Passat 2006 tow bar fitment

[PNS2007]

Hi, I pick up my new (6 mnth old) Passat 2.0 Sport TDI (170) DPF on monday and my excitement is dulling. I need to have a Tow bar fitted and have been quoted £595, this is apparently because I need a specific wiring kit for trailer stability etc. Do I need this? or is it simply easier to turn off the ESP. Also a new valence is required with a pre-cut hole and cover. Is this required, or can a cut simply be made into the existing valence and the separate 'flap' part be fitted afterwards. The reason I ask is that whilst the valence itself is about £50, my new car has a vw body kit fitted as an optional extra and I have been told I need to buy the complete rear valance (with built in spoiler) at £350. Any help or other info would be great thanks:1zhelp:

[carl s]

When I asked about getting a towbar fitted to my new B6 estate the sales person admitted that they didn't recommend the VW £590-odd route, but told me they send most most people to the local towing centre to fit one for £175 plus vat.
They may have to cut the rear valance but these people do this sort of thing every day, it's only plastic after all !

[PNS2007]

Thanks Carl. I find it hard to believe that it was only £175. The electrics cost more than this so i've been told so that the car has trailer stability programme. My main concern is the bumper cut. The car has the VW boby kit on it and I don't want the tow bar showing so am going for a detachable one and need it to look tidy afterwards. Just considering my options at the moment, where to buy a new valence or accept a tidy cut and cover.

[carl s]

Berkshire towing & leisure (from memory) mind you it wasn't a detatchable one. I'm waiting until I need one to get it installed (still recovering from the money I spent buying the car!) The £175 sounded about right as they fitted one to my last car for around £200 inc. vat.

[macdoc]

Does anyone know if the towbar wiring can be connected direct to tail light wiring harness, or is that area part of CANbus system, hence expensive wiring electrics from VW?

[PNS2007]

Hi, had my towbar done now. Decided to use VW dealer as this was the most practical. The Passat has Trailer Stability Programming built into its on board computer and needs activating by a VW tech once the towbar has been fitted. I'm told this is a must when towing.
As far as the wiring is concerned it has to be a vehical specific wiring system and cannot just come off the lighting circuit.
I've had the Westfali detachable towbar fitted and it was arounf £550. I managed 10% discount on the parts after a bit of grovelling.
Good luck and I hope your as pleased as I now am.

[schoey1]

You said the towbar was £550 .Was that including fitting or did the VW garage charge on top of thar price ?

Just looking at fitting a towbar to my estate too !

[PNS2007]

Hi, it was in the region of £550+vat. The parts were as follows:-
Detachable bar - Part no. A3C0 092 155 @ £194.55
13 Pin electrics - Part no. A3C0 055 204 G @ £195.32
Combi relay - Part no. ZTF1170 @ £9.85
The bottom bumper valence and flap which was about £50
a few clamps washers and pins @ £3
and labour @£87.50
This is about £535 + vat.

This in my opinion is a better bet than somewhere like Towsure which is only about £40 cheaper as it doesn't include the bumper valence etc. See the following link:-

http://www.towsure.com/product/13464-EC_Towbar:_VW_Passat_Saloon_July_05-

The VW detachable bar fits nicely in the polystyrene boot holder (where the jack is) and don't forget the warrenty. Although a towbar fitter will give you a warrenty the passat's electrics are quite complex and its worth the piece of mind. Also you will need a VW technician to re program the cars computer to give you trailer stability program which works with the cars ESP so I believe. This programming alone is about £50 - £60.

The new valence finishes off the car nicely and you can't tell you have a tow bar fitted.

Regards

Neil

[schoey1]

thanks for the price break down. Good information thanks again

[PNS2007]

Some photos of my tow bar if any one is interested which shows the removable flap etc

Neil

[PNS2007]

By the way I had the upgraded valence with spoiler fitted in the end (part no. A3C0 071 610 DG RU) which was more expensive at approx £300 all in (my dealer colour coded it for free). It was, in my opinion, worth the extra to keep the car looking good! (as can be seen by the picture below)

[charlietiggerif]

Hi! Out of curiousity, as my hubby is wanting to get a towbar fitted to his passat...what make is the bar that they used...or am I being daft and you've already said?! Thanks!:Blush:

[PNS2007]

Hi, it is a Westfalia detachable towbar

[shropslad]

Have been finding out info regarding a towbar. Got a quote at £340 fitted to my 2007 pasat saloon, this is a Witter towbar, Alko stabliser tow ball, genuine VW wiring loom.
Chap seems genuine & his company only fit towbars, only thing he said that I am not to sure about is he said that the wiring comes pre-programmed to fit my car he needed the reg number to give VW so that they could give him the correct loom:confused:
does this sound right:1zhelp:

[forge197]

I have no specific knowledge but maybe when he goes to the parts desk by giving your reg VW know the age and can get the loom, but I would have though the VIN would have been more accurate for that as that will specify more detail for VW to look then 07/57/06/56 etc on the reg........
I suspect there are different looms for different model years and he wants to get the right one so that is a good sign IMHO

[PNS2007]

Hi Shropslad, is the price you quote for a fixed tow bar? Witters web site shows these at £140, I would recomend a detachable though (£340 for witter) and don't forget that your bumper will need to be cut to fit either.

