VRS - Towbar Preperation

[jwhatley]

Hello all,

 

I have specced the tow bar prep as part of the factory build. And after speaking with the dealership they advised not to buy the Towbar from themselves as it would be £600+

 

Now after reading another thread on this, it seems theres been quite a few issues with the tow bar packages - Is there a tow bar package out there with the correct plugs on it yet? If so does anyone know where to buy this from?

 

Seems there is quite a bit of coding to be switched on too. Is this done at the factory or the dealer?

 

I can see that if arrange this myself, it could all go horribly wrong and end up costing the same amount as the dealer doing it.

 

Should i just bite the bullet and get them to do it for me? Whats peoples experiences with this?

 

John

[CJSVRS]

Towbar prep should do all the coding needed.

However Skoda do seem to have issues with current towing electrics and coding. I recently had a full Skoda towbar and wiring done by my dealer. I didn't have prep but they still needed to reterminate some wiring. My car was built in June.

Then Skoda give a code for the dealer to program the car but it didn't work and shut the car down! It took Skoda 4-days to sort it out.

Hopefully they are getting on top of things, but i was also told Skoda now advise not to order towbar prep for VRSs. I don't know why though.

Luckily I didn't pay for mine as it was compensation for the wait. BUT it will have to go back as the alarm does'nt go off when the plug is removed while locked and the Stability control light goes straight out suggesting the car isn't 'seeing' the trailer correctly!

[pncarrerars]

Tow bar prep does not include coding.

 

I have just fitted a tow bar to my 2014 Octavia Elegance. Bought the bar & electrics from PF Jones £205 delivered. The car did not have tow bar prep. Re-programmed using VCDS. No dealer involvment and everything works as it should!

Edited 1 September, 2014 by pncarrerars

[jwhatley]

Would you care to divulge on the coding changes needed?

 

Also, which tow bar did you go with? i believe the OEM one is the westfalia one?

 

Is there not a few things that need changing?

Edited 1 September, 2014 by jwhatley

[pncarrerars]

Tow bar is Westfalia fixed swan neck & reversing sensors do not see it. Electrics are 7 pin but loom from front to box in rear seem to include what is needed for 13 pin. Coding (off the top of my head)

 

1 CAN gateway add trailer module (69)

2 Recode BCM for trailer

3 Recode engine for trailer

4 Recode park assist for trailer

5 Adaption change to ABS to enable trailer stabalization

6 Recode trailer module as 7 pin (because no fuse fitted in supply wire used for 13 pin causes fault code)

Edited 1 September, 2014 by pncarrerars

[philscook]

I'm currently having a nightmare with Skoda so called customer services. My dealer has confirmed as my Octavia was built after May there isn't any wiring to connect to the tow-bar prep I paid a good amount of money for. Firstly Skoda customer services denied there was any problem with the tow-bar electrics and have just called to say in fact they don't have a solution to rectify the problem or any idea when or if a part will be available.

 

Wondering what my options are now? Any ideas? Octavia VRS TDI Estate built July 10th. 

[pncarrerars]

As tow bar prep is only the front to back loom your best option would be to make the dealer fit a complete kit & replace the "tow bar prep" loom which I believe now has a different (incompatible) connector on it.

Edited 1 September, 2014 by pncarrerars

[CJSVRS]

Dealers are being told not to add towbar prep for VRS models. I assumed it would include coding, but it appears not!

 

Pncarrerars - any chance you could add the coding details to the VCDS thread, or let Andyvee know so I can get mine sorted.

My car isnt fully coded and as I plan to do other VCDS changes if I can sort it myself (or at least my friendly local VCDS owner!) to save another dealer trip I will.

[philscook]

Phoned up the Dealer to see if a full harness would be available but there isn't anything for cars made after the end of May.

 

I now have a 25k car that I cant use for its intention..... Poor show.

[Miz]

I'm currently having a nightmare with Skoda so called customer services. My dealer has confirmed as my Octavia was built after May there isn't any wiring to connect to the tow-bar prep I paid a good amount of money for. Firstly Skoda customer services denied there was any problem with the tow-bar electrics and have just called to say in fact they don't have a solution to rectify the problem or any idea when or if a part will be available.

 

Wondering what my options are now? Any ideas? Octavia VRS TDI Estate built July 10th. 

I called Westfalia in Stafford (01785 226888) the other day, they confirmed that they have a wiring kit to fit to the towbar prep plug for £125+vat.

 

I did not check that they had two types though, but it could be worth you getting in touch with them.

Edited 1 September, 2014 by Miz

[philscook]

Thanks Miz and yes I've already called Westfilia last Friday. The kit (305407300113) has just been released in Germany but will be available in the UK imminently. The problem is Skoda dealers only want to buy parts from Skoda themselves to maintain the warranty. Skoda need to get the part, test it themselves and repackage it before it'll be available to the UK dealers.

 

I could buy the wiring and bar separately and fit it myself (garage in the family) but then I need to get it programmed. And then what happens if I have any electrical problems, Skoda will wash there hands. I've been on the wrong side of Skoda's warranty procedures before! 

[pncarrerars]

Pncarrerars - any chance you could add the coding details to the VCDS thread, or let Andyvee know so I can get mine sorted.

