Towbar alarm

[tkerby]

Just had a towbar fitted and coded by the mobile fitters working for PF Jones. Did a fantastic job of fitting but we couldn't get everything working on coding it. We have the fog light cut out, lamp warnings, auto park disable, rear parking sensor disable and towing vehicle on display and the stability light coming on longer indicating the stability program is working

What doesn't work is the car alarm going off if the trailer electrics are unplugged. To test, we locked the car with a single click on remote, waited a minute (alarm should be on after 30 secs then unplugged. No alarm!

The module used is a Right Connections module into 13 pin electrics and it was coded with a Westfalia coding tool.

Is there something we missed in the testing or does the Right Connections module not support this feature?

[Llanigraham]

Just had a towbar fitted and coded by the mobile fitters working for PF Jones. Did a fantastic job of fitting but we couldn't get everything working on coding it. We have the fog light cut out, lamp warnings, auto park disable, rear parking sensor disable and towing vehicle on display and the stability light coming on longer indicating the stability program is working

What doesn't work is the car alarm going off if the trailer electrics are unplugged. To test, we locked the car with a single click on remote, waited a minute (alarm should be on after 30 secs then unplugged. No alarm!

The module used is a Right Connections module into 13 pin electrics and it was coded with a Westfalia coding tool.

Is there something we missed in the testing or does the Right Connections module not support this feature?

 

Looks like something has been missed as it certainly should work. I would suggest that PF Jones asks Right Connections for an explanation, as they are the retailer.

[KBPhoto]

PF Jones generally know what they are doing; so my guess is that the module perhaps doesn't support it / is faulty or the fitter missed something. I suppose there is always the possibility of a loose / damaged wire.

I retrofitted my towbar myself and had all the features working on first coding using VCDS, so this feature is certainly possible.

[SuperbTWM]

Have you tested the alarm actually works?

[tkerby]

What's the best way of testing the alarm? I'm hoping someone else has used the same module and could also check this.

Given the system manages to detect the electrics are plugged in, I would have thought the alarm functionality would be there as I imagine it's part of the ECU rather than the trailer module specifically.

Only other thing I can think of is if the module was powered off an ignition switched supply.

[SuperbTWM]

What's the best way of testing the alarm? I'm hoping someone else has used the same module and could also check this.

Given the system manages to detect the electrics are plugged in, I would have thought the alarm functionality would be there as I imagine it's part of the ECU rather than the trailer module specifically.

Only other thing I can think of is if the module was powered off an ignition switched supply.

 

set the alarm with you in the car and activate the interior sensors, or do it with the window down and wave your hand about after a minute or so.

 

A way you can check if the module is powered with the ignition off is to press the hazard switch to see if the lights on the trailer flash.

 

What is the Westfalia coding tool? maybe using VCDS to re-code the car will sort it out?

 

Have you tried waiting a bit longer before unplugging the trailer just to see if it eventually arms the system including the trailer

Edited 15 January, 2017 by SuperbTWM

[Llanigraham]

set the alarm with you in the car and activate the interior sensors, or do it with the window down and wave your hand about after a minute or so. (1)

 

A way you can check if the module is powered with the ignition off is to press the hazard switch to see if the lights on the trailer flash. (2)

 

What is the Westfalia coding tool? maybe using VCDS to re-code the car will sort it out? (3)

 

Have you tried waiting a bit longer before unplugging the trailer just to see if it eventually arms the system including the trailer (4)

 

1/ Should work,

2/ That will just show there is a connection at the 13 pin plug to the trailer flashers. There is no "flasher module", it all is done by the vehicle computer.

3/ The Westphalia unit is a tool that plugs into the OBD port and is a joint design between VAG and Westphalia. If used properly it will do the complete recoding required, but it can only change those parameters and no others. As I found the problem is the operator who either doesn't follow the full instructions or thinks they know better. I ended up taking mine to my dealers to get it done by their technician on their machine.

4/ There is no "waiting period"; the alarm works as soon as it is turned on, for all circuits.

 

The only way to test if the alarm circuit has been extended is to plug the trailer in, lock the car on the remote and then unplug the trailer. If correctly activated the alarm will sound immediately.

[SuperbTWM]

 

2/ That will just show there is a connection at the 13 pin plug to the trailer flashers. There is no "flasher module", it all is done by the vehicle computer.

 

The module powers the trailer lights though doesn't it when it gets a signal through CANBUS so if the lights on the trailer work with the ignition off then it proves they haven't wired it up to the ignition live like he asked?

Edited 15 January, 2017 by SuperbTWM

[Llanigraham]

The module powers the trailer lights though doesn't it when it gets a signal through CANBUS so if the lights on the trailer work with the ignition off then it proves they haven't wired it up to the ignition live like he asked?

 

The module is just the connection between the car's system and the trailer loom to the plug. 

He doesn't have a problem with the lights though, the problem is with the alarm.

[SuperbTWM]

The module is just the connection between the car's system and the trailer loom to the plug. 

He doesn't have a problem with the lights though, the problem is with the alarm.

