the battery to see if this resolves the issue.
If the battery is not the problem, there may be an issue with the alternator or other charging system component.
3. Check The Hill Start Assist System
Make sure that your hill start assist system is enabled and functioning properly.
You can check manual or consult a qualified mechanic for further information on how to do this.
If the system appears to be functioning properly, there may be a problem with a sensor or other component that is causing.
Similar Posts:
Hill start assist not available is one of the errors quite serious on the car system and trouble when you are climbing uphill and encounter an obstacle that is forced to stop. In the case of parking on a slope but the feature does not work, your vehicle may lose its ability to grip the road leading to a skid situation, endangering the people on the vehicle and the vehicles behind!!
What is hill start assist?
The hill start assist system is a valuable and practical feature in the car. It gives you a sense of security and you can drive comfortably on steep terrains without worrying that your car might skid for any second if you stop on the ramp. This feature is included in the SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) system, which is the name of an innovative electronically controlled brake system that Mercedes-Benz developed and equipped on some models in 2001.
What does hill start assist not available mean?
At this time, the Hill start assist feature has encountered a problem resulting in inoperability. The main cause of the above phenomenon is almost always faulty sensors or faulty control box software.
When this feature crashes, you will see the hill start assist light showing a warning light. How to handle this situation?
Next, we will come to the most important part of the article, which is the preparation step and the coding step with DTS Monaco software.
Causes of the hill start assist system stops working
After receiving information from car owners about this error, the technician checked and found that the basic causes for this condition to occur are as follows:
- ABS sensor problem: The ABS system is broken, you need to replace the sensor
- Electronic Stability Control esc (ESC) and Traction Control system (TC) are off
- System problem: This is the most common cause, what you have to do is read the error and re-code it
- Brake light problem: Due to HSA pressure on the brakes, It causes a problem with the brake light.
You need a machine and an OBD II diagnostic device to diagnose where the fault is. With Mercedes you can use the Xentry software, the C4 device.
This is one of the important steps, you need to fully meet the requirements below to proceed to intervene in the SBC system control box.
Specialized software for coding and programming for Mercedes: DTS Monaco
In-depth diagnostic support for Mercedes: C4
You are looking to learn more about versatile laptops that support diagnosing and repairing vehicles ? You can referr to sonme laptop such as Panasonic CF-19, Panasonic CF-53, Panasonic CF-54, or Panasonic CF-D1 laptops at the best price!!
Steps to code in DTS Monaco
The repair hill start assist problem steps below are performed by experienced technicians from Eurocartool. If you do not have enough equipment or do not have the experience to repair hill start assist not available Mercedes , please contact our technician for remote support.
After read hill start assist not available error on Xentry. Following are the steps to operate on DTS Monaco software:
Step 1: Connect Xentry software to the vehicle and identify the SBC system control box named ESP9MFA.
Step 2: Open DTS Monaco software and connect ESP9MFA
Step 3: in Domain select [002], next in Internal Coding change Hold from “nein” to “ja”
Step 4: Conduct coding
Step 5: Reset the control box and see the results after the operation
You can watch a lot of video manuals on our youtube channel: Car Diagnostic Software
Now, the operations to re-code the SBC system with the DTS Monaco software that Eurocartool has synthesized.
Note: we do not encourage you to do operations like coding or programming yourself because these are operations that need high precision. Just a small error can lead to falsifying the sensor’s readings, if it’s mild, it will cause errors in the systems, if you make a serious mistake, you can pay up to hundreds or even of thousand dollars.
To save you time and avoid unfortunate consequences, Eurocartool is always ready to provide you with 24/7 remote technical support with a software engineering team with many years of experience in troubleshooting systems on the ground convenient. Please contact us via WhatsApp at +1-848-294-6626
Got the dreaded Hill Start Assist Not Available message or a Hill Start Assist OFF light on your Ford? That’s a bummer because this is an effective system, especially for those living in an area with many slopes. There are several reasons for this though.
Your Ford’s Hill Start Assist may not be working due to a random error, a faulty ABS sensor, problems with the traction control, a software glitch or it could just be due to a bad brake light fuse. If you don’t have an OBD-II scanner, these issues should be your first guesses.
