Get Parking and manoeuvring -> Brake support systems Guide for Volkswagen E Golf 4 Door Second Generation (2017-2020)

Brake support systems

Information on brake support systems

The vehicle is fitted with brake support systems. These systems can support the driver in critical

driving or braking situations. The driver is responsible for driving safety →

.

Driving with brake support systems

The brake support systems work when the engine is running. They do not need to be operated

separately. Always keep the footwell under the pedals clear!

The brake pedal may move or noises may occur while the brake support systems are regulating.

Continue to apply the necessary amount of brake pressure. Apply the necessary pressure to the

brake pedal consistently. If necessary, steer the vehicle while the brake pedal is depressed.

Notes on the brake support systems

If you suspect that there is a malfunction in the systems, read and observe the following notes:

—The ESC and TCS can function properly only if all four wheels are fitted with the same tyres.

Differences in the rolling circumferences of the tyres can lead to an unexpected reduction in

engine power.

—If there is a fault in the ABS, the ESC, TCS and EDL will also stop working.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ESC helps to reduce the risk of skidding and to improve driving stability in certain driving

situations →

.

ESC is always switched on.

Traction control system (TCS)

The TCS reduces the drive output if wheelspin occurs and adapts the drive output to suit road

surface conditions (→ Brake support systems, FAQ). The TCS makes it easier to pull away,

accelerate and drive up hills.

Depending on the vehicle equipment, the TCS can be switched off in exceptional circumstances

(→ Brake support systems, Operation).

Anti-lock brake system (ABS)

The anti-lock brake system can prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied up

until the point where the vehicle is nearly stationary and assists the driver in steering the vehicle

and keeping it under control (→ Brake support systems, FAQ).

Brake Assist system

The brake assist system can help to reduce the stopping distance. The brake assist system

reinforces brake pressure when the driver depresses the brake pedal quickly in an emergency

situation.

If you reduce the pressure on the brake pedal, the brake assist system will switch off the brake

servo.

Electronic differential lock (EDL and XDS)

EDL brakes a spinning wheel automatically and distributes the drive force to the other drive

wheels.

The EDL switches off automatically under unusually heavy loads to prevent the brake from

overheating. The EDL switches back on again automatically as soon as the brake has cooled

down.

XDS improves traction in order to keep the vehicle on its intended course.

Automatic Post-Collision Braking System

In the event of a collision, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System can help the driver to

reduce the risk of skidding, and the danger of secondary collisions, through automatic braking.

The Automatic Post-Collision Braking System functions only for collisions that are detected as a

collision by the airbag control unit.

The vehicle is braked automatically if the required systems have not been damaged in the

collision and have remained functional.

The following actions override automatic braking in the event of a collision:

—When the driver depresses the accelerator.

—When the brake pressure transmitted through the depressed brake pedal is greater than the

brake pressure provided by the system.

Electronic brake pressure distribution system (EBD)

Every vehicle's centre of gravity moves forwards whenever the brake is operated. This means

that the rear wheels are in danger of locking due to the lower traction. The electronic brake

pressure distribution system controls the brake pressure for the rear wheels and thereby ensures

the optimum distribution of brake pressure between the front and rear axles. Under normal

conditions, the system will prevent the rear from breaking away if too much brake pressure if

applied to the rear wheels. The electronic brake pressure distribution system is included in the

ABS' scope of functions.

Electromechanical brake servo

The electromechanical brake servo supports the driver's foot movement when the ignition is

switched on, and boosts the pressure applied to the brake pedal by the driver → . In the event

of a braking intervention by a driver assist system, e.g. when ACC is regulating or during

emergency braking, the brake pedal can move automatically.

The brake pressure boost will reduce gradually after you switch off the ignition. Secure the

stationary vehicle against rolling away (→ Parking, Action).

Brake blending

Energy recovery (recuperation) can produce a braking effect (→ Brake energy recuperation,

Operation). This braking effect may vary depending on the gearbox program selected and the

charge level of the high-voltage battery. When recuperation causes a pronounced braking effect,

the vehicle brake lights are also activated. In generator mode, depending on the speed of

rotation, the temperature and the charge level of the high-voltage battery, the electric motor can

generate braking torque on the front wheels.

These interconnections can lead to varying electric delays, which are compensated hydraulically

as the driver determines. This function is called “brake blending”. Brake blending regulates

between mechanical braking and the engine braking effect.

