Downhill Brake Control (DBC)

N_SP3i25_C09_020_1_IR

The DBC helps you descend a steep hill without having to engage the brake pedal.

The DBC automatically engages the brakes to maintain your vehicle speed of 4-40 km/h (2.5-25 mph) and allows you to concentrate on steering your vehicle as you drive downhill.

Always turn off the DBC on normal roads. DBC might activate inadvertently from standby mode when you drive over speed bumps or make sharp turns.

NOTE

The DBC defaults to off when vehicle is in ON position.

You may hear noise or feel vibration from the brakes when you activate the DBC. The rear brake light turns on when the DBC is activated.

DBC operation

Mode

Indicator light

Description

Standby

lit

Press the DBC button when vehicle speed is below 60 km/h (38 mph). The DBC turns on in standby mode.

The DBC does not turn on if the vehicle speed is above 60 km/h (38 mph).

Activated

blinking

The DBC moves from standby mode to operating mode under the following conditions:

  • The road surface is inclined above a certain angle.

  • The accelerator pedal is not engaged.

  • Your vehicle speed is 4-40 km/h (2.5-25 mph) when moving forward.

  • Your vehicle speed is 2.5-8 km/h (1.5-5 mph) when moving backward.

When the vehicle speed is 4-40 km/h (2.5-25 mph), you can increase or decrease the speed by engaging the accelerator or brake pedal.

Temporarily deactivated

lit

The DBC temporarily deactivates under the following conditions:

  • The hill you are driving on is not steep enough.

  • The accelerator pedal is engaged.

  • Your speed is 40-60 km/h (25-38 mph).

If these conditions are not met, the DBC automatically reactivates.

OFF

unlit

The DBC turns off under the following conditions:

  • You press the DBC button again.

  • You engage the accelerator pedal and your speed is above 60 km/h (38 mph).

Overheated or Malfunctioned

yellow

If the DBC indicator light turns yellow, the system may have overheated or malfunctioned. If the warning light appears even when the DBC has cooled off, have your vehicle checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends that you visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.
NOTE

  • The DBC may not deactivate on steep inclines, even when the brake or accelerator pedal is engaged.

  • The DBC does not operate when:

    • The vehicle is in P (Park).

    • The ESC is activated.

  • If the DBC indicator light turns yellow, the system may have overheated or malfunctioned. If the warning light appears even when the DBC has cooled off, have your vehicle checked by a professional workshop. Kia recommends that you visit an authorised Kia dealer/service partner.