I have a 56 plate 1.9TDI DSG Ambiente. When purchased I had a dealer fit a Skoda removable towbar with the single socket that replaces the 12N and 12S sockets.

When towing everything works as it should on the caravan but I get no indications on the dashboard of indicators working or any audible of indicators. I do occasionally get a bulb failure warning light which is cured by a dose of WD40 to the socket and plug.

What indications should I have when the caravan is attached?

By law there must be a visual or audible indication that the indicators are working...so if no lights flash on the dashboard then there should be a beep coming from the back of the car in time with the indicators flashing, this is generally the one of choice because it is easier and cheaper to install

I get the usual indications on the dashboard for indicators in use but this is the same whether towing or not, I don't get any audible buzzer when the caravan is hitched.

It looks like a trip back to the dealer.

I wonder if he activated the buzzer.

I get the usual indications on the dashboard for indicators in use but this is the same whether towing or not, I don't get any audible buzzer when the caravan is hitched.

It looks like a trip back to the dealer.

I wonder if he activated the buzzer.

If the light is on the dash it would probably be a towball indicator that lights up but mine is fitted with a detachable Brink towbar and that buzzes

AKAIK if it's fitted with the genuine Skoda kit (and correctly coded) the car "knows" when the trailer/caravan is connected and will only show you a warning if a bulb is not working. Therefore you do have the warning it's just working is reverse!

It also links in with the alarm system, and will trigger the alarm if the caravan is disconnected when the car is locked.

I guess the cars brains must be monitoring resistance of the lighting circuit all the time so it knows when something is connected.

:confused: I have a factory fitted towbar on my FL Scout and like you say there is no bleep or other indication when you are towing thats different from normal, but the car knows you have a trailer connected as I did a test the other day and if the caravan is connected and say the indicators are flashing if I then take out an indicator bulb on the van I have a bulb fail indicator on the dash and the same with the brake lights ( did the same with a sidelight but didn't register ), must try the trick with the alarm.Does your fridge/battery charge work on the van as mine wasn't wired for it ( had to take off the socket and change it for another with the extra wires in ) :( cheers - Stuart.

Does your fridge/battery charge work on the van as mine wasn't wired for it

You need to specify the additional cabling when you order, or get the dealer to add it when they PDI the car etc...

:thumbdwn: Hi NW, I asked the dealer to order the additional wiring kit ( £40 ) and I had a look at it and there was a relay some cable and some fuse/connections ( and vague instructions ) which was supposed to fit into an extra plug in the back of the 13 pin socket (none fitted) so didn't buy it and most importantly NO extra connections for the 13 pin socket (empty holes) as these were all crimped pins on the factory fitted socket, so I had to cut all of the wires off the socket and replace it with a screw terminal socket and then I could wire up pins 10/11/12 and take it to a switched 12v feed. all this because Skoda/VW group don't fit a fully populated socket. Sorry to go on about it but people are ordering towbars with electrics that require further work to be able to use them on caravans.:rotz: cheers - Stuart.

:confused:Does your fridge/battery charge work on the van as mine wasn't wired for it ( had to take off the socket and change it for another with the extra wires in ) :( cheers - Stuart.

My fridge works and the battery charges from the socket as I specified this when having the towbar fitted. My electrics only have the one socket I have to use a Y adapter to connect the caravan. Not a problem but an extra bit of kit to carry around and perhaps the source of my intermittent bulb failure warning.

Best option is to simply convert the caravan to use a single 13pin plug

Both my VRS's have been fitted with brackets by a local specialist prior to collection (both Brink fixed brackets with twin electrics). Both had/have a warning buzzer for the indicators (tho the one in the current car is quite quiet).

We are changing caravans soon, the new one being a 2010 model will have a 13 pin socket. As part of the deal the caravan dealer is changing the twin sockets on the car for a 13 pin socket. This will save fussing with adapters. The word is the 13 pin system is easier to use and more reliable, that said i've never had a problem with the twin electric system.