Passat Brake Autohold function

[denisP]

I have noticed when I pull up on my drive and pop the key out the autohold handbrake doesn't always apply and I have to press the brake key to apply the handbrake. At first I put this down to my coasting to a stop and not pressing the brake peddle but I have since notice it even after applying the footbrake. Could anyone advise why the autohold is intermmitent?

The autohold also has an annoying habit of applying the brake as I am slowly rolling out of a parking space or occasionaly when I stall the engine pulling away at lights. (previously driving petrol engines I am still not used to the lack of bottom end torque)


Denis
Passat Highline 140 (2009)

[GeoffW]

My AutoHold isn't intermittant, but it does turn off if you undo your seat-belt, not sure if that helps?

[denisP]

Thats something I've not took much notice of, I wonder if I'm just to quick in releasing my seatbelt. I'll try not to undo it until I've verified the autohold has or has not applied.

I wonder what VW's logic is for that, I can understand not removing the brake if the seatbelt is not fastened or the door is open.

Many thanks for your reply it might have solved the issue.

Denis

[hartry]

if autohold is on and you undo your seatbelt the handbrake will engage, i find that to be more consistent than taking the key out which like yours is intermittent on mine. i think it has more to do with having the clutch fully in or out, not in between? i used to find it would engage when i didn't want it to when creeping etc but it hasn't happened for ages - i think i must've subconciously adjusted my driving style! for sure when coasting to a stop uphill i just tap the brake once its come to a complete stop to engage autohold.

[denisP]

Did it again this morning, my seatbelt was still on so it wasn't that.
I also noted it doesn't apply the brake if I release my seat belt.
It does remain on when attempting to drive off without my seatbelt on or my door not fully closed.

I wonder if there are different versions of software on earlier versions I took delivery of my Passat June 2009 and it is a 140 TDI Highline with RNS510, Zenon, headlights and winter pack 2 from what I remember.

Denis

[denisP]

I think I've sussed this.
If you release the seat belt before you eject the key the Parking Brake doesn't apply.

Not sure why they have coded this in it might be a biproduct of the brake not releasing until you put on the seat belt. ie No seat belt no Auto brake control Release or apply.

Denis

[daviesr1]

I'm glad I found this thread, it proves I'm not going mad! I've got a new B7 had it 3 weeks. I thought that it automatically applied the handbrake when switching off removing key. However for the last few days it hasn't. I've not found any combination of park, key, seatbelt that will set it.

Any guidance?

PS, it's a DSG autostart stop and park assist.

Richard

[denisP]

I've changed my Passat B6 for a B7 June last year but the same randomness applies to the new car, both had autohold but are/were manual.
I've found it applies more reliably if you tak your time stopping and getting out ie apply the brake until fully stopped push the key to stop the engine then undo the seatbelt.
The B7 seems better at appling it most times, a few of my collegues at work recomended a brick under the back wheels as the had bad experiences with their auto hold.

We swipe to release the entry barrier into the works and one of my bosses watched his car pass him and crunch the barrier as he swiped, but I think that was him rather than the handbrake, he drives a Merc and I don't think it had an auto handbrake.

Denis

N.B.
I still pushed the handbrake button on the old car or pull the brake toggle on the new car before I got out as a double check

[martin1810]

Autohold and park brake are two different systems. The autohold doesn't put the park brake on until several seconds have passed.