Passat Electronic Handbrake Problems

[wildinthecountry]

Hello, All

My wife and I are about to change our Peugeot 406 TD that we've had from new (now 9 years old). If we could buy a new one of those, we probably would. But we can't, so.........

Our shortlist is now the Skoda Octavia L & K 2.0 TDI 140 DSG and the Passat 2.0 SEL TDI 170 DSG. The Skoda has a massive advantage as far as price is concerned, but the VW has the more powerful engine and electronic handbrake (amongst other things).

In theory, the electronic handbrake sounds very good, particularly if you also have the auto-hold function (which the DSG models have as standard). However, I am starting to have some concerns.

We went for a test drive this week. The first car the dealer showed us was a (manual) TDI 140. Before allowing us to drive off, he tried to demonstrate how the handbrake would disengage automatically on pressing the accelerator. It didn't! He tried this several times, without success.

In the end, he suggested we should release the handbrake manually by using the button. I replied that this wouldn't give a very good test of the system and said we would come back another day.

He then suggested we try a TDI 170 - again manual - which we were able to borrow for a few hours. This was a superb car, with one problem (which may or may not be related to the electronic handbrake or auto-hold system). Several times, when trying to pull away from stationary, I managed to stall the engine. It may have been my driving, but I don't usually have this problem.

I mentioned it to the dealer on our return. He said that, if we went for an automatic (DSG), this would probably solve the problem for us. However, my wife, in particular, is dubious about having a handbrake without a proper lever. These two problems have not helped to put her mind at rest.

Does anyone have experience - good or otherwise - of using the electronic handbrake and auto-hold, with or without DSG? Any helpful comments will be appreciated.

[snapdragon]

Yes, the electronic handbrake on the Passat is rubbish, even when working correctly, it is hard to set off without a a surge as it automatically breaks free.

[blackie]

The electronic handbrake is a completelypointless gimmick that serves no worthwhile use whatsoever. I've had trouble with the button not working, but since a new one was fitted, it's worked Ok.

The trick to pulling away is to do it gently. Obviously, as soon as it reaches biting point, it'll disengage.

Still completely pointless though.

[Roy]

If I could change one thing on the B6 Passat the EPB would be it!

It a pointless technology poorly implemented.

BTW you can't use a car equipped with an EPB for a UK driving test!

Roy

PS. search this forum for 'Parking Brake' you'll find a lot of prevoius threads with good info.

[wildinthecountry]

Thanks for taking the trouble to reply, Snapdragon and Blackie. Presumably you both have manual gearboxes but, if you do have the DSG ones, please let me know. No need to reply otherwise.

We were actually thinking that the electronic handbrake could be useful for my wife - she has an arthritic shoulder and finds the action of pulling up a normal handbrake lever quite painful. However, the problems we have seen with the electronic handbrake may sway us to a car with a conventional one, probably a Skoda Octavia.

I've now found another thread on this same subject (from last May), so I'll close this one. Thanks again for your helpful comments.

[wildinthecountry]

Thanks also to you, Roy - your message arrived just after I'd posted my own. I'll certainly search the forum as you've suggested.