Hill Assist

[Aspirations57]

I was going through the various control settings and in one section (I forget the name) they have a box to check for hill assist.
I can check the box to have it activated but after a few seconds it disappears,why?

[Jack B]

That is normal, you step on the brake, then, release the brake, the car will hold for approx two seconds. That gives you plenty of time to engage the clutch.


I was going through the various control settings and in one section (I forget the name) they have a box to check for hill assist.
I can check the box to have it activated but after a few seconds it disappears,why?

[roadrunner]

You can only change the option with the ignition in the "ON" position... if you were trying to change it while in "ACC" it returns to the previous mode. Do it while engine idling if you want the change to stick.

[City]

Geeze. I never knew the newest gen had come to this. :rolleyes: There's a handle on the console that does this job perfectly.

I'm guessing the Gen 6 will include a driver.

[ViperGTS]

And, we, the old farts hated cup holders...must be a new generation of drivers. I-Assist(ed).

[Dman]

Oh wow, so you can turn hill assist OFF?

I'll look at that. I hate hill assist with a passion. On the viper it's annoying, on my GT500 with its 100lb pressure, only a slight exaggeration, the hill assist drives me crazy to the point I keep it out of bear til I release the brake and work a super fast move to engage the gear before rolling too far back, anything is better than hill assist. Only time I can think of it being handy would be on a pickup while hauling something and it doesn't have a hand brake.

[repiV]

I had a jeep wrangler with a manual and it had the hill assist.....it was actually more of a pain in the butt I thought with it turned on so I never used it. Interestingly I found that my Ram Longhorn has the same feature and it's of course an automatic. I've turned it on in the Ram and could never figure out what it did with the automatic tranny. I turned it on just to see what it did and can't really see that it does anything.

If you know how to drive a stick I don't thing you need it and will probably find it annoying.

[darbgnik]

I also find the hill assist unnecessary...... When I notice it clamps on, like waiting for my garage door to open, I wait for it to release before I try to move the car. With the brake clamped on I don't like the fact I have to use more throttle to overcome the gravity, and the brakes. No I know I can turn it off.

I've always successfully just hung the clutch just before stalling the engine to give me enough time to apply throttle. What did people do before this feature, and cars started parking themselves?

[Aspirations57]

You can only change the option with the ignition in the "ON" position... if you were trying to change it while in "ACC" it returns to the previous mode. Do it while engine idling if you want the change to stick.

Thanks RR thats the answer I was looking for. Viper is in for paint correction and clear-bra so I will check it out in a few days.

[Aspirations57]

And, we, the old farts hated cup holders...must be a new generation of drivers. I-Assist(ed).

From what Ive seen of Illinois hill assist should not be available in any Viper nor any car delivered to that state,lol

[ViperPete]

I like the hill assist. Not a necessity but still a nice feature.

[LA STIG]

I like it, also, and my wife and kids REALLY like because although they can all drive a stick they do worry about stalling in the infrequent times they drive the Viper. I don't find it an annoyance at all. I do believe it is activated for closer to four seconds, not two as described above.

[LmeaViper]

Haha , I like it as my driveway is fairly steep.

[Viktimize]

People will find anything to complain about. Or maybe whining about hill assist puffs up some guys egos about how awesome a driver they think they are?

Ironically, if someone is as awesome as they say they are about launching the car on a hill, then you will have the car moving forward before you even noticed the car had hill assist.

And on this GenV and it's terrible throttle lag from a stop, the hill assist is a great idea. Otherwise on a hill you would have to heel toe blip the throttle before letting off the brake, to ensure you didn't stall the car.

[darbgnik]

People will find anything to complain about. Or maybe whining about hill assist puffs up some guys egos about how awesome a driver they think they are?

Ironically, if someone is as awesome as they say they are about launching the car on a hill, then you will have the car moving forward before you even noticed the car had hill assist.

And on this GenV and it's terrible throttle lag from a stop, the hill assist is a great idea. Otherwise on a hill you would have to heel toe blip the throttle before letting off the brake, to ensure you didn't stall the car.

Or maybe they don't want to rev the car up to 2000 RPM and annoy the neighbors, just to overcome gravity plus the brake pinch, to get into their garage at 2AM? Who knows?

