Driving Downhill - Chevrolet 2010 Tahoe Owner's Manual

If, after stalling, you try to back down the hill and decide
you just cannot do it, set the parking brake, put your
transmission in P (Park), and turn off the engine. Leave
the vehicle and go get some help. Exit on the uphill side
and stay clear of the path the vehicle would take if it
rolled downhill. If the vehicle has a transfer case with a
N (Neutral) position, do not shift the transfer case to
Neutral when you leave the vehicle. Leave it in
some gear.
WARNING:
If the vehicle has the two speed automatic
transfer case, shifting the transfer case to Neutral
can cause your vehicle to roll even if the
transmission is in P (Park). This is because the
Neutral position on the transfer case overrides the
transmission. You or someone else could be
injured. If you are going to leave your vehicle, set
the parking brake and shift the transmission to
P (Park). But, if the vehicle has a two speed
automatic transfer case, do not shift the transfer
case to Neutral.
5-20

Driving Downhill

When off-roading takes you downhill, consider:
How steep is the downhill? Will I be able to
maintain vehicle control?
What is the surface like? Smooth? Rough?
Slippery? Hard-packed dirt? Gravel?
Are there hidden surface obstacles? Ruts? Logs?
Boulders?
What is at the bottom of the hill? Is there a hidden
creek bank or even a river bottom with large
rocks?
If you decide you can go down a hill safely, try to keep
the vehicle headed straight down. Use a low gear so
engine drag can help the brakes so they do not have to
do all the work. Descend slowly, keeping the vehicle
under control at all times.