Hill Start, System Description

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The vehicle may be equipped with hill start depending on the model.

Function

The function assists the driver if the vehicle must stop frequently or for long periods of time while the engine is running.

The hill start holds the vehicle after the vehicle has been stationary and this function is activated.

The driver can release the brake pedal.

The vehicle is held in place by maintaining the brake pressure on all four wheels in ESP.

To prevent the ESP solenoid valves from overheating when stopped for long periods of time, the electromechanical parking brake automatically assumes braking when the solenoid valves reach a temperature of 200 °C (392 °F).

The point when the brakes automatically release is based on the following factors:

Engine speed
Angle
Gear engaged
On manual transmissions, clutch pedal travel per the clutch sensor
On automatic transmissions, through converter release

To prevent the vehicle from rolling back, the brakes are only released when there is sufficient engine torque available.

Activation

The following conditions must be fulfilled to switch the "stand by" function on:

Driver wearing seat belt
Engine running
Driver door closed
ESP and electromechanical parking brake are not malfunctioning.

Pressing the -AUTO HOLD- Button -E540- -B- in the center console activates this function.

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

The switch indicates the operating conditions.

Deactivated - the LED in the switch is off.
Stand by - the LED inside the switch is on.
Active - the LED in the switch is on and the instrument cluster display shows a green "P".

Braking function is only transferred from ESP to the electromechanical parking brake if the "green P" in the instrument cluster is on and if:

the solenoid valves in ESP have reached a temperature of 200 °C (392 °F)
the driver door is opened
the driver seat belt is unbuckled
the engine is stopped
the ignition is switched off
the brake pedal or gas pedal is pressed.
The -AUTO HOLD- Button -E540- was pressed without pressing the brake pedal.

NOTE:

When braking function is transferred from the ESP to the electromechanical parking brake, the display in the instrument cluster changes from a "green P" to a "red P".