The following instructions are in my Owners manual for a 2012 Passat Variant SE TDi 2.0ltrs.
It does not say if the Auto Hold is on and if the “P” button is being held up how do you select a gear as the left hand is already holding the button?
I am due to tow my caravan next week.


Pulling off on hills when towing a trailer.
Pull off on hills as follows.
~ Depress and hold brake pedal.
~ Press button “P” to turn off the electronic parking brake.
~ Pull on button “P” and hold it in that position to hold the vehicle and trailer
with the electronic parking brake.
~ Manual gearbox depress the clutch fully.
~ Select 1st gear.
~ Release brake pedal.
~ Pull away slowly. To do this, slowly release the clutch pedal for a manual gearbox.
~ Only let go of the “P” button when the engine has sufficient power to move off.