I think its worth the extra to hide it all away. Also your car will need a visit to VW (unless your fitter has the necessary compuer kit) to have the car reprogrammed to activate the trailer stability. There are different views on this but I was told that the cars electrics (eg ESP) are set up to controll the car alone and not with a trailer on the back. If the car has this technology you may as well use it!!
Good luck with yours, I note you live in shropshire, if your near Telford and want to look at mine feel free. Ping me a private message.
Cheers

[Ben]

Ahem <clears throat>


Does anyone know if the towbar wiring can be connected direct to tail light wiring harness, or is that area part of CANbus system, hence expensive wiring electrics from VW?


Have been finding out info regarding a towbar. Got a quote at &#163;340 fitted to my 2007 pasat saloon, this is a Witter towbar, Alko stabliser tow ball, genuine VW wiring loom.

Chap seems genuine & his company only fit towbars, only thing he said that I am not to sure about is he said that the wiring comes pre-programmed to fit my car he needed the reg number to give VW so that they could give him the correct loom

does this sound right


http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=9482

This should be the 1st point of call.:Blush2:

[shropslad]

The price was for a fixed towbar,, I did look at the removable bar but know the fixed is a stronger bar with a higher towing capacity. I personally don't think a tow bar looks ugly,, just practical, bit like the Passat itself,,a very Practical car.

[Rightconnection]

Hello to all members,

I have just become a new member of the VW forums really in an attempt to inform VW owners much more about car technology in their relation to towing. I have read with great interest your experiences in obtaining and installing a towbar to your vehicle. In most cases, without much fun . Car technology has changed dramatically over the last few years which has meant greater implications to the accessories which are to be fitted into or onto the vehicle. In the case of VW, an operating system called CANbus (Controlled Area Network) has become highly developed and now commonplace. CANbus, in simple terms, is a system which transfers information around the car in a digital format. So, where one time your car operated on 12v DC with earth, operating functions with switches and relays, this has now been replaced by a network using control modules which process signals at very high speeds. It is very difficult to explain this in simple terms, but this technology has allowed manufacturers to produce more and more innovative safety and passive systems within a single vehicle. You will see now a greater use of the braking system for example as again, at one time ABS was a breakthrough in safety technology, this has been enhanced somewhat now to include TC (Traction Control) EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) and the important, almost standard fitted system known as ESP (Electronic Stability Program).
ESP has gathered huge momentum over the last few years with organisations such as Thatcham campaining in Europe to have every car produced in and imported into EC countries to have ESP fitted as standard. How does this affect towing? Well, with virtually every brake control units in vehicles being driven by software, VW as one manufacturer have realized that a high percentage of their vehicles will be equipped with a towbar. With this knowledge, they spent thousands of Euro's in creating a system which aids the car's stability and corrects the affects of a 'snaking' trailer. This system is known in VW terminology as T-Esp or Trailer Stability Program. The system uses the existing ESP system but when the car 'detects' a trailer (more on this later), the vehicle's sensors start looking for any 'snaking' action in the trailer and correct accordingly. Should this occur, the VW system will activate the ESP system for a period of around 30 seconds or until the car has stabilized the trailer. During this time, the ESP lamp will flash on the dash and in some cases, a 'pinging' sound will be heard. T-Esp systems will correct the snaking by automatically changing the brake and accelerator sequence in turn. This is where the trailer detection is vital. This will mean that a vehicle specific towbar wiring kit must be fitted. This is either ordered at the factory when buying a new car, purchased from VW dealer parts department or purchased from an independent towbar installer. The wiring kit absolutely needs to be vehicle specific and NOT a by-pass kit. Be very careful when seeking to have a towbar fitted as most independent towbar fitters will fit a by-pass option unless you state otherwise. Having a specific installation will have a kit which takes it's signals over the databus of the car and not from the lighting harness as with a by-pass system! I know one member has asked his local dealer about TSP and they gave a blank look! This is not so unusual because their information is also rather limited. However, as with a number of car manufacturers, the inclusion of a specific towing module does need the car to be 'coded' by a diagnostic tool. The 'coding' is really an adaption of a particular system to inform the car that a towing module is present. this then will activate or de-activate a system when a trailer is attached and recognized. for example, on the Passat, a simple code is added to the dashboard module which will now give a text information as well as a bulb failure symbol to highlight a fault should a trailer flasher fail. Also, if factory fitted parking sensors are installed, they will de-activate automatically when a trailer is attached. Also importantly, the brake control module has a re-code to allow the TSP to function. NOTE: This is not necessary now for late 2007 vehicles on as this is preset at factory.
If you are looking to have a towbar fitted, then try to look for a specialist fitter, one who is preferably NTTA (National Trailer & Towing Association) QS Quality Secured. They are fitters whom the Caravan Club recommend and are more likely to offer the best solution. Dont forget to ask for specific electrics.