Below is some more info about the problem:
This is a system that makes life easier in hilly areas. Let’s say that you’re stopped on a hill and you need to start driving. This is where you need to not just drive over the hill, but also need to prevent the vehicle from rolling down the hill dangerously.
What Ford Hill Assist does is prevent your vehicle from rolling back by automatically operating the brakes when needed. It uses sensors to gather data about how steep the hill is and works accordingly. It applies a lot of pressure to the brakes, giving you enough time to hit the accelerator and drive off. Otherwise, you’d have to awkwardly hit both the throttle and the brake.
How do I activate Ford Hill Start Assist?
To make the Hill Assist system work, you simply get to a hill and use the brakes to stop your Ford on it completely. Keep pressing the brake until you hear the sound for the system’s activation. There will be an indication that HSA is on as well.
Possible causes of Hill Start Assist not available Ford explained
Your Ford Hill Assist may not work and you can get the Hill Start Assist OFF light. In modern times where people rely a lot on driver’s assistance tech, it is quite difficult for most to do hill starts on their own. You need to plug in an OBD-II scanner to find out the cause.
If you cannot do that, then check out the following possible causes for this:
- Random error
It is not uncommon to have random messages, lights, or codes pop up on your dash. You can even get the Hill Start Assist not available message on your Ford this way. The reason could be anything, even a lack of miles on the odometer.
Ford drivers on forums have even reported this message pop up when they drove out of their garage with their hood open. Another possible culprit is if you’ve held the start button for too long and some features have been disabled. - Bad ABS sensor
A common culprit of this issue is when you have a fried Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) sensor. There isn’t a fix for this though. In order to resolve the issue, you have to replace the sensor altogether. - Turned OFF ESC and TC
Another possible cause for this is if you have both the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and the Traction Control (TC) turned completely off. Like the Hill Assist, both are related to the vehicle’s stability and are connected with each other.
Users online have stated that this problem went away after they restarted their car. It is because the default setting for the traction and stability controls came back on after the restart. Hence, the HSA came back on as well. You too can verify this by checking for the ESC and TC. - Software glitch
When an electronic part of a car goes bad, there’s a fair chance that there’s a software issue. This is one of the main causes of the Hill Start Assist not being available. There was a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) released by Ford a few years ago to address something similar. - Brake light problem
One possible cause here is when the fuse of the brake lights isn’t working. This is due to the HSA system putting a lot of pressure on the brakes. This can result in the electronic circuit malfunctioning sometimes.
How do I reset Hill Start Assist?
You simply press the button to turn off the traction control. You then press it again and you’ll notice that the Hill Start Assist light on the right side of the instrument cluster is on.
I’m Brad, a seasoned motor mechanic and passionate publisher. With years of experience under my belt, I take pride in sharing my extensive knowledge about the Ford F150 pickup. From engine mechanics to performance enhancements, I’m here to provide valuable insights and practical advice to help you make the most of your F150. Join me on this exciting journey and let’s dive into the world of trucks together.
“Hill Start Assist Not Available” is an error message that appears when the feature is not working due to an issue. A common cause of this message is manually turning off the system, driving with the hood open, or pressing the start button too long.
But sometimes, a bad ABS sensor, a weak or corroded battery, corrupt firmware, and a blown brake light fuse can also cause it.
Here’s why and how to fix the “Hill Start Assist Not Available Ford F150” error message that appears.
“Hill Start Assist Not Available” is a message that may appear when there is an issue with the Hill Start Assist system. This could be due to a malfunction in one of the sensors or components used to control the system. For example, a bad ABS sensor, ESC, TC, etc.
However, the message may also appear if the system has been turned off manually.
Source: F150 Forum
Can You Drive with Hill Start Assist Not Available?
You can still drive your Ford F150 if the Hill Start Assist system is unavailable. However, to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward, use the brake pedal carefully when starting the vehicle on a hill.
If the Hill Start Assist system is unavailable, you must rely on your skills to start the vehicle on a hill safely.
This may involve using the handbrake or parking brake to hold the vehicle in place while you release the foot brake. Then gradually releasing the brake while applying the accelerator to move forward.
