Mark P

I understand the Q5 has an "electromechanical parking brake" which is engaged/disengaged by a switch next to the gear shifter. This is the same as we have on our VW Tiguan. I also understand that the Q5 has Hill Assist which works via the ABS/hydraulic system.

When reviewing the VCDS tweaks, I noticed on that says:
"Enable Release Parking Brake without putting seatbelt"

I assume that description is for different behavior than stock. If indeed that is different, it would mean that stock behavior requires you to put on your seatbelt before releasing the parking brake.

I assumed this was talking about the Electromechanical Parking Brake. Are you saying that it applies instead to the Hill Assist brakes?

In either case, what is the thing the car will prevent you from doing without your seatbelt on?
- If it's for the electromechanical one, I assume when you press the button, it won't release the brake.
- If it's for the Hill Assist, I'm not sure what would happen - would it not let you shift into gear, or not let you drive after you're already in gear?

If it applies only to the Hill Assist, those seem like non-intuitive times to restrict the driver from doing something. I could understand it better if it prevented the driver from disengaging the electromechanical parking brake.

Bottom line, I was just trying to understand what will happen if I get in my stock Q5 and try to drive without my seatbelt. What will the car prevent me from doing?

For the record, I always drive with my seatbelt, and just found this controllable option as a strange one in the bunch, so it made me curious.

spijun

Audi hold assist

Mark P

Oh thanks, I see the mention of seatbelt in there. Thank you so much! I forgot/didn't know there was a button to enable AHA. So now I understand that lack of seatbelt will prevent you from putting AHA into standby mode. Thanks!

gtwagon941

AHA is not on the US Q5.

Mark P

Thanks, that explains the lack of replies to my question here

B8Fish

Do you already have Savvy from V1? If not--check it out, plugs into the OBD port and auto mutes alerts under a set speed (you control, up to 50 MPH I think). I'm using it with the BOB (brown out booster) to eliminate some wiring and the annoyance of a V1 start-up everytime the auto start of the Q5 kicks in--it is essentially a voltage regulator.

Mark P

I did see it but haven't picked one up yet. What's the BOB? Link? I guess once I read about it, I'll understand how that would impact wiring elimination. But most importantly I think you just said that the Start/Stop feature cycles the ACC power everytime it starts? Ouch, that would suck. Yes, please tell me more!

B8Fish

The start/stop does not really shut off the ACC "ports" (I was using the lighter adapter in front of the shift ****), but the momentary drop in current was enough to cause the V1 to sense an issue and thus do a restart. I dont know if that will happen with a dedicated connection through the fuse box....the brown out booster is V1's answer to the auto start/stop feature--apparently this is a common issue as the feature becomes more prevalent. I tried just the Savvy at first--and it prevents the start/stop issue for short intervals, but not for longer stops (like a stoplight). I have looked at upgrading the V1--but I like it too much! The Savvy module is a good compromise to eliminate having to hit the mute through all the parking lots/auto doors etc. I was incorrect before--you can set the speed at up to 65 MPH--this is the speed at which it will auto mute the alert for you after the initial beep--I really like it so far (4 days and counting!)

B8Fish

[QUOTE=Mark P;24481618]I did see it but haven't picked one up yet. What's the BOB? Link?
http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/bob.asp

Turguin

I'm not sure I believe this. My 2013 Hybrid Q5 does this (holds the car in place on an incline until you pull away). Not talking about engaging the e-brake switch - though it supports that too.