I hope this information has helped any member who is contemplating towing with his VW. I look forward to hearing your comments and happy to reply to any specific information you may need.. certainly in relation to towing as this is an area I specialize in.

[PNS2007]

Thanks for your very informative reply. I'm glad I spent a little extra now! :beerchug:

[Apoc]

Very helpful thread all round, this very day I closed the deal for a new Passat Highline Estate (DSG), trading in my Touran DSG as it approaches its 3rd birthday. Very happy with this change.

Never jumped into the tow bar debate before as it all looked too complicated and/or expensive, but now have a need to have my new Passat fitted with a towbar so at the very least I can opt for a small trailer and bikes on roof, or bikes on tow bar and stick with my roof box.

It looks as though the prevailing opinion is to be very careful about ensuring you use dont disable the lovely new technology that have been fitted to cars in recent years....but does anyone know of someone in the South East who does VW standard work but below VW labour prices?

[Apoc]

.......

It looks as though the prevailing opinion is to be very careful about ensuring you use dont disable the lovely new technology that have been fitted to cars in recent years....but does anyone know of someone in the South East who does VW standard work but below VW labour prices?

:aargh4: OK...got a call from the dealer today regarding my request for a quote to have VW fit a towbar to my Passat, not even in the UK yet.....and it came in at around £900-1000....

This seems even more ridiculous than even some of the other quotes in this thread...just mad :confused:

The explanation being that not many Passat owners want towbars and when more do then they are sure prices will come down.

Sheesh, chicken and egg guys, when your prices are realistic for a lump of metal on the back of your car, more people might want one...

[PNS2007]

Hi Apoc, if you see one of my earlier postings it has a break down of the parts and the price my dealer charged me. Be cheeky and ask for a discount! Your spending allot of money on the car the least they could do is fit a tow bar cheaply for you. I managed 20%.

Good Luck

[Apoc]

Thanks, your price breakdown is very useful to beat them about the head with.

My car is currently awaiting shipping in Holland, so still time to go for a bit of cheek.

[jazzert100]

This forum has raised a number of issues for me I currently have an 05 Passat B6 with a towbar and my new car is arriving soon and thought I would just remove it and refit it to my new car.
I have access to a ramp and have done my sharan in the past, and due to a dodgy repair by a Norwich Union approved repair centre(if anyone gets their car back from repair I suggest you check the towing electrics at the time) I am familiar with the control box wiring as I had to fit a new control box faithfully copying the old wiring only to discover the repairers had rewired it incorrectly in the first place and I didnt need a new controller at all!
However I had no idea about the ESP for the trailer I am probably only going to be towing small lightweight trailers and my 5 meter speedboat none of which have ever given me any snaking problems previously.
Has anyone done a DIY bar yet?
I am now seriously thinking twice about doing it!
I would welcome any hints or tips.

thx

J

[Rightconnection]

Hi J,

Having read a number of replies in respect to towbars, it would be really good to clarify why towbar installation should be left to specialists. since 2000. a number of vehicle manufacturer's, in particular, the German producers, have massively altered and improved the electrical systems in vehicles. Broadly termed CANbus which simply means ALL data from turning on your overhead reading light to complex engine management, is controlled through a series of digital signals. Most people who drive cars simply put the key in the ignition and as long as the engine starts, that's all they are generally concerned about. The interesting fact of modern technology is what is actually happening in the vehicle, by way of signalling, just when the key is placed in the ignition let alone actually starting the car! What does this mean for towbar installation... well, the towbar is the most important accessory that can be fitted to a modern motor vehicle. The essential part of this installation is the electrics. No other accessory fitted will intervene and alter the whole architecture of the vehicle ranging from braking system through to the factory fitted alarm! A number of systems need to re-coded diagnostically in order for the systems to activate or de-activate a number of trailer related safety systems. I notice on reply earlier in the forum states the towbar to be 'just a lump of metal' mounted on the rear! Sadly, this lack of understanding about towbar installation prevails amongst towing drivers as in fact, all they see is a lump of metal on the back but do not understand the complex way this lump of metal has on the car! Now, I have to emphasise the electrical system is the crucial part and unless the correct electrical wiring is installed, ALL the safety systems will not be activated! Many towbar installers are fitting what is known as a 'By-Pass' relay. This is a cheap, rather crude device which is not recognised by VW as a suitable installation. Unfortunately, there is no legislation to prevent such installations BUT this is dramatically changing. The correct installation has to be a specific kit which is installed either at dealerships or by Quality towbar installers. You will need to specify this when asking for quotes. If you decide to fit yourself, you will need around 2 hours at least and be pretty dextrous! I most certainly would advise going to a specialist for your installation. This is why dealerships now charge high costs as they put a high value on this accessory. if you need to know more about trailer related safety systems, why not visit this website. www.rightconnections.co.uk

I hope this has been informative for you and good luck :Blush:
J

[stringman]

I too am contemplating fitting a towbar
http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=62096

Its not essential that i have one and certainly does not warrant the sums i have seen posted here.

