Skoda tow bar help please with dealer.

[Caulkheader]

I have CR 170 4x4 hatchback which I recently purchased from a main dealer to tow a caravan.

I had a Skoda tow bar fitted by the supplying dealer here in Surrey and have had issues from day one.

The rear bumper was not fitted back on correctly, a fixing was left off causing it to vibrate on the body work and the detachable tow bar swan neck that they supplied was broken. The also managed to scratch the bodywork.

I returned a second time as the reversing sensors picked up the swan neck, I was told that this was normal and that the sensors are only disabled when a trailer is attached but they assured me that the system had been checked. In fact I asked three times and was assured three times!

Yesterday I drove 250 miles to collect the new caravan, hitched up and found that although the electrics on the van worked the reversing sensors were not disabled and the columbus unit doesn't show a graphic indicating it has detected a trailer. I also suspect that there is an issue with the 13 pin socket as it doesn't appear to be giving a charge for the habitation battery.

Its back to the dealer again tomorrow. I just want to be clear that

a) The reversing sensors WILL detect the swan neck / tow ball when there is no trailer attached and

The reversing sensors will be disabled when a trailer is attached and that a graphic will appear on the columbus unit when reverse is engaged

c) Should there be an additional audible warning for the indicators (caravan dealer suggests there should be)

I have now put the payment for this in dispute with the credit card company due to the level of service and written to the dealers and Skoda formally complaining about this and issues with another warranty claim and sales process (Financial Services and GAP Insurance). Skoda have washed their hands of it passing full responsibility to the dealer which surprised me when they pride themselves on customer service.

Cheers

[Gizmo]

The reversing sensors will be disabled when a trailer is attached and that a graphic will appear on the columbus unit when reverse is engaged

Correct, the dealer has failed to code the car correctly.

[Caulkheader]

Cheers -

As I suspected. Makes you sick when they are charging twice the price!

[Gizmo]

I know, I have rectified several dealers attempts to code the tow bars correctly, I thought most of them had finally got their acts together and got it sorted… seems not by your experience.

[Diesel Estate]

Hi

Sorry to hear about your plight but I was in a similar situation and I did the following which resulted in the dealer refunding the full cost of my new car.

Background

I bought a new Fabia Estate SE 1.6 TDI 105 bhp and the paint was damanged by dealer's valeting sub-contracter. I obtained an independent opinion at the dealers and Skoda UK request, who stated that he would not repair the damage on a new car. The dealer did not want to know etc.

I spoke to Skoda UK Customer telephone help line but got a wrong answer etc. Therefore, I did the following:

1 Wrote a letter to Skoda UK boss:

Mr Alasdair Stewart, Skoda UK Brand Manager, SHEFFIELD, South Yorkshire S97 3FA

Telling him about the situation etc.

2 Telephoned Skoda UK and stated I wanted to start their complaints procedure because of what the case handler had told me.

Result

The dealer refunded the full cost of my new car.

You have to be persistent because the motor trade ignores complaints hoping that the people will get fed up and go away.

Good luck!

Edited 9 June, 2013 by Diesel Estate

[Vagtastic]

Correct, the dealer has failed to code the car correctly.

I am having the same problem with the coding issue. Last year I had a detachable toward fitted with the 13pin electrics, both genuine Skoda parts. Trailer lights work fine but despite them attempting to code it when it was fitted the parking sensors do not turn off and I have no trailer symbol on the Bolero. Annoying, given the money spent.

Yesterday, the car went into my local main stealer for its first service. They had to flash some new PAS software for a recall so I twisted their arm to correct the towbar coding whilst it was plugged in (dealer who fitted the towbar is a long way from home). They obliged, and duly informed me that they had sorted the towbar coding but having tested it today it still does not work! Hopeless! Add to that the fact that it took them 3 hours to do the software flash due to it apparently failing (or more likely a technician that can't use the VAS machine correctly.....)