Hill Start Assist Not Available in Ford F150: Reasons and Solutions
If you need the assistance of “Hill Start Assist,” you should get your vehicle checked. Here are some reasons why your “Hill Start Assist” is not available-
Reasons
- Bad ABS sensor
- Weak or corroded battery
- Battery replacement
- Corrupt software
- ESC and TC turned off
- The brake light fuse blown
Solution 1: Restart the Vehicle
Sometimes “Hills Start Assist Not Available” can appear randomly without any issue.
The message can appear while starting the car with the hood open or pressing the start button too long. In such an event, just restart the car and see if it disappears.
Solution 2: Turn on the ESC and TC
If you have the electronic stability control and the traction control off, the “Hill Start Assist Not Available” message will appear.
Simply turning the ESC and TC on will solve the problem. In this case, TC and ESC lights will be on.
Solution 3: Reset the BMS
The “Hill Start Assist Not Available” message can appear if you recently replaced your battery without resetting the BMS. Resetting the battery monitoring system (BMS) should solve this problem.
Solution 4: Clean or Replace the Battery
The “Hill Start Assist” error message may appear if the battery has a low voltage. Make sure your battery terminals are corrosion-free by cleaning them with corrosion cleaner.
Make sure the battery voltage is correct by using a multimeter. If the charge is below 10 volts, it indicates a faulty battery. Here is a chart for you to understand your battery health-
| Battery Voltage | What It Means |
| 12-12.6v (with the car off), 13-14.7 (with the car on) | Healthy and charged battery |
| 11-12v | Drained, needs to recharge |
| 10 or less than 10 | Weak battery, needs to replace |
Here is a video guide on how to replace a car battery-
How to Replace a Car Battery (the Right Way)
Solution 5: Updating the ABS Sensor Module Software
Using corrupt ABS sensor module software can cause the “Hill Start Assist Not Available” message to come up. Simply updating the software should fix the problem.
Tutorial: Ford Module Firmware Update with Forscan
Solution 6: Replace the ABS Sensor
A bad ABS sensor can make the “Hill Start Assist” error message appear on your Ford F150. In that case, you must check if the ABS sensor works.
To check the sensor, locate and remove it from the harness. Then connect it to a multimeter using alligator clips. Set the multimeter to read in the 20 kOhm range.
Now, the meter should give you a reading between 800-2000 ohms. If the reading is not within this range, replace your ABS sensor.
How to Replace an ABS Wheel Sensor Ford F150
Solution 7: Replacing the Brake Light Fuse
The “Hill Start Assist” is related to the vehicle’s braking system and uses the brake light fuse. So if the brake light fuse is blown, it can trigger the “Hill Start Assist Not Available” error message.
To locate the brake light fuse, refer to the owner’s manual of your vehicle. Once you do, you can test the fuse with a multimeter. Set the multimeter to read ohms, and the reading should be 0 or close to 0 ohms.
If the reading shows infinity or a higher number, it indicates that the fuse is blown and requires a replacement. While replacing the fuse, ensure the new one has the same amperage as the previous one.
Final thoughts
The error message “Hill Start Assist Not Available” in Ford F150 doesn’t necessarily indicate a serious issue.
Still, you should look into the problem, as it has the potential to damage your F150 further.
However, if the “Hill Start Assist Not Available” message is accompanied by other error messages and warning lights, it can mean something serious.
If that is the case, you should get your vehicle inspected as soon as possible.
What Is Hill Start Assist?
Hill start assist is a safety feature that prevents your car from rolling backward when starting on a hill.
When you stop on an incline, your car will typically roll back a bit when you release the brake pedal to engage the accelerator. This can be dangerous, especially if there are other cars or pedestrians behind your car.
But with Hill Start Assist, you won’t have to worry about that. The system automatically holds the brakes in place for a few seconds after you release the brake pedal, giving you enough time to get moving without rolling back. Once you accelerate forward, the system will release the brakes and the car will move smoothly up the hill.
You can find this feature on some car brands:
- Ford Focus, Fusion, Escape, and Explorer;
- Subaru Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and Forester;
- Toyota Camry, Corolla, RAV4, and Highlander;
- Honda Accord, Civic, CR-V, and Pilot;
- Volkswagen, Audi, etc.
What Does the Hill Start Assist Not Available Warning Mean?