I have seen a diy kit on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/A1-Towbar-VW-Passat-Estate-2006-Tow-Bar_W0QQitemZ110343952249QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Car sParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item110343952249&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1689%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A2%7C 240%3A1318

anyone heard of /used A1 towbars.
Have to say i am not bothered with the cut aspect and not bothered about the "fancy electrics" as it will just have a bike carrier on it so i am presuming i can can just tapinto the wiring - do i still need the relay thingy?

all seems a lot of faff but saves a fortune.

or maybe i should just buy a rear mounted bike rack!!!

cheers all

[forge197]

Having had a tow bar fitted by a specialist, it was reasonable value, I only use it for bikes, but the Passat does seem to rely on electronics heavily so felt it a worthy investment to have someone else whom has done it before install it more for a peace of mind.

It took a few hours to fit properly and required the removal of quite a lot of parts.

Fitting yourself my be cheap up front but if you damage the CANBUS or other internal electronics I reckon that would be more than the cost of a specialist installation of a tow bar.

[Rightconnection]

Having had a tow bar fitted by a specialist, it was reasonable value, I only use it for bikes, but the Passat does seem to rely on electronics heavily so felt it a worthy investment to have someone else whom has done it before install it more for a peace of mind.

It took a few hours to fit properly and required the removal of quite a lot of parts.

Fitting yourself my be cheap up front but if you damage the CANBUS or other internal electronics I reckon that would be more than the cost of a specialist installation of a tow bar.

As a specialist in vehicle towing electrics, Forge 197 has it right. CANbus is becoming a common feature now in vehicle electronics and the Germans have the most advanced developments. I would have to say.. never compromise with any fitting of inferior electrics regardles whether you carry a bike or tow. As a pointer.. electronics are so much advanced now that the NEW Audi Q5 with factory fitted roofbars is able to sense the load imposed on the roofbars and alters the vehicle ESP dynamics to compensate for the centre of gravity shift! I needn't say any more. Always opt for a vehicle specific solution in electrics and not for the common by-pass and scotchlocks.

regards..

[brismark]

Thanks rightconnection for your expalnation. Since reading it I have decided to use a proper wiring kit for my passat estate, so that parking sensors, alarm, TSP etc will function. I've gone for the Westfalia wiring kit 321 535 300 147
But a question - my car has ESP but does it definitely have a TSP function as it is 2006? I read in the fitting instructions for the recode of the ECU that it says
>MY07 - activate TS system, what does >MY07 mean? cars since 2007? In which case I haven't even got a TS system in my ESP?
Any light shed much appreciated
Cheers Mark

[Rightconnection]

Hello Bismark,

MY means Model Year. If you have a 2006 model, I can almost definately say it will have TSP as a codeable feature in the brake electronics module. From around July 2007, the TSP function became automatically installed in the brake electronics module, so no re-coding was necessary.
For models up to 2007, the Brake electronics module usually have a 5 digit software code. For example: 13614. The diagnostic technician will need to add 16384 to this figure ( so becomes 29998) and this will re-code the brake electronics. When this happens, he should here a 'ping' sound which tells this has re-coded correctly. For later models.. post July 2007, the software code is only 4 digits long and this is already re-coded from factory.

I also ought to mention at this point the electronic handbrake. If you have the extra option 'Auto-hold', which is a button that sits to the left of the gear lever, then it could be the software code will need to be changed here. this is because a code No is installed from factory which functions OK without the presence of a trailer module. When this is fitted, and the brake electronics changed for the TSP, the Auto-hold function ends up sometimes having the wrong code. this is shown by the yellow parking brake lamp staying lit on the dash. Anyway, maybe no need to worry about that until all is done.
If you have factory fitted sensors, this also needs re-coding to de-activate when a trailer is connected. in this case, another value has to be added to the software code to enable this. A good master technican in a dealership should hopefully know what needs to be coded and what doesn't. ;)

By the way.. are you having this done by a dealership or using a towbar centre?

regards.. RC

[martin1810]

I don't see any problem with a bypass relay hooked up to the post can-bus module wireing. The car won't know I'm towing but my old cars didn't know I was towing either and they managed.

[Rightconnection]

Hello martin 1810,

Interesting comment you make about using a by-pass relay.. You have to appreciate that technology has moved forward so quickly particularly in the automotive industry that what was suitable for a car 2 or 3 years ago just is not suitable today. You also have to take into account that why would VW spend millions of pounds developing critical safety systems which are related to towing, just to have them all by-passed!! I have to be honest and ask.. is this really best practice? The fact is, the modern car absolutely needs to know it is towing in order for vehicle safety systems to adjust and be informed. My other question would be.. why would a car manufacturer design it's vehicles to have the trailer information.. lights, flasher lamp failure warning.. to be provided through the network if they were happy for all of this to be by-passed and have a relay which was scotchlocked or soldered onto the lighting harness wires? The car is not meant to have any connections made to the lighting harness and you can see this written down very often, in your driver handbook(s).
I agree.. by-pass relays seem to work... in the short term, but what damage are they doing within the car network in the longer term? Especially on vehicles which are not meant to have any connections made to the lighting harnesses.
What I am trying to inform members about is that it is vital that an understanding of the technology has to change our opinion of towbar installations. By-pass relays are the cheap option but just not suitable for the technology! Unfortunately, it is this cheap option which is offered by so many towbar installers and retailers that prevents the advances in this sort of technology. best wishes..