 

Yes it is, but if the module has no power when the ignition is off, then its not going to talk to the cars system to tell it the trailer has been unplugged.

 

As I said before, he made a query:

 

 

Only other thing I can think of is if the module was powered off an ignition switched supply.

 

And I told him how he could disprove it.

[Llanigraham]

Yes it is, but if the module has no power when the ignition is off, then its not going to talk to the cars system to tell it the trailer has been unplugged.

 

As I said before, he made a query:

 

 

And I told him how he could disprove it.

 

Hmmm!

I can assure you from experience that even with the ignition off, but the alarm turned on, if the trailer is unplugged the alarm sounds. I have done it by accident, and on purpose to show another member the facilities coding provides. 

[SuperbTWM]

Hmmm!

I can assure you from experience that even with the ignition off, but the alarm turned on, if the trailer is unplugged the alarm sounds. I have done it by accident, and on purpose to show another member the facilities coding provides. 

Yes, that is exactly how it should work.

 

You obviously aren't understanding the circumstances I was trying to rule out as a fault so i'll just leave it at that, the wiring should be good if a tow bar fitting specialist has fitted it anyway.

[Llanigraham]

From my own experience of one of their fitters, (thread on here) the fault is that he hasn't programmed it correctly. The wiring loom is a simple "plug'n'play" system that would be very difficult to get wrong. 

[tkerby]

To give everyone an update, 

• Alarm definitely works - goes off after about 35 seconds in the car with the doors locked with the key
• Not had a chance to test the hazards with the ignition off but good suggestion - will check later today
• PF Jones thought the feature should work although it wasn't one they were specifically aware of. They're investigating
• Right Connections support said there is a completely separate second module installed in a factory fit only that monitors the towing electrics for the alarm. I'm not sure I believe this (why duplicate functionality?) - I suspect either their module doesnt support the correct CAN command or perhaps the Skoda module / harness has a direct digital line into the alarm system to trigger it rather than using the CAN bus. They stated that even a Skoda module fitted aftermarket wouldnt have this functionality

If you have a towbar, can you check if the alarm feature works and let me know which electrics module was installed and whether it was factory fit, towbar prep, Skoda dealer fit or a third party module? 

 

Should also add, in coding with the Westfalia tool

• Initially said Towbar module was installed when it hadn't been - they ignored this step
• Used the advanced settings and coded the Park assist function by changing the first byte to 15 (second byte remains at 90, third at 07). This seemed to get the display and park assist cancellation working
• Used the manual programming with guidance from SP Diagnostics on the phone to program each module individually. The alarm wasn't a listed module but I dont believe it needs specifically coded for a towbar
• After that all the functions other than the alarm were up and running

Edited 16 January, 2017 by tkerby

[Llanigraham]

 

To give everyone an update, 

• Alarm definitely works - goes off after about 35 seconds in the car with the doors locked with the key
• Not had a chance to test the hazards with the ignition off but good suggestion - will check later today
• PF Jones thought the feature should work although it wasn't one they were specifically aware of. They're investigating (1)
• Right Connections support said there is a completely separate second module installed in a factory fit only that monitors the towing electrics for the alarm. I'm not sure I believe this (why duplicate functionality?) - I suspect either their module doesnt support the correct CAN command or perhaps the Skoda module / harness has a direct digital line into the alarm system to trigger it rather than using the CAN bus. They stated that even a Skoda module fitted aftermarket wouldnt have this functionality (2)

If you have a towbar, can you check if the alarm feature works and let me know which electrics module was installed and whether it was factory fit, towbar prep, Skoda dealer fit or a third party module? 

 

Should also add, in coding with the Westfalia tool

• Initially said Towbar module was installed when it hadn't been - they ignored this step (3)
• Used the advanced settings and coded the Park assist function by changing the first byte to 15 (second byte remains at 90, third at 07). This seemed to get the display and park assist cancellation working (4)
• Used the manual programming with guidance from SP Diagnostics on the phone to program each module individually. The alarm wasn't a listed module but I dont believe it needs specifically coded for a towbar (5)
• After that all the functions other than the alarm were up and running (6)

 

 

1/  Rubbish!! From my own experience PF Jones are fully aware of this. That is why I got a refund from them because their fitter couldn't do the job properly. 

2/  Is this system you have fitted a "by-pass" type or the proper loom? PFJ offer both systems with the latter both Skoda's own or a generic one. I had the Skoda one fitted and do not remember seeing more than one unit. It came with a very comprehensive instruction manual! My alarm definitely works as it should with the trailer. Someone is telling you porkies.

3/  You fitter didn't come from a place in Gwent did they? If they ignored a step then they haven't done the job properly!

4/  Don't know about that, sorry.

5/  No, the car has to be told that the alarm needs to be extended, because there will be different resistances to be measured.

6/  Have you checked that the bulb failure system has been extended to the trailer? 

[Coops]

• Used the advanced settings and coded the Park assist function by changing the first byte to 15 (second byte remains at 90, third at 07). This seemed to get the display and park assist cancellation working

 

That would appear (at face value) to be using VCDS to programme and not necessarily the Westfalia tool? Could be wrong though.

