My 2013 2.0 TDI 170 has developed an intermittent fault with the Hill Hold Control or possibly the clutch or maybe both (first problem I've had in nearly 2years of happy ownership). I need to take it back to the dealers but I thought I'd check if anyone has experienced anything similar.

I've experienced the same problem 3 times in the last week. When I'm doing a hill start, I release the clutch as usual and the car just stays there, the last time it happened got some smoke and the smell of hot clutch too. If I put the clutch back in, back to neutral and wait, the HHC disengages after a couple of seconds. Then I try again and everything's fine.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any ideas what the fault is? Thanks

It sounds like the HHC isn't releasing the brakes, causing the clutch to burn. Not something I've heard of before on here.

 

I wonder how the HHC knows when to release the brakes ? Maybe it relies on data from the engine ECU to tell it how much torque the engine is generating.

Probably worth getting a VCDS scan to see if there are any faults.

 

Incidentally, I see you're Derbyshire Dales too

Yes, which is why I went for the Yeti, the HHC was one of the features I really wanted, went for a heated front screen and a set of winter wheels with Dunlop Winter Sports on too. I've been very pleased with how it's performed over the last few weeks on snow, slush and ice.

I think that the fault probably lies with whatever is supposed to trigger the brake release when the clutch is released but have no idea what it is.

On mine the brakes release after 2 seconds or sooner if you dab the throttle then they release immediately.

Yup, HHC releases the brakes after 2 seconds, or in proportion to the amount of accelerator input.  It's in the manual.

 

Sorry.

 

Personally, the HHC is the one thing I really dislike about my Yeti.  It always seems to be holding the brakes on when I'm trying to manoeuvre carefully (ie not using a lot of throttle) and I find it can actually interfere with effective use of the hand brake (remember that? too many drivers seem to forget where that is quicker than they forget where their indicator stalk is  )  If there was way to turn off HHC, I'd do it.

 

That said, the OP's HHC does seem to be behaving worse than it is supposed to but it's not something I've ever experienced.  A dealer visit would seem to be in order.

Yup, HHC releases the brakes after 2 seconds, or in proportion to the amount of accelerator input.  It's in the manual.

 

Sorry.

 

Personally, the HHC is the one thing I really dislike about my Yeti.  It always seems to be holding the brakes on when I'm trying to manoeuvre carefully (ie not using a lot of throttle) and I find it can actually interfere with effective use of the hand brake (remember that? too many drivers seem to forget where that is quicker than they forget where their indicator stalk is  )  If there was way to turn off HHC, I'd do it.

 

That said, the OP's HHC does seem to be behaving worse than it is supposed to but it's not something I've ever experienced.  A dealer visit would seem to be in order.

 

You're right about the handbrake  . With mine being dsg and having the hill start assist the only time I use my handbrake is when I park up.

You're right about the handbrake  . With mine being dsg and having the hill start assist the only time I use my handbrake is when I park up.

 

What about at traffic lights or in traffic queues?

Thanks for the input, looks like it's not a common fault - it's not far off being due for it's first service, I think I'll book it in early for that and report the fault when I book it in - I will post back if they find a fault/solution.

I find the HHC very useful (except the 3 times it didn't work), most of my driving is on steep narrow roads with dry stone walls either side and passing places. The HHC does allow you to keep both hands on the wheel when doing a hill start.

What about at traffic lights or in traffic queues?

 

Standard practice these days seems to be to sit with your right foot on the brake pedal and left foot holding the clutch disengaged (unless you are driving an automatic, of course).  I assume the justification for this is that it reduces wear and tear on the driver's left arm.  Also, if you're at the front of a queue at the lights it makes it easy to creep forwards at random points during the red phase when you think it ought to be your turn to go, even though there's no sign of the lights for the traffic in other directions changing.  Such behaviour does go against the advice in Highway Code rule 114 - but then that is one of the most widely ignored rules in the book so maybe it's no great surprise.

 

(This isn't in any way meant as a comment on spottydog's driving behaviour, by the way, since I have no knowledge or experience of same.)

What about at traffic lights or in traffic queues?

 

If I know the lights eg.pedestrian crossing I just keep the foot brake on. Any longer stops I just put the gearbox into park.

At night other drivers brake lights don't dazzle me so mine won't dazzle them. If they do, tough, there's more important things to be concerned about.

If I know the lights eg.pedestrian crossing I just keep the foot brake on. Any longer stops I just put the gearbox into park.

At night other drivers brake lights don't dazzle me so mine won't dazzle them. If they do, tough, there's more important things to be concerned about.

 

No comment, other than I suggest you read the Handbook about leaving the DSG in gear and held on the brake.

It isn't advised.

Please don't be your usual patronising self. The manual states:

N does not have to be selected when stopping for short periods of time. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary using the footbrake.

Please don't be your usual patronising self. The manual states:

N does not have to be selected when stopping for short periods of time. It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary using the footbrake.

 

I was only repeating what was said recently in another thread about the DSG system.

 

Good night.

It is sufficient to hold the vehicle stationary using the footbrake.

 

And annoy the hell out of those behind who do find brake lights dazzling.....

And annoy the hell out of those behind who do find brake lights dazzling.....

 

I didn't even comment on those words! ...  

At night other drivers brake lights don't dazzle me so mine won't dazzle them. If they do, tough, there's more important things to be concerned about.

That's you're opinion and you're entitled to it of course.

 

But my opinion is that drivers who sit stationary for more than a few seconds with their foot on the brake, forcing the driver behind to see nowt but bright red glare are lazy and inconsiderate. 

The "usual suspects" on this forum take yourselves way, way to serious.

Easy way to find out if Spottydog knows he is talking out of his gary;

Would he still sit at traffic lights with his foot on the brakes if he observed a police vehicle pull in behind him?

Or would he carry out the correct procedure?

Fin

At night other drivers brake lights don't dazzle me so mine won't dazzle them. If they do, tough, there's more important things to be concerned about.

That's not very courteous is it, especially if a bit misty?

I will sit behind you with Full Beam on as it will not dazzle you, if it does tough.

Urrell, that's what I used to do, but two wrongs don't make a right. I now just pull my sunblind down.

Also, most cars have auto dimming mirrors, so it's not that effective!

Fin

The OP doesn't state it but I presume his car is a manual in which case if the hill hold is not disengaging when he is releasing the clutch then a stall situation will arise. If he is getting to the stage of burning clutch then more damage will be occurring. Coming to a stop and putting on the handbrake, immediately releasing the footbrake may well alleviate the situation by giving the HHC time to release then then doing and old fashioned hill start.

Ian