[brismark]

Dear Rightconnection
Thanks again for your full response - I'm clear now! I am going to a towbar center not a VW main dealer - they did say they could recode the ECU so let's see! And see my comments/summary below;

SUMMARY
Just to summarise this thread simply for new readers as I see it (as a non-expert), the B6 passat has sophisticated vehicle electronics. When it comes to towbar fitting, you have a dilemma. If you are prepared to sacrifice (or even worst case experience problems with) some of this functionality you can opt to have fitted a generic electrical wiring system called a by-pass relay at any independent tow bar fitter. This will cost about £200 – 250 depending on style for a fixed towbar. I gather that loads of passat towbars are actually done this way so it must work – to some extent.
But if you want to maintain the integrity of electronic systems when towing (alarm, parking sensor, brake auto hold, Trailer stability system – the safety anti snaking system) then you have to fit a vehicle specific electronic wiring loom and have the vehicle ECU recoded after fitting.
You can go down this latter route in 2 ways – main VW dealer, I got a quote for over £800, and I’ve seen others on this site for over £500. A crazy lot to pay, but full peace of mind.
Or you can go to a top rated independent who knows what he is talking about and will mention the electronics and coding as part of his quote. This is what I’m doing, fingers crossed I get the main dealer result at a midway price. I’m paying £380 on Tuesday to Brittania in Bristol - I will post the results on Wed! They are using the Westfalia wiring kit specific for the B6 passat estate and say they will recode the ecu. Let’s see.....
Hope that helps everyone, believe me it’s a minefield that I didn’t even know about a fortnight ago when I bought the car and now I feel like an encyclopaedia! Good luck in making your choice, I’m VERY happy that my choice is the right one for me.
Mark

[brismark]

UPDATE AS PROMISED
As I said in my posting above, I would let you all know how it went with the independent dealer using a full Westfalia electronic wiring kit.
Well, I'm very pleased. The ECU got recoded (he even put a sticker in the service book) and everything works. It cost exactly what he said £330+vat so quite a lot but nothing compared to the £800+ that Bath VW quoted me....
I had to laugh when the towbar chap showed me the Westfalia wiring loom box - you can just see a VW logo underneath the top label! ha ha - shows it is the real OE deal.
So, if you want the proper job but not the main dealer price, go to a decent independant who don't use a cheap bypass relay.
By the way, mine was a fixed flange with a bumper cut, if you want a detatchable and hidden flap etc, that is more expensive - £600 ish but still good considering VW quoted me £1000+ for that.
Cheers, happy towing to everyone
Mark

[Alasdair999]

Hello Bismark,

MY means Model Year. If you have a 2006 model, I can almost definately say it will have TSP as a codeable feature in the brake electronics module. From around July 2007, the TSP function became automatically installed in the brake electronics module, so no re-coding was necessary.
For models up to 2007, the Brake electronics module usually have a 5 digit software code. For example: 13614. The diagnostic technician will need to add 16384 to this figure ( so becomes 29998) and this will re-code the brake electronics. When this happens, he should here a 'ping' sound which tells this has re-coded correctly. For later models.. post July 2007, the software code is only 4 digits long and this is already re-coded from factory.

I also ought to mention at this point the electronic handbrake. If you have the extra option 'Auto-hold', which is a button that sits to the left of the gear lever, then it could be the software code will need to be changed here. this is because a code No is installed from factory which functions OK without the presence of a trailer module. When this is fitted, and the brake electronics changed for the TSP, the Auto-hold function ends up sometimes having the wrong code. this is shown by the yellow parking brake lamp staying lit on the dash. Anyway, maybe no need to worry about that until all is done.
If you have factory fitted sensors, this also needs re-coding to de-activate when a trailer is connected. in this case, another value has to be added to the software code to enable this. A good master technican in a dealership should hopefully know what needs to be coded and what doesn't. ;)

By the way.. are you having this done by a dealership or using a towbar centre?

regards.. RC

Am I reading this correctly. My car is a Feb 2008 does this mean I don't need a dealer download. I fitted a towbar with a dedicated westfallia wiring kit and intend to get a dealer download done however I have just been away with the caravan for the first time since fitting it and have found that the caravan lights only work when the car is running or the ignition turned on, has anyone else found this?

[dunkley201]

Am I reading this correctly. My car is a Feb 2008 does this mean I don't need a dealer download. I fitted a towbar with a dedicated westfallia wiring kit and intend to get a dealer download done however I have just been away with the caravan for the first time since fitting it and have found that the caravan lights only work when the car is running or the ignition turned on, has anyone else found this?

The fault you describe is exactly what I experienced after collecting my car after getting a VW (Westfalia) bar and loom fitted at Heron VW. It turned out the instructions were wrong or there was a slight model difference, and the live feed was picked up from a "ignition on" supply rather than a "battery live" supply. A quick return and re connect fixed it.

