Electric Handbrake problem?

[rogermunns]

(2007 DSG 140 Tdi with 63000miles).

Before I get too paranoid about the handbrake sticking on again, can someone please describe just how I should engage / disengage the handbrake?

Should engine be running? Should car be in park? Should foot be on brake?

Today, in traffic, had embarrassing minute or so until I could get the handbrake off.

I've had the car a month. Just sold 2000 Xantia yesterday, never slightest problem in 4 years / 60000 miles. Maybe it put a jinx on the Passat as it left.


I shudder to think of the danger should this happen on a level crossing / after stopping in motorway hold-up ............ etc. etc.

[Me9141]

With the door closed and your seat belt on a manual passat will automatically release the handbrake one are setting off and accelerating.

I would assume the dsg would be the same. Select drive, and accelerate.

[MikeM46]

Me9141 This is not my experience with my late 2008 140tdi manual estate!

I have to have the footbrake pressed on to then release the handbrake via the EPB button on the facia!

The "hillhold", or as I call it auto-handbrake is another matter. If fitted, this can be engaged, (mine has a button to the left of the gear lever), once the driver's seat belt is on & the ignition is on & door shut. This holds the car once it comes to a stop, usually after the footbrake has been operated. The EPB does not come on until the ignition is turned off or the EPB button on the facia is pushed.

I've had this Passat for over a year now and on occasion still get in a mess when I think the "auto-brake" is on and in fact the handbrake is on! But I don't know how those without it manage in difficult circumstances just with the EPB!!!

[davmal735]

Ditto for Me9141. Just pull away so long as the seat belt is fastened and all doors are shut. Just putting the car in neutral with the clutch dipped, apply a few revs and lift the clutch and the brake disengages regardless of being in gear! To apply the brake just push the button anytime.

[MikeM46]

Hi both ... very interesting ... davmal735, is yours an earlier vintage as well! Or ... beginning to wonder if this is an adjustable setting ... better read the handbook.

I did just once try to take off with handbrake on just to see what might happen... took high revs, brutal clutch engagement and then after straining, the car shot forward with an almighty crack! Not something I've ever tried to repeat for apart from anything else, clutch life would be short!

[davmal735]

Mine's an 08 1.9

[Teflon]

Sometimes it will auto disengage, sometimes it won't. Over the last 5 years I've pretty much figured out the circumstances when it will/won't but this is more instinct than anything I can write down.

But it should always come off immediately when you push the button while holding the footbrake down. Have a look at Martin's site - it has loads of info about how to diagnose and what to do to fix it. PASSAT

I believe that yours is around about the changeover time when they improved the system, but Martin can confirm. He's the man.

[Quatrelle]

The important thing to remember if you've got a manual is to treat the clutch pedal as if it is operating a push button switch on the floor (a bit like the button on the dash), and to operate that switch you need to push the clutch pedal right to the floor.

[davmal735]

Interesting point as mine operates at very little clutch movement (only a slight depression is enough, playing around in the traffic on Bristol "Ring" Road). Maybe the problem lies with the switch and its operating point?

[Quatrelle]

Yes, I don't know how it releases the brake, but on mine the pedal has to hit the carpet before it will work the brake.