Grade Logic Control: Descending Control

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When the PCM determines that the vehicle is going down a hill in D, and in S with automatic shift mode, the upshift speed from 5th to 6th gear, from 4th to 5th gear, from 3rd to 4th gear, and from 2nd to 3rd (when the throttle is closed) becomes higher than the set speed for flat road driving to extend the 5th gear, 4th gear, 3rd gear, and 2nd gear driving areas. This, in combination with engine braking from the deceleration lock-up, achieves smooth driving when the vehicle is descending. There are descending modes 5th gear, 4th gear, 3rd gear, and 2nd gear driving areas based on the steepness of the grade stored in the PCM. When the vehicle is in 6th, 5th, or 4th gear, and the vehicle is decelerating while applying the brakes on a steep hill, the transmission downshifts to a lower gear. When you accelerate, the transmission then returns to a higher gear from the current position.