tow bar electrics

[MOSSALF]

Hi
have just fitted tow bar and can bus relay electrics tested all pins on socket and they are ok plugged in two trailers and neither work am I missing something?
Cheers :aargh4:

[niall campbell]

trailers , you have to love them


with the trailer wire, slightly unscrew the outer cover

then move the INNER part ................................... clockwise & anti clockwise to see if the pins touching your car socket makes a difference


Also with lights on. indicators on etc .............................. multimeter the pins at the car to see if you have power

[MOSSALF]

Thanks for that I'm wondering if it is not properly earthed the instructions say you must use a chassis earth also do you have to use by pass relay or can you just scotch clip directly to wiring
Cheers

[niall campbell]

Well I don't know too much about the Can bus


A good screw on a clean piece of metal near the rear light should suffice.

Are you trying to get the trailer wired into the car, so if you put the indicator on, you see it on the dashboard ?


It used to be acceptable to scotch clip towbar electrics, or really any electrics in the car, but over the years I have mixed results in doing so.

Around 12 years ago I got a towbar & electrics done on my A6 year 2000, X plate; anyway the guy that done it fitted a box where the wires he tapped into all joined in there. When for example I was using my indicators, it would beep away to let me know it was working.

You could get one of them, it may well work like a Relay if it draws very little power from the lights you need .......................... some cars have extremely thin wires to the rear lights


Would it cost that much to go to a towbar specialist to get it done properly ?

[MOSSALF]

Thanks Niall
I could have it done by a auto electrician but when your retired it helps keeps you occupied and the old grey cells functioning. I think I'll try doing a direct connection to the wiring as usually doing the simple things works best
Many thanks for taking time to reply

[niall campbell]

It should be fairly straight forward, I would just be happier using connector blocks for a more robust connection

Are you putting on the Euro connector ?

[MOSSALF]

Hi Niall
thought I'd posted already must have done something wrong again. I went back to basic's and discovered that the socket earth was not making a good connection. I split the earth from the 12v supply and connected it to socket earth and bingo it worked.
Thanks for your input it's nice to know there's people like you out there prepared to help
Cheers

[niall campbell]

glad its sorted