2011 VW Passat user manual

magic_murph

Just rented a VW passat but it doesn't have the user manual - any ideas where to get one ?
Couple of new controls I havent seen before and would like to fully understand them etc

tossy

You could probably buy one on ebay or from a dealer.

What are the controls ?

beazee

Will 2012 Quick-Start Guide do you?
http://my.vw.com/wp-content/uploads/quickstartguides/2012_passat_quickstartguide.pdf

magic_murph

I have only rented it for a week.
It's one of those key phone starting models
I would like to fully understand the (( P )) button
The Electric handbreak - when & how best to use it.
Plus when in neutral, foot off the clutch the car cut's out and starts again when clutch is pressed.
A good fuel saving feature but jut wondering when best to use it etc.

Simple stuff but when I havent come across these featrues before I have nothing to relate to.

magic_murph

Thanks beazze but that quick guide doesn't cover the controls in this older model - thanks though,/

R.O.R

It's not in the hidden compartment in the glovebox?

There is an orange tab at the top of the glovebox. If you pull that it reveals the secret compartment where the manual should be.

Being a rental car though, it may have been removed to stop it being stolen.

Start stop is automatic. Won't work below 7 degrees I believe, so I don't think you are in Ireland at the moment. Either let it do it's thing, or disable it via the A in a kind of circle. RHD models have this button to the left of the gearstick.

It may have the hill hold (button under the P). If you activate that (seat belt on, doors closed, engine running) then you only need to use the P button when you are about to get out of the car.

Never seen a key free Passat - presume that's what you mean by Key Phone starting model?


EDIT - just noticed it's the old model, so unlikely to have hill hold. P is near the light switch on the older model, it's moved to near the gearstick on the new model. Engage the Park brake when you'd normally use the handbrake, but rather than manually releasing it you can just drive off and it will disengage.

magic_murph

Key Phone - sorry typo - Key Phone.
Currently in Dublin - not lucky enough to be away from this weather.

Put key in, radio turns on. Foot on Clutch and push key in further - engine starts.

Have only driven around the city so far so no need for a handbreak but would like to know how to use the auto break in advance of needing to use it.

Great shout about the secret compartment - user manual found.
Thanks guys.

R.O.R

magic_murph wrote: »

Key Phone - sorry typo - Key Phone.
Currently in Dublin - not lucky enough to be away from this weather.

Put key in, radio turns on. Foot on Clutch and push key in further - engine starts.

Have only driven around the city so far so no need for a handbreak but would like to know how to use the auto break in advance of needing to use it.

Great shout about the secret compartment - user manual found.
Thanks guys.

That's why I hate posting from the phone :P

When you come to a complete stop, and you'll be there for more than a few seconds, hit the P button and the handbrake will be applied. When you need to set off again, just drive off and the handbrake will automatically disengage - no need to use the button to release.

If you do need to manually release the handbrake, you need your foot on the brake and just press the P button again.

magic_murph

Thanks R.O.R - good advice there.
Between that and the manual I should be 100%.

If not I will have a good story of what not to come after the weekend :-)

Honey-ec

magic_murph wrote: »

Have only driven around the city so far so no need for a handbreak but would like to know how to use the auto break in advance of needing to use it.

Erm, how are you parking the car without putting the handbrake on???

magic_murph

it's an electronic parking break - comes on automatically.
If not I may have just lost a car.

Honey-ec

magic_murph wrote: »

it's an electronic parking break - comes on automatically.
If not I may have just lost a car.

I know it's electronic, my B6 Passat has one too. You can release it automatically by just driving off but it has to be applied manually.

Wasn't aware that had changed with the new model. You sure you're not just presuming the auto-hold is the same thing? Cause that's just like using the footbrake, it won't engage the rear handbrake motors.

magic_murph

Honey-ec - yoour bang on.
The ( (P) ) needs to be applied manually. After reading the user guide I figured that out.

The Electric break assist is used for when on a slight incline in traffic etc - you can take you foot off the brake / clutch and it will prevent rolling. When getting out of the car I nee to use the ( (P) ) function but can also be used if stationary on a slight for an extended period.

All a learning curve.

R.O.R

Honey-ec wrote: »

I know it's electronic, my B6 Passat has one too. You can release it automatically by just driving off but it has to be applied manually.

Wasn't aware that had changed with the new model. You sure you're not just presuming the auto-hold is the same thing? Cause that's just like using the footbrake, it won't engage the rear handbrake motors.

Auto Hold / Hill Hold operates the handbrake without you having to touch the parking button. Stops the vehicle rolling when on a slope, without your foot on any of the pedals. Automatically engages (when activated) when you come to a complete stop.

Will disengage when you take your seatbelt off or open the door. It "may" put the actual handbrake on when that happens, but I'm not sure, and wouldn't take that chance.

Think it was an option on the B6. It's been standard on all the 2013 Passats we've had in recently, but can't remember if it's been on all B7 models.