How did we ever start gutless cars moving uphill before hill assist came out? lol

Although I suppose I could start a new thread complaining about how the Homelink in the Viper will only operate my garage door from a few feet away(all other vehicles work from the road), prompting me to have to stop mid driveway and wait, activating the hill assist, but that wasn't the discussion here.

And the launching up hill by experts comment doesn't even make sense, when will you ever be in a situation where you can't allow the car to begin to move backward even an inch before moving it forward? And why can you deactivate the function if it's so necessary?

[Viktimize]

Or maybe they don't want to rev the car up to 2000 RPM and annoy the neighbors, just to overcome gravity plus the brake pinch, to get into their garage at 2AM? Who knows?

How did we ever start gutless cars moving uphill before hill assist came out? lol

Although I suppose I could start a new thread complaining about how the Homelink in the Viper will only operate my garage door from a few feet away(all other vehicles work from the road), prompting me to have to stop mid driveway and wait, activating the hill assist, but that wasn't the discussion here.

If you have to rev your car to 2000rpm before the car releases the brakes, there is something wrong with your car.

Before hill assist we would just be really quick switching from brake to throttle. What does that have to do with anything? It is just absurd that people complain about something that doesn't affect them in any way at all was my only point. Except in your case where your car is malfunctioning. But that isn't the hill assists fault. I suppose it could be argued that if the car did not have hill assist to begin with, than it could not malfunction in the first place. But I digress.

On the bright side, if someone feels more manly to not use Hill Assist, now everyone is aware of how to turn it off. Win win!

[darbgnik]

If you have to rev your car to 2000rpm before the car releases the brakes, there is something wrong with your car.

Or the driver ;)

[Viktimize]

Or the driver ;)

Quite possible. I haven't seen you drive since you had your Gen3, and even that was brief. So I won't make any assumptions about your skills.

[darbgnik]

Quite possible. I haven't seen you drive since you had your Gen3, and even that was brief. So I won't make any assumptions about your skills.

Lol, come out to Castrol's roadcourse and judge for yourself. You're a lot closer than me!

But in all seriousness, you really should. Most fun you can have with your car.

[Viktimize]

Lol, come out to Castrol's roadcourse and judge for yourself. You're a lot closer than me!

But in all seriousness, you really should. Most fun you can have with your car.

I would love to if it was possible to get a spot out there. They are always sold out way in advance last I checked. Do you go with a different group than Track Junkies? I don't even know of any other public groups to go with?

I have been planning to set up a club event there one of these years, but the track is completely booked by November for the entire next year.

[darbgnik]

I still go with the Calgary Exotic Auto Group, same guys I ran with back when Race City in Calgary was open. It's invitation only, to ensure the type of guys they get, obviously.

We have only 3 track days left, so I'm not too sure how you'd feel about the membership costs spread out over only 3 track days. I don't think there's any discount for joining part way through, but I can ask the organizers if you're serious......

:t1207:

Sorry for the thread jack OP.

[Aspirations57]

Wow, I cant believe you guys,lol.....I ask a simple question and you guys blow it up into a macho man, that option shouldn't be on a Viper crap.
Some of you guys are going to have a complete melt-down if Dodge ever installs an auto transmission in the Viper,lol

[darbgnik]

Lol. I didnt say it shouldn't be in a Viper. Its got lots of features I will probably never use, but I'm not offended they are there.

I will say I find the hill assist more of a nuisance than a help however. Toodling around town I generally use very little gas pedal to move off the line, and on a slight incline, when the hill assist clamps the brakes, when Im not expecting it, I'm forced to apply more gas than I am........

I'd rather just do it my way. JMHO

[City]

I for one, wasn't having any meltdown. I simply wasn't aware that a manual shift car would ever need some "hill assist mechanism" (with the caveat that there's an accessible hand brake). When you were taught to drive a manual, you learned to use the handbrake when stopping on a hill, not a quick brake release. You engage the handbrake which stops you from moving aft, then engage the clutch and shift into 1st. Releasing the clutch, you can feel the car begin to lurch forward against the handbrake. You then simply release the handbrake. It's SO easy I just can't imagine why anyone would need a "hill assist".