[jazzert100]

Canbus or Relay?
I had a B6 2005 tdi 2.0 fitted with a bypass relay towbar, this car had numerous faults, all repaired under warranty,at no point did anyone mention the non standard wiring,in fact it was one of the few things that didn't go wrong!
So 3 years and 75 k my "dodgy" relay towbar was fine.
So the question to anyone thinking of doing it themselves is "do you feel lucky?" :Blush:
I think the vast majority of Passat owners will be driving about with relay wiring,unaware of
the factory fit alternative.A rough B6 Passat relay wiring diagram follows!
The relay only takes 4 wires, Red>Blue/Black OS light
Green>Green/Black OS light
Yellow>Black NS light
Blue>Black/Red NS in boot (follow wiring from hinge)
Relay is a Ryder TF2218
http://www.rydertowing.co.uk/towbar_relay_details/towbar_by_pass_relays.aspx
Of course you pay your money and take your choice!
If I was towing a 20 k caravan I would go the extra for the factory fit,but I thought I would give you guys a real world account of how relays perform.

J

[martin1810]

You need to use a 7 way bypass relay with a minimum of six feeds.
Rear brakes
Rear fog
Left indicator
Right indicator
Left tail
Right tail.

S spec passat B6's don't have any existing towbar electronics so the whole thing has to be installed including the towing module with plugs plus the rest of the fitting kit. These models don't have anything to code in so you might as well use a bypass relay at a fraction of the cost.

[jazzert100]

I think you will find the brake lights and left and right tail are all on one wire, so just the 4 wires required.........honest!!
Or else I have magic wiring!! lol and a dodgy towbar fitter!!
It all works though!


J

[martin1810]

Brake lights are usually one feed but not tail lights because if you get a wire fault you lose both lights. I don't think it's legal to tow without a seperate fog light. I don't know of any towbar fitter that would fit anything less than a 7 way bypass relay.

[jazzert100]

The brake lights and the tail lights are one and the same!!
so

1 wire for brakes and tail lights
1 for left indicator
1 for right indicator
1 for fog light

I am no expert(like I need to tell anyone! lol) but I think the tail and brake lights just work by varying the voltage to the same led's.
Feel free to correct me, but 4 wires work!!

J

[richtrash]

Some photos of my tow bar if any one is interested which shows the removable flap etc

Neil


Hi in the first of your pictures the wiring socket seems to be sticking out a bit I assume its on some sort of a pivot to allow it to fold back when not in use.

Chris

[dunkley201]

Hi in the first of your pictures the wiring socket seems to be sticking out a bit I assume its on some sort of a pivot to allow it to fold back when not in use.

Chris

Chris
The picture to which you refer shows a Westfalia detachable bar. The 13-pin electrical coupling swings to one side once the swan neck is removed. Part of the fitting serves as the dust cap for the swan neck fitting point. Once stowed the cover plate can be easily fitted.
Hope this helps.
Bob

[richtrash]

Hi Bob,

Yes that makes perfect sense, I've just found the Westfalia instalation instructions on their site. Thats made my mind up regarding the towbar now I've just got to make a decision on the electrics but I'm probably going to go for the Westfalia kit as well because it looks like it just plugs in. This is the link to the Westfalia site which shows both the towbar and electrics installation.

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/index.php?id=54&L=1


Anyone know where I can buy Westfalia electrics kits in the UK.


Chris

[dunkley201]

Hi Bob,

Yes that makes perfect sense, I've just found the Westfalia instalation instructions on their site. Thats made my mind up regarding the towbar now I've just got to make a decision on the electrics but I'm probably going to go for the Westfalia kit as well because it looks like it just plugs in. This is the link to the Westfalia site which shows both the towbar and electrics installation.

http://www.westfalia-automotive.de/index.php?id=54&L=1


Anyone know where I can buy Westfalia electrics kits in the UK.


Chris

My electrics were supplied and fitted by VW dealer although I believe it is a Westfalia item branded VW. I guess you can get direct from Westfalia. Just be sure you get the EXACT model number for your car. The Westfalia quoted fitting time of 105 minutes is just a tad ambitious - I would guess all day is closer to the truth! To be fair, RHD cars have tow bar wiring up both sides of the body, requiring a lot of dismantling. It is not just "plug & play". Also needs computer re-programming for ABS/ESP etc.
Bob

[richtrash]

Hi Bob,

Thanks for the reply, I'm sure it will take a lot longer than the 105mins quoted as well, the last one I did took a very long day to fit. I've ordered a Westfalia Towbar and Electrics kit from PF Jones and the the plastic trim and associated parts from VW, should be here next week. My friend is going to re-program the computer, the details are in the Wiring Kit installation manual.

Chris

[richtrash]

I've just finished fitting my towbar and electrics, I was expecting it to be difficult but sadly I completely underestimated just how difficult it would be.

The towbar itself is relatively staraightforward once you work out how to take the rear bumber off, I went for the Westfalia removeable so I also replaced the lower part of the bumper for one with a little hatch in it.