 

As Graham suggests the Westfalia tool merely plugs into the OBD socket and the fitter makes a series of selections according to the vehicle and kit being installed. It cannot do specific coding.

[KBPhoto]

If you have a towbar, can you check if the alarm feature works and let me know which electrics module was installed and whether it was factory fit, towbar prep, Skoda dealer fit or a third party module?

My alarm goes off as soon as you twist the 13-pin plug if the vehicle is locked.

I fitted the module myself and it was a genuine Skoda module and wiring loom wired direct to the fuse board and BCM as the car did not have towbar prep.

HTH

Coded it with VCDS myself. Don't recall having to specifically code the alarm though.

These were the instructions I followed: http://wiki.ross-tech.com/wiki/index.php/Trailer_Hitch_Retrofitting_(1K)

I checked through each stage but, as it says, not all stages were applicable to my module / car.

Only thing I cannot check works is trailer stability as I do not have a test tool and don't want to put myself in a situation of actually needing it.

Edited 16 January, 2017 by KBPhoto

[weasley]

I fitted a genuine Skoda towing harness to my towbar-prepped car, my dealer coded it and the trailer alarm function works as it should.

Edited 16 January, 2017 by weasley

[tkerby]

It gets stranger..... PF Jones spoke to Westfalia instead as their own fitters had seen this function work but only in some cars with a Westfalia module.  Westfalia couldn't guarantee it would function though - they said a factory fit module needed to be present in the vehicle to power and operate the towbar electrics when the vehicle is off.  They couldn't name the module or provide any details though but suggested asking a Skoda dealer if it was fitted (and said they may not be able to tell). So asking the dealer if a module that I know nothing about including its name is fitted is a bit of a long shot here.....  They had also spoken to Right Connections who immediately gave them the same line as they gave me - factory fit only (think PF felt a little fobbed off too) and SP Diagnostics who do the Westfalia tool and thought the programming would be ok for this.

 

This is the kit that was used: https://www.pfjones.co.uk/skoda-yeti-13-pin-dedicated-wiring-kit-oct-2009-on-29220508rc.html  We also fitted the switched and permanent power which was spliced from the rear of the drivers side interior fuse box rather than taking it back to the battery (apparently a dealer recommendation - this company fit for various Skoda dealers).  Everything else was per instructions - I was chatting to the installer throughout most of the process and generally impressed by their ability.

 

Bulb failure works (double flash rate and icon), trailer stability works (see below), park assist warns a trailer is attached and ends, parking sensors show the caravan on screen and only the front sensors work.

 

Not sure how to proceed now other than checking the hazards work with the ignition off.  This may be the excuse to buy VCDS and check the coding myself....

 

 

Only thing I cannot check works is trailer stability as I do not have a test tool and don't want to put myself in a situation of actually needing it.

To check trailer stability: ESP light switches off about 2 seconds after the ABS light if a trailer is plugged in - normally switches off before. This is working for me

 

That would appear (at face value) to be using VCDS to programme and not necessarily the Westfalia tool? Could be wrong though.

 

As Graham suggests the Westfalia tool merely plugs into the OBD socket and the fitter makes a series of selections according to the vehicle and kit being installed. It cannot do specific coding.

I watched with interest - there are three modes - a guided automatic mode that programs everything for the tow bar, a manual mode that allows you to choose the modules to program (then automatically programs them) and an advanced mode that lets you edit the bits in each module, run module diagnostics, enter security codes etc. It was the advanced mode they used in the tool

[tkerby]

I fitted a genuine Skoda towing harness to my towbar-prepped car, my dealer coded it and the trailer alarm function works as it should.

Unfortunately I had no towbar prep on this one :-(

[Llanigraham]

I had no tow bar prep on mine, but did buy the Skoda wiring kit from PFJ. Like yours the feed was taken from the fuse box, and not the battery. I cannot remember any extra module that was fitted.

I ended up with a lot more "missing" from the recoding and got a refund of the recoding costs plus an amount to cover the cost of me going down to my dealers to get it properly done. I suspect that is going to be the only way you will get this sorted out.

 

My "story" :

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/400160-towbar-re-coding/

[tkerby]

Llanigraham- I'd already spotted that thread. Is it the Westphalia module or the Right Connections and does your alarm extension work? Thanks for the help with this

[Llanigraham]

TK

The wiring for mine was the proper Skoda loom and I cannot remember seeing any additional module.

Yes, the alarm works. It was confirmed when the dealer correctly coded the car after the debacle and I have shown another member it since.

Some here seem to think I'm a bit of an expert about tow bars!

Hope you get this sorted out, but I would be pushing for a refund from PFJ's.

[SuperbTWM]

Llanigraham- I'd already spotted that thread. Is it the Westphalia module or the Right Connections and does your alarm extension work? Thanks for the help with this

I have the Westfalia kit and module also and my alarm works fine. Could be all down to the Right Connections module

[Llanigraham]

I have the Westfalia kit and module also and my alarm works fine. Could be all down to the Right Connections module

 

Looks like it!