I'm not making any "macho" argument and I understand that all these types of "betterments" make the Viper just that much more accessible in the sports car marketplace. But at some point, and I'm not suggesting this is that point, I begin to wonder if the sheer thrill of driving gets diminished. Perhaps it's odd, but I get some sense of satisfaction from safely and effectively driving what is arguably a "race car" on the street. Might be just me. :)

[ViperTony]

I for one, wasn't having any meltdown. I simply wasn't aware that a manual shift car would ever need some "hill assist mechanism" (with the caveat that there's an accessible hand brake). When you were taught to drive a manual, you learned to use the handbrake when stopping on a hill, not a quick brake release. You engage the handbrake which stops you from moving aft, then engage the clutch and shift into 1st. Releasing the clutch, you can feel the car begin to lurch forward against the handbrake. You then simply release the handbrake. It's SO easy I just can't imagine why anyone would need a "hill assist".

It's this beyond-nanny stuff in my GenV that makes me appreciate the GenII even more. I guess if having a "Hill Assist" feature helps sell more GenVs then so be it.

[lochnessmonster]

I like the hill assist feature. My universal remote also works from way out in the street before I'm even in front of my house. I'd estimate it at about 80ft. range. This car is f@#king awesome.

[Viktimize]

I for one, wasn't having any meltdown. I simply wasn't aware that a manual shift car would ever need some "hill assist mechanism" (with the caveat that there's an accessible hand brake). When you were taught to drive a manual, you learned to use the handbrake when stopping on a hill, not a quick brake release. You engage the handbrake which stops you from moving aft, then engage the clutch and shift into 1st. Releasing the clutch, you can feel the car begin to lurch forward against the handbrake. You then simply release the handbrake. It's SO easy I just can't imagine why anyone would need a "hill assist".

I'm not making any "macho" argument and I understand that all these types of "betterments" make the Viper just that much more accessible in the sports car marketplace. But at some point, and I'm not suggesting this is that point, I begin to wonder if the sheer thrill of driving gets diminished. Perhaps it's odd, but I get some sense of satisfaction from safely and effectively driving what is arguably a "race car" on the street. Might be just me. :)


Except that on the Viper you are never supposed to use the handbrake due to some design flaw that doesn't allow it to release correctly, and eventually you burn through the E-brake pads.

[darbgnik]

I like the hill assist feature. My universal remote also works from way out in the street before I'm even in front of my house. I'd estimate it at about 80ft. range. This car is f@#king awesome.

Ya, Idunno man? It works fine from the street for all my other vehicles, but I almost have to be at the door with the Viper. And the door opener is basically brand new.


Except that on the Viper you are never supposed to use the handbrake due to some design flaw that doesn't allow it to release correctly, and eventually you burn through the E-brake pads.

Way way off topic now, and I know they are basically the same calipers as the Gen 3 n 4 including the ebrake, but I thought I read they corrected that issue of wearing out the one pad with the Gen V.....

My Gallardo has the same ebrake caliper and doesn't have that issue.

[Viktimize]

Ya, Idunno man? It works fine from the street for all my other vehicles, but I almost have to be at the door with the Viper. And the door opener is basically brand new.



Way way off topic now, and I know they are basically the same calipers as the Gen 3 n 4 including the ebrake, but I thought I read they corrected that issue of wearing out the one pad with the Gen V.....

My Gallardo has the same ebrake caliper and doesn't have that issue.


I don't know? I asked specifically about it when I upgraded from my Gen3 and was told not to use the E-brake in this car either.

[City]

Maybe not for hand brake turns at an autocross, but for holding a car on a hill? Me thinks you are misinformed.

[johniew398]

My first vehicle with hill assist was a 2012 Fiat 500 Abarth so I got used to it when I traded the ACR in for a Gen V. Could live without it but like it in some situations.

[Viktimize]

Maybe not for hand brake turns at an autocross, but for holding a car on a hill? Me thinks you are misinformed.

Run it by Jon at PartsRack. He is the one said it. You're apparently not supposed to even use it for parking your car on a flat surface.

Either way, Hill Assist adds no weight, and if you use your e-brake or you're quick on the pedals anyway, then you won't even know it is there. So again, seems really silly that people get all bent out of shape about it.

[swexlin]

Except that on the Viper you are never supposed to use the handbrake due to some design flaw that doesn't allow it to release correctly, and eventually you burn through the E-brake pads.

This. The only time it gets used is if I park on an steep incline, or when the park it at the dealer when being serviced.

