I've noticed that the feature only works on inclines that are not too steep. I've also noticed that on steep inclines when my car starts to roll back, when I hit the gas pedal a bit, the traction control kicks in.

 

lexus told me

 

It's also in the manual...I live on a hill. When I back out of the drive way the rear of the car is on the downhill side. If I carry any backward moment the car will roll down the hill. Even if make sure the car is at a complete stop before taking my foot off the brake, the car will start to roll ever so slightly and you can kind of feel the car trying to keep it stopped.

 

the mazda 6 has it.

i think our car has it but, i roll back from time to time.

i wonder if that's an issue i should take up with the dealer

 

Alot/quick jump of gas + incline = spinning tire(s). That's why your traction control is kicking in. Be a little easy on the gas going up a hill unless you want to send it sideways...which we all get the urge to do from time to time.

 

Our cars (A/T only) are equipped with a feature Lexus calls "hill start assist".
However, if you ask me, it is a gimmick, as the car isn't actually "equipped" with any special electronic or mechanical device preventing roll back. The natural tendency for an A/T equipped car to creep forward in gear is enough to keep the car still on a slight incline. This is right out of the owners manual.

 

Yes. I wonder if the feature is using some braking. I think the "hill-holder" feature in my last Mercedes ML did.

 

yup, i agree. i've tried giving it juuuust enough gas to get going uphill, and it still throws traction control. only difference is giving it a lot of gas makes the car go herky-jerky, while giving it a little starts it going smooth as butter. but both instances still throw the trac light.

 

I tested the roll back effect on the steepest hills in San Francisco the other day. I literally took my foot off the brake pedal and I did not move back an inch or creep forward at all either. Neither did it roll back when I began to give it gas.

 

Manual says:

But for me this feature works only on a slight hill, on steep hill it rolls back...

(2007, IS250, AT)

 

Our cars do have it, i have a 08 IS250 and my driveway is on a hill i noticed when i let go of the brake the car rolls back a little and then the brake comes on, i can see the brake light on the window light up by its self

 

I got an 06 IS350, and my car never rolls back.
Why would Lexus change it on a good '09?

 

And current generation ML Mercedes SUV's.

 

My '09 250AWD doesn't roll back on steep hills with the foot off the brake.

 

All our cars have it, 2008 rx, 2001 lx and es, your is should definitely have it