My car isnt fully coded and as I plan to do other VCDS changes if I can sort it myself (or at least my friendly local VCDS owner!) to save another dealer trip I will.

Coding details are as above. Adaption & coding were all in English. The long code helper covers all the coding, just need to go through each byte until you see the bit for trailer. The only odd thing is that the ABS involved adaption not coding.

[jwhatley]

So i called Westfalia.

 

Correct. The plug has been changed to the same one used in the MK7 platform. And there currently is no kit for this..... well there is now.

 

The kit is currently in production, Specific tow bar for the VRS and electronics kit which will plug in to the rear loom.

 

P/N for the Wiring is 305 407 300 113 or 107 (13/7 pin)

P/N for the tow bar is 317132

 

They are hoping to have these in UK stock within the next few weeks

[countryboy]

Hello all,

 

I have specced the tow bar prep as part of the factory build. And after speaking with the dealership they advised not to buy the Towbar from themselves as it would be £600+

 

Now after reading another thread on this, it seems theres been quite a few issues with the tow bar packages - Is there a tow bar package out there with the correct plugs on it yet? If so does anyone know where to buy this from?

 

Seems there is quite a bit of coding to be switched on too. Is this done at the factory or the dealer?

 

I can see that if arrange this myself, it could all go horribly wrong and end up costing the same amount as the dealer doing it.

 

Should i just bite the bullet and get them to do it for me? Whats peoples experiences with this?

 

John

Take it to the dealer and pound to a penny they will outsource the supply and fitting to a specialist fitter.

If you feel like taking a trip to Horndean John, I can wholly recommend the following company, I have just booked in my new car to have a towbar and electrics fitted, the second one I will have had done by them. http://www.philtaylortowbars.co.uk/

Ian.

[andyvee]

Tow bar is Westfalia fixed swan neck & reversing sensors do not see it. Electrics are 7 pin but loom from front to box in rear seem to include what is needed for 13 pin. Coding (off the top of my head)

 

1 CAN gateway add trailer module (69)

2 Recode BCM for trailer

3 Recode engine for trailer

4 Recode park assist for trailer

5 Adaption change to ABS to enable trailer stabalization

6 Recode trailer module as 7 pin (because no fuse fitted in supply wire used for 13 pin causes fault code)

What about coding the lane assist camera as well?

 

Can you confirm that the alarm triggers if you disconnect the electrical plug?

 

If so, I think that just about covers everything

[pncarrerars]

Car does not have lane assist. I have not checked the alarm yet. I shall try to remember to do so and report back.

 

With trailer connected:-

ESC lamp goes out about 2 secs after ABS

Rear fog on car off/ fogs on trailer on

No rear reversing sensors and picture of caravan (this must be a fault as it is actually a horse box!)

Indicators show green arrows and a "1" in the dash display.

[Mikebham]

My local dealer quoted just over £600 for a detachable, but went on to say that they just use a company called scenic to do it anyway, who quoted £340 + VAT. But then the dealer had no idea that the car had to be re coded etc to suit towing anyway. Which is slightly worrying. 

[andyvee]

Car does not have lane assist. I have not checked the alarm yet. I shall try to remember to do so and report back.

With trailer connected:-

ESC lamp goes out about 2 secs after ABS

Rear fog on car off/ fogs on trailer on

No rear reversing sensors and picture of caravan (this must be a fault as it is actually a horse box!)

Indicators show green arrows and a "1" in the dash display.

Result, you couldn't grab some screenshots could you and I will add it to the sticky thread.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

[pncarrerars]

Just checked & alarm function also works.

 

Here are some screen shots I hope:-

 

CAN gateway

 

BCM

 

Engine

 

ABS

 

Park Assist

 

Trailer

 

[andyvee]

Excellent - I'll write it up later.

 

If anyone has a screenshot of the coding change required for the A5 Lane Assist camera can they post that as well please.

[andyvee]

Added to the O3 VCDS Adaptations thread - I still need a screenshot of the A5 Lane Assist camera coding please.

[CJSVRS]

Great. I can use this rather than lose the car for 2-days while the dealer tries. Thanks pncarrerars and Andyvee.

[andyvee]

Not my work

 

Can you do me a favour and grab a screenshot of the A5 Lane Assist camera coding please

[StevenB]

I've been lurking on the various towbar threads.

I didn't go for towbar prep (not 100% sure why) but turns out my local (used them for last 6 cars) is familiar with MK 3 Octavia and only concern he had was the position of the rear parking sensors and mentioned they keep changing location. He advised to go for a removable bar to save any hassle and has quoted £450 which will include full coding.

Car is ar dealers awaiting my collection next Saturday.....

Steve

[Miz]

I've been lurking on the various towbar threads.

I didn't go for towbar prep (not 100% sure why) but turns out my local (used them for last 6 cars) is familiar with MK 3 Octavia and only concern he had was the position of the rear parking sensors and mentioned they keep changing location. He advised to go for a removable bar to save any hassle and has quoted £450 which will include full coding.

Car is ar dealers awaiting my collection next Saturday.....

Steve

Let us know how it works out once you have it fitted.