[BlknBlu]

has anyone tried the drift assist feature?

Bruce

[v10enomous]

The more the merrier with these nannies on the new cars. I'm over it. So long as they can keep the car at 3,300lbs who cares. They aren't going to stop adding stuff so if you want old school, you're going to have to buy an old car or have at least 2 cars. I'd like to see them add a front camera next.

[Viktimize]

has anyone tried the drift assist feature?

Bruce

I think the technical term for that is "Gas Pedal".

[lochnessmonster]

I use my e-brake every time I park the car. I haven't had any problems.

[Viktimize]

I use my e-brake every time I park the car. I haven't had any problems.

I always did on my Gen3 as well and had no issues. But it was well reported by JonB that the e-brake self adjusts tighter slightly every time you use it. So over time it just burns off the e-brake pads, and next thing you know you're running metal on metal and destroying your rear discs. I quit using the e-brake just in case it is true. Came from a reliable source after all.

[lochnessmonster]

Wow, that is bizarre. Well, I'll tell you what, I'm going to keep using it and see what happens. I just can't bring myself to not using it. It's a "principle" thing. The car is $135K taxes in. I haven't noticed any difficulty "moving off" after it has been set. I'll keep a look out for it, and when I get to Willowbrook next week, I'll have them check the brake pad wear and report back. If the brake pads have been dragging, a good 1600 km road trip will reveal that issue for sure :)

[darbgnik]

So the issue with the Gen 3 ebrake was that it would wear out the pad on one side, the inside if I remember correctly. There was a quirky adjustment to them as well. The first pull of the ebrake of the day would let the lever go 90 degrees, but the second pull would only go up 45 degrees using the same pulling force.

I know the ebrake lever in my new one moves the same amount every time, so we know that's different. I use mine everywhere except the pits at the track so I dont create a hot spot. After a few more miles, only have 3000 already, I'll check the pads, if I remember. Even if it does drag, you can swap the pads inside to outside and continue on for the same mileage. But I'm using as if it were fine regardless........

Whoever wants to look at theirs, just make sure you look at both sides for pad thickness, not just the outside.

[johniew398]

I rarely use the eBrake after having to replace the emergency brake pads on my Gen IV at less than 10,000 miles. Several people who should know have cautioned about using your eBrake.

[lochnessmonster]

So the issue with the Gen 3 ebrake was that it would wear out the pad on one side, the inside if I remember correctly. There was a quirky adjustment to them as well. The first pull of the ebrake of the day would let the lever go 90 degrees, but the second pull would only go up 45 degrees using the same pulling force.

I know the ebrake lever in my new one moves the same amount every time, so we know that's different. I use mine everywhere except the pits at the track so I dont create a hot spot. After a few more miles, only have 3000 already, I'll check the pads, if I remember. Even if it does drag, you can swap the pads inside to outside and continue on for the same mileage. But I'm using as if it were fine regardless........

Whoever wants to look at theirs, just make sure you look at both sides for pad thickness, not just the outside.

My e-brake functions the same way. It pulls the exact same amount every time, and releases completely, to the best of my knowledge. I will make sure the tech checks both sides of the pad thickness, not just the outside, and I'll report back.

[A C R]

where I live there are several hills so hill assist helps---in the old days at a lite on a hill the car behind would lay back a few feet now they get 6" off your back bumper that leaves little room for error ;) with the weather here we don't get a lot of stick practice ;) "better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it" m2c

[texasram]

I rarely use the eBrake after having to replace the emergency brake pads on my Gen IV at less than 10,000 miles. Several people who should know have cautioned about using your eBrake.

this issue is far less prevalent on the gen v

[BlueAdder]

That's the first thing I disabled on my Focus, followed up by the TPMS crap.
I didn't realize that the Viper had one to be honest but now that I think about it, I understand why when I'm in my driveway, when I release the brakes, the car will just stand there for a little while before rolling off :D

[texasram]

if i knew about hill assist before i took delivery, the wife wouldnt have caught me stalling while pulling it into the driveway for the first time on camera

[PkB2014]

if i knew about hill assist before i took delivery, the wife wouldnt have caught me stalling while pulling it into the driveway for the first time on camera

Glad I'm not the only one. :)

[Dr.Ron]

If you know how to drive a stick I don't thing you need it and will probably find it annoying.

^^^This!