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Kia Telluride: Vehicle safety system / Downhill Brake Control (DBC)

Kia Telluride Downhill Brake Control button and system indicator

Downhill Brake Control (DBC) assists the Kia Telluride when descending steep grades by automatically regulating vehicle speed without requiring continuous brake pedal input.

When activated, DBC automatically applies the brakes as needed to help maintain a controlled speed between approximately 2.5 and 25 mph (4–40 km/h), allowing the driver to focus primarily on steering while traveling downhill.

DBC is intended for steep descents and should be switched off during normal road driving. Leaving the system in standby on regular roads may result in unintended activation when passing over speed bumps or making sharp turns.

NOTE

Each time the Kia Telluride is switched to the ON position, the Downhill Brake Control system defaults to the OFF state.

During DBC operation, you may notice brake noise or slight vibration through the vehicle. The rear brake lamps also illuminate while the system is actively controlling vehicle speed.

DBC operation

Mode

Indicator light

Description

Standby

Kia Telluride DBC standby indicator light

lit

Press the DBC button while the vehicle speed is below 38 mph (60 km/h). The system enters standby mode and is ready to activate when operating conditions are met.

If the Kia Telluride is traveling faster than 38 mph (60 km/h), the system cannot be switched into standby.

Activated

Kia Telluride DBC active indicator light

blinking

DBC automatically changes from standby to active mode when all required operating conditions are satisfied:

  • The road gradient exceeds the required incline.

  • The accelerator pedal is not being pressed.

  • The vehicle is traveling between 2.5 and 25 mph (4–40 km/h) while moving forward with MUD selected in TERRAIN MODE. When reversing, the operating range is approximately 2.5–5 mph.

While DBC is active, the desired downhill speed can still be adjusted within the operating range by lightly applying either the accelerator or brake pedal.

Temporarily deactivated

Kia Telluride DBC standby indicator after temporary deactivation

lit

The DBC temporarily suspends operation under any of the following conditions:

  • The slope is no longer steep enough for DBC intervention.

  • The accelerator pedal is pressed.

  • Vehicle speed increases to between 25 and 38 mph (40–60 km/h).

  • A TERRAIN MODE setting other than MUD is selected without pressing the DBC button.

Once the appropriate operating conditions return, the system automatically resumes normal DBC operation.

OFF

Kia Telluride DBC OFF indicator

unlit

The Downhill Brake Control system turns off under the following conditions:

  • The DBC button is pressed again.

  • The accelerator pedal is pressed and vehicle speed exceeds 38 mph (60 km/h).

Overheated or Malfunctioned

Kia Telluride DBC warning indicator light

yellow

If the yellow DBC warning indicator illuminates, the system may have overheated or detected a malfunction. Should the warning remain after the system has cooled, have your Kia Telluride inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.

NOTE

  • On particularly steep descents, DBC may remain active even if the brake pedal or accelerator pedal is pressed.

  • The Downhill Brake Control system does not operate under the following conditions:

    • The transmission is in P (Park).

    • The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system is actively intervening.

  • If the DBC warning indicator remains illuminated after the system has had sufficient time to cool, have your Kia Telluride checked by an authorized Kia dealer to ensure proper operation.

Brake Assistant System (BAS)

The Brake Assistant System (BAS) is designed to help the Kia Telluride deliver stronger braking performance during emergency situations. When the system detects a rapid and forceful application of the brake pedal, it automatically increases braking pressure to assist the driver in achieving the shor..

Crosswind Stability Control (CSC)

Crosswind Stability Control (CSC) works together with the ESC and MDPS systems to help the Kia Telluride remain stable when strong side winds affect vehicle balance or reduce tire traction...

Other information:

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