WARNING

The intelligent technology used in brake support systems cannot overcome the laws of physics,

and functions only within the limits of the system. Driving fast on icy, slippery or wet roads can

lead to a loss of control of the vehicle and could cause serious injury to the driver and

passengers.

●

Always adapt your speed and driving style to suit visibility, weather, road and traffic

conditions. Do not let the extra safety afforded by the brake support systems ABS, BAS, EDL,

TCS and ESC tempt you into taking any risks when driving.

●

The brake support systems cannot defy the laws of motion. Slippery and wet roads will

remain dangerous, even when the ESC and other systems are active.

Driving too fast on wet roads can cause the wheels to lose contact with the road surface and

aquaplane. The vehicle cannot be braked, steered or controlled once it has lost contact with

the road surface.

●

Brake support systems cannot prevent an accident if, for example, you are driving too close

to the vehicle in front or are driving too fast for the individual situation.

Although the brake support systems are very effective and can help to control the vehicle in

difficult driving situations, please always remember that the driving stability of the vehicle

depends on the tyre grip.

●

When accelerating on a slippery surface, for example on ice and snow, accelerate carefully.

The wheels can spin even when brake support systems are active and this can lead to a loss

of control of the vehicle.

WARNING

The effectiveness of ESC can be reduced considerably if other components and systems which

affect driving dynamics are not serviced properly or are not functioning properly. This also

applies, but not exclusively, to the brakes, tyres and other named systems.

●

Please always bear in mind that modifications and changes to the vehicle can affect the way

brake support systems operate.

Alterations to the suspension or the use of non-approved wheel and tyre combinations can

affect the function of brake support systems and reduce their effectiveness.

Suitable tyres support the effectiveness of ESC.

WARNING

Driving without the brake servo can considerably increase the braking distance and thus cause

accidents and serious injuries.

●

Never allow the vehicle to roll when the electric drive is deactivated.

●

If the brake servo does not function or the vehicle is being towed, the brake pedal will have

to be depressed more forcefully as the braking distance will be increased due to the lack of

assistance for the brake system.

Switching TCS on and off

TCS can be switched off in situations where insufficient traction is achieved:

—When driving in deep snow or on loose surfaces.

—When rocking the vehicle backwards and forwards to free it when stuck.

Switching TCS on and off in the Infotainment system:

—Tap the Vehicle function button in the main menu.

—Tap the Settings

function button.

—Tap the ESC System function button and select TCS.

The indicator lamp lights up yellow.

Troubleshooting

Electromechanical brake servo failure

Do not continue driving!

Warning lamp lights up red.

The text message

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distance will increase due to the lack of brake servo.

—Seek expert assistance immediately.

Electromechanical brake servo fault

Indicator lamp lights up yellow.

The text message

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The brake pedal may pulsate when pressed. The brake pedal must be pressed more firmly as the

braking distance will increase due to the reduced brake servo.

—Go to a qualified workshop.

ABS failure or fault

Indicator lamp lights up yellow.

—Go to a qualified workshop. The vehicle can be braked without ABS.

TCS regulating to prevent the wheels from spinning

Indicator lamp flashes yellow.

ESC regulating to reduce the risk of skidding and improve driving

stability.

Indicator lamp flashes yellow.

ESC switched off for system reasons

Indicator lamp lights up yellow.

—Switch the ignition off and on.

—Drive a short distance at a speed of 15 – 20 km/h (9 – 12 mph) if necessary.

—If is still lit up, seek expert assistance.

TCS switched off manually

Indicator lamp lights up yellow.

The brake support systems make noises

Noises may be heard when the brake support systems are performing control interventions.

WARNING

●

If the brake warning lamp lights up together with the ABS indicator lamp the control

function of the ABS may have failed. This can cause the rear wheels to lock relatively quickly

when you brake. Locked rear wheels can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. If possible,

reduce your speed and drive carefully at low speed to the nearest qualified workshop in

order to have the brake system tested. Avoid sudden braking and driving manoeuvres on the

way.

If the ABS indicator lamp does not go out or comes on while the vehicle is in motion, the

ABS is not working properly. The vehicle can be stopped using the normal brakes only

(without the anti-lock brake system). The protection provided by the anti-lock brake system

is no longer available. Go to a qualified workshop as soon as possible.

Parking and manoeuvring -> Brake support systems for Your Volkswagen E Golf 4 Door Second Generation (2017-2020)

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