Electric handbrake

Jim_bop

Hi all,

Maybe a silly question but thought I'd ask. My 2011 avensis has an elec handbrake. Recently I rented a 161 model while on holidays and noticed the handbrake auto engagement and release worked alot better, aka was a lot more intelligent.

Is this just the natural path of advancing tech for the newer model or could mine be improved with a software upgrade? It was serviced by a main dealer in Q3 of last year.

Thank you,
J

colm_mcm

The Avensis electric handbrake was shiite in 2009. rival systems were much faster to operate (which makes using the auto disengage via the clutch and accelerator way easier)

NIMAN

I'd say technology just getting better.

I was very skeptical of my first autohold handbrake when I bought my Golf, but its fantastic, wouldn't go back to an old manual one now.

Jim_bop

Thanks folks, thatthaI'm makes sense, anway I'm grand with using the switch to engage and release just like the old lever.

What do folks do with kids messing with it? I now always try to park on the flat or chock the wheels etc. In case they figure out a way to release it. It was too difficult to lift and push the button on the old ones.

colm_mcm

You can’t just release the electric handbrake by pressing the button though.

Jim_bop

colm_mcm wrote: »

You can’t just release the electric handbrake by pressing the button though.

AFAIK you can if the car happens to be running. That said, you wouldn't leave a child fooling around inside the car while it's running and say you run to put something in the boot etc. Maybe it's not such an issue come to think of it.

colm_mcm

Pretty sure you need to have the brake or clutch pedal pressed to release it.

Jim_bop

colm_mcm wrote: »

Pretty sure you need to have the brake or clutch pedal pressed to release it.

I'll check it later and report back.

Thanks for response

_Kaiser_

colm_mcm wrote: »

Pretty sure you need to have the brake or clutch pedal pressed to release it.

You do in my A6 anyway. Also need to press the brake pedal to take it out of P.

The only issue I've had with EPB's is when the caliper got stuck on my former Passat and previous A6 and it wouldn't engage/release properly. Ended up taping over the button until I got it fixed so I wouldn't keep pressing it out of habit.

Much prefer the position of the button beside the gear selector though. Having to reach for it beside the lights on the Passat wasn't as convenient (also I'm left handed)

Jim_bop

When idling in neutral, it will disengage without having to touch clutch or brake. Double checked it on a hill and off she went rolling.

So switching off engine is important when I get out of the car.