Anyone know how to activate the HOLD feature when stopping gradually.
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Joined: Nov 2011
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300D Turbo 1984
Anyone know how to activate the HOLD feature when stopping gradually.
I noticed hold only works when I come to a "fast" stop.
If I leisurely and gradually stop I can't get the darn thing to activate.
Read the manual on it, but no luck.
Any takers.?.
If I leisurely and gradually stop I can't get the darn thing to activate.
Read the manual on it, but no luck.
Any takers.?.
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 370
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From: Canada
2016 GLE 350d
Once fully stopped let off the brake just a touch (not enough to let the vehicle move) and press it firmly. Works for me.
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W204
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From: Southeast PA
2024 911 Turbo S, 2023 Denali 2500 HD, 2026 G63
The brake hold feature works pretty well. It is a neat feature but not sure how much you would really use it. I guess at a drive through window when you are moving around in the car you would not have to worry about slipping off of the brake pedal.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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300D Turbo 1984
Thanks for all the replies. I have to "pump" the brake 2-3 times before it holds. I'm getting the hang of it slowly. Sometime the light turns green before I get it to engage. (somewhat useless at times)
No S mode in the ML.
No S mode in the ML.
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From: Charlotte, NC
'15 GL350 Bluetec
"The HOLD function can assist the driver in the following situations:
- when pulling away, especially on steep slopes
- when maneuvering on steep slopes
- when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal. The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD function deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away."
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2011
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300D Turbo 1984
Actually, not just for hills! It is intended to keep the brake applied (without pressure from you foot) during stops at lights, etc. From the MY '12 Owner's Manual:
"The HOLD function can assist the driver in the following situations:
- when pulling away, especially on steep slopes
- when maneuvering on steep slopes
- when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal. The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD function deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away."
"The HOLD function can assist the driver in the following situations:
- when pulling away, especially on steep slopes
- when maneuvering on steep slopes
- when waiting in traffic
The vehicle is kept stationary without the driver having to depress the brake pedal. The braking effect is canceled and the HOLD function deactivated when you depress the accelerator pedal to pull away."
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: Near Niagara Falls, Canada
2013 ML BLUETEC JULY 31
Surprized they actually(legal issue) wrote that. But its not the design reason folks. And its the first year I believe. MY 11 R would only hold for a few seconds enough to hit gas
IT WAS CALLED HILL START ASSIST.............things do change though LOL
IT WAS CALLED HILL START ASSIST.............things do change though LOL
Last edited by dougiebear; May 6, 2012 at 04:30 PM.
Member
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From: Charlotte, NC
'15 GL350 Bluetec
Hill start assist helps you when pulling away forwards or in reverse on an uphill gradient. It holds the vehicle for a short time after you have removed your foot from the brake pedal. This gives you enough time to move your foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal and depress it before the vehicle begins to roll.
- Take your foot off the brake pedal.
- Once you have taken your foot off the brake pedal, the vehicle is held for around one second.
- Pull away.
Hill start assist will not function if:
- you are pulling away on a level road or a downhill gradient.
- the transmission is in position N. Rthe electric parking brake is applied.
- ESP® is malfunctioning.

Note that with Hill Start Assist, you do not need to further depress the brake pedal, which you must do for the HOLD feature.
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From: montreal
F250-Mustang GT-ML350BT
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From: SoCal
13ML BT
Some areas in SoCal have red lights so long that I literally feel myself aging.
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From: Australia
X350d GLE500e 2017, ML350 BlueTec 2012(sold), A200 2013, ML350CDI 2009(sold), Aston Martin DB7 2003
DNB, I believe you ordered the ML63.
Strangely it does have the ECO Stop/Start as do the diesels, but the ML350 & ML500 petrol miss out.
Strangely it does have the ECO Stop/Start as do the diesels, but the ML350 & ML500 petrol miss out.
