Tail light issue, need help.

[VB111]

Hi, I have a 2008 vw golf estate 1.9 tdi. I was towing a trailer and noticed my side lights on the trailer were dim. I check the plug with a multi meter and the side lights are only showing 3 volts? The indicators and brake lights are all putting 12/13 volts out. Everything seems to have a good ground so any ideas why I’m only getting 3 volts going to the trailer?
TIA.

[Crasher]

It depends on how the electric socket has been wired up; the Golf 5 uses CAN BUS controlled electrics and detects the old method of tapping into a supply and shuts the circuit down so a CAN BUS adapter is required and there are numerous versions.

[mickeybo]

On wiring when resistance goes up voltage comes down (ohms law). A wiring resistance check certainly would not go amiss on trailer & car also owing yo age

[VB111]

It depends on how the electric socket has been wired up; the Golf 5 uses CAN BUS controlled electrics and detects the old method of tapping into a supply and shuts the circuit down so a CAN BUS adapter is required and there are numerous versions.

ahhh I wired everything up old style to the wires? So I need a box for it? Can you recommend one please.

[Crasher]

There are lots of different kits, when I am asked to do one and the customer doesn’t faint at the price, I use the genuine VAG kits that you install at the body control module but they don’t seem to list one for a Golf 5 anymore so I would use Brink which used to be Thule although I would not Sotchlock the wiring, I hate those things, so I would go into the terminals but that would be grief for you so solder tap and insulate. Remember the ABS system must have its coding changed for trailer use and the body control module needs to be coded for the fog light operation; if OE parking sensors are fitted, controller needs to be coded for trailer detection.

Brink Trekhaken - Alle trekhaaktypes inclusief montage al vanaf €276!