I also went for the Westfalia electrics, this has a small control box which is fitted to the inside of the rear wheel arch and has a cable that runs up to the Canbus and Fuse Box and just plugs in.

One of thereasons it took me so long was that I followed the Westfalia instructions and ran the cable up the nearside of the car and when I got to the passenger footwell it was very obvious that the cable would not be long enough so it was back to the drawing board and after looking at everything again I decided to locate the control box on the offside rear wheel arch and ran the cable up the offside, this worked OK but there are no mounting points for the control box on the offside only the nearside so I just used some Velcro to stick it down which works fine.

There are three cables to plug into two of the two connectors on the Canbus and there are three cables to insert into the fuse box, I did have some problems finding the Canbus Controller and working out how to dismantle the multiway connectors and also inserting the cables into the fuse box wasn't as straightforward as I hoped it would be.

Altogether it took me 2 days to fit everything, mainly because after getting the cables into the passengers footwell and working out they wouldn't reach I had to remove everything, towbar bumper etc and start all over again.

I also spent a lot of time trying to find how the interior panels were held in place, I broke a couple of plastic clips and also how to dismantle the Canbus connectors, oh and the fuse box has a lilac locking mechanism and unless you click it across you can't insert the connectors, must have spent 30 or 40 mins just trying to insert the connectors.

Perhaps I should have checked the cable would reach before I started but I would have thought Westfalia could have mentioned it in the installation instructions.

Must admit I'm glad its done and I have the satisfaction of knowing that I've saved a few quid by doing it myself If anyone is thinking of fitting a towbar and electics themselves I would allow a couple of days.

[dunkley201]

I've just finished fitting my towbar and electrics.

Great to know you are sorted at last. I knew it was not easy! IMO, the Westfalia is certainly the neatest installation. Only one problem I have found - there is no "hardpoint" to loop in a breakaway cable, leaving you to loop around the swan neck. Not the best solution when the fitting is detachable!

[Falloffalot]

Hi guys first post on here.
I have just took delivery of a shiny new black Passat highline TDI saloon.

PNS2007 where did you have your tow bar fitted as I have had a quote from VW dealer in Stafford for £994.00 + VAT :aargh4::aargh4::aargh4:
Cheers J

[PFJones]

Hi guys first post on here.
I have just took delivery of a shiny new black Passat highline TDI saloon.

PNS2007 where did you have your tow bar fitted as I have had a quote from VW dealer in Stafford for £994.00 + VAT :aargh4::aargh4::aargh4:
Cheers J

Hi Falloffalot,

Dealers will always try to rip you off. I am gonna give you a quote on a tobar and make a few assumptions since I don't really have enough info on what you are looking for.

Firstly the bar you are looking for can be found on this link --> Volkswagen Passat 2005 Westfalia Detachable Tow Bar. (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/passat-saloon-2005-detachable-towbar-.html)

Now, I assume you are looking for a detachable tow bar because you don't want you shiny new passat to look ugly with a two bolt flange sticking out the back when your not towing.

Universal 7 Pin Electrics

Fitted at one of our nationwide fitting depots £314.45 Inc VAT.
This price is inclusive of the towbar(part no#321546), 7 pin universal single electrics w/ bypass relay, carriage to ship the bar to fitting depot, and labour.

Dedicated 7 Pin Electrics

Fitted at one of our fitting depots £421.45 Inc VAT.
Again this includes all of the above but with dedicated plug in kit instead of the universal kit

We also offer a mobile fitting service so we can send the parts to your door and one of our expert fitters will travel to you to do the work.

The price is different for mobile fits but again working on the same assumption as above

Universal 7 Pin Electrics w/ Mobile fit

As above £339.45 Inc VAT

Dedicated 7 Pin Electics w/ Mobile Fit

As above £446.45 Inc VAT

Note - Dedicated plug in kits require a dealer download before you can tow not included in the above price.

Depending on the dealership the download can cost between £50-£100
You would also need to order a bumper trim from your dealer to avoid having an unsightly hole in your bumper - £50-£100 depending on the dealership.

If you would like any more help feel free to give me a call on 0161 886 5798.

Scott
P.F.Jones Support Team

[teddy_gl]

Hi Neil,

Could you please let me know if your car came with the fixed tow bar already installed from factory because as far as I saw all the offers I found are only for the detachable tow hitch and for electrics but now one says nothing about the fixed bar (the one who receive the detachable hitch). I've got a Passat B6 2007 and I'm quite in a hurry as I'm planning to leave on holiday and a really really need a tow bar installed on my car.

Hopefully you can help me out on this matter.

Thanks

Tudor

[richtrash]

I got my the detachable towbar and Westfalia kit from PF Jones and fitted it myself, I spoke to one of their guys on the phone and he helped me to decide the best option for me to use for my intended use, they also do fixed ones as well but I didn't want the thing sticking out the back when I'm not towing.

The detachable one isn't any more difficult to fit because you still have to remove the bumper but you will need to get get the correct lower bumper panel from VW although if you were in a rush you could just cut a hole in the existing one and replace later, it only takes about an hour to remove the rear bumper and replace, VW have thoughtfully provided a storage space for the removeable part, have a look at where the jack and wheel brace is kept.