When the hill start assist warning light comes on, it indicates there is a malfunction in the hill start assist system.
In some car brands like Ford, you also get a “Hill Start Assist Not Available” message.
As the system is temporarily unavailable, you should press the brake pedal to secure your car from rolling away unintentionally. Also, try to find out the cause and fix it as soon as possible.
Here are two potential reasons why the hill start assist warning light may be on:
Faulty or Dirty Sensors
The hill start assist system uses various sensors to detect the incline of the hill and the pressure on the brake pedal. They include an inclinometer, vehicle speed sensor, wheel speed sensor, brake pressure sensor, etc.
Over time, these sensors can become faulty or covered in debris, which can affect their accuracy. Thus, the system may not be able to detect when the car is on a hill, and the warning light or message may appear.
These sensors are also used in the traction control (TC), electronic stability control (ESC), brake, and anti-lock brake system (ABS). In some cases, if one sensor is malfunctioning, you notice the multiple warning lights come on.
Low Battery Voltage
The hill start assist system relies on the car battery to function properly. If the battery voltage is too low, the system may be unable to operate and trigger the warning light or the “hill start assist unavailable” message to inform you.
What to Do If the Hill Start Assist Is Not Available
Step 1: Check the battery voltage
If the battery voltage is low, recharge or replace it if necessary.
Step 2: Inspect the sensors
Check the sensors for any signs of physical damage or wear and tear, such as cracks or corrosion.
Also, ensure the sensor’s electrical connections are secure and free of dirt and debris. Clean the connections if necessary.
Step 3: Use an OBD2 scanner to identify the problem
In some cases, performing a visual inspection cannot find the malfunctioning components. With a scan tool, you can access your vehicle’s onboard diagnostic system to check for any fault codes related to the Hill Start Assist system. The scan tool will provide you with a code and description of the issue, which can help you determine the cause of the problem.
So, how to use the tool?
- Turn off the engine.
- Connect the scanner to the OBD2 port. Most scanners will have a cable that plugs into the port, while others may be wireless.
- Turn on the ignition.
- Follow the scanner instructions.
- Select the “Read Codes” function on the scanner.
After that, figure out what the codes mean by using the DTC Lookup Library on the scanner or going to the OBD2 Codes Lookup to find meaning, causes, symptoms, and how to fix it.
Step 4: Repair malfunctioning parts
You can replace or repair the malfunctioning part with enough car knowledge and tools. Otherwise, get your car to a professional for inspection and repair.
Step 5: Reset the system
After replacing the malfunctioning sensor in the Hill Start Assist system, you may need to reset the system.
- Use a scan tool to clear any stored fault codes related to the Hill Start Assist system. You can navigate to the clear code’s function in the menu.
- Once the codes have been cleared, turn off the ignition and wait for a few seconds.
- Turn the ignition back on and check to see if the Hill Start Assist system is functioning properly. Take the vehicle for a test drive on a slope to ensure the system engages as expected.
In some cases, the “hill start assist unavailable” message may appear due to a software glitch. Resetting the system by disconnecting the car’s battery for a few minutes may fix the issue.
How to Turn the Hill Start Assist On/Off
In general, hill start assist is a feature that is automatically enabled when the car is started, and it will remain active until the car is turned off. However, in some driving conditions, you may prefer to have more control over your vehicle and choose to turn off the Hill Start Assist system.
Here’s an example of how you can turn this feature on or off on some Ford models:
- Access the menu on the vehicle information display.
- Select Setting → Drive Assist.
- Locate the Hill Start Assist option to turn it on/off.
Please note that this process may vary for different car models. It’s always best to consult your car’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to operate the Hill Start Assist system in your vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how the hill start assist works is essential for you to avoid stalling or rolling back on an incline. By following the steps outlined above and practicing, you can gain confidence in using this system.
If you encounter different situations while using Hill Start Assist, feel free to share them with me in the comment box below.
In addition, be attentive not just to the hill start assist light, but to any dashboard light, understanding its meaning for the appropriate solution.
Remember to always stay safe while driving!
Learn more:
Ford Dashboard Symbols and Meaning (FULL list, Free Download)
What Does the Car On Lift Light Mean on BMW or Mini Cooper?