With regard to the electrics I'd recommend either the 7pin or 13pin Westfalia kit as it just plugs into the CAN BUS and Fuse Box behind the dash, I beleive that Westfalia supply VW so its designed for the job and works, fitting it is dead easy dead easy once you have removed the trim which can be a challenge, also note that the instructions are for a LHD car and the cable needs to be routed up the opposite side to what is shown in the manual.

As mentioned before there isn't anywhere to attach a breakaway cable on the detachable kit you have to loop it round the swan neck which isn't ideal but would only be a problem if the swan neck dropped out which is looking at the way it is designed is highly unlikely.

If your in a real hurry I would speak to PF Jones, their prices are very reasonable and they know what they are doing.

It should be noted that there are other suppliers out there but I have only had experience of dealing with PF Jones who were excellent.

Hope this helps



Hi Neil,

Could you please let me know if your car came with the fixed tow bar already installed from factory because as far as I saw all the offers I found are only for the detachable tow hitch and for electrics but now one says nothing about the fixed bar (the one who receive the detachable hitch). I've got a Passat B6 2007 and I'm quite in a hurry as I'm planning to leave on holiday and a really really need a tow bar installed on my car.

Hopefully you can help me out on this matter.

Thanks

Tudor

[teddy_gl]

Many thanks Neil for your information. I already went to PF Jones and I intend to buy the Westfalia kit as well and I will buy the electrics over the internet directly from Westfalia.

Again, many thanks for all your help.

Cheers

Tudor

[paynes1]

Having read all of this informative (if somewhat confusing info) I am now a little worried. I have just bought a 56 reg Passatt 2.0 TDi Sport which already had a towbar fitted with electrics, and it was used to tow a small trailer. I got an accessories socket for my caravan fitted by the dealer. I am now concerned whether the correct electrics/wiring were fitted by whoever fitted the towbar. I have hitched the van up to the car and had a short experimental tow and everything appeared OK although the side lights did appear a little 'dim'.

Is there an easy way (for a non-techie) to check whether all is wired up OK or should I get it checked professionally?

Any advice appreciated

[PFJones]

Hi if anyone in the future needs a Passat towbar (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars/towbars-volkswagen/vw-passat-towbars.html) fitting please contact us on 0161 886 5791 for the best prices inc dedicated wiring (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/towbar-wiring-kits.html) kits detachable towbars (http://www.pfjones.co.uk/tow-bars.html) and all towbar accessories.

[andrewturner]

I recently fitted a detachable Bosal towbar and dedicated electrics to my Passat 2006 estate from PFJones and I'm very happy with it. It took 3 visits to my VW dealer to get all the plastics (valence with cutout + removeable cover + fixings) - I'll post back here with part numbers to save others the grief when I dig out the paperwork. The reason for all the visits was because ETKA wasn't clear about what items were included in the various part numbers and the dealer was trying to avoid doubling up on parts, fair play to them.

What I like the most is this really is a stealth installation, with all the plastics taken care of all you see is the neat outline of the valence removeable cover with the towbar removed. What put me off taking the plunge for ages is the various manufacturer's instructions calling for bumper cutouts, I didn't want that. If I'd have seen an item for sale which said something like "Bumper cutouts required but you can avoid this if you buy the replacement VW valence(etc)" I'd have bought that item. I'm sure that if I'd have called the supplier they would have explained this but it is difficult for me to to be on the phone (and the www) during business hours.

I have a few questions remaining which I'll throw out here:
I fitted Volkswagen Passat Estate Dedicated Electrics: 7 Pin Aug 2005-2011 19270506 (+£137.28) -
There's no telltale 'beeper' when indicating. I miss that but can live with it (:)) but... will it tell me there's a bulb/connector fault with the trailer's lights?
VCDs throws a diagnostic fault with the trailer option enabled. The wiring kit's instructions mentions that it is not diagnostics capable - is there a kit which is / in what ways does this really matter?

[robs7]

I have a Passat B6 and have just ordered a towbar and electrics from PF Jones after reading the posts on here. Arrived in a couple of days and looks great. I went down the route of the bypass relay which PF Jones supplied too. Instructions for both are easily to understand. Its all still sitting on the floor in the garage at the moment but I hope I can start the installation this weekend. I just need to decide where to connect the 12v feed for the relay. Recommendations?

[Simon Gregg]

I've just bought a secondhand Westfalia detachable bar for my 59 plate R Line Estate, it came with a 'standard' bumper spoiler with trap door arrangement to hide the towing socket, but the clips don't all line up with my existing bumper. Now, I could just cut the odd clips down that don't aline, but before I do, does anybody know if you can get a R-Line style lower valance with the towbar opening? Part Numbers would be great.

I've spoke to VW and got varrying responces with the Social Media Customer Relations Team saying you can get a towing valance for a R-Line, but I wondered if the same style bumper was fitted to other model passats that may have had the towing valance available as an extra.

Hope that makes sense before I cut some of the clips off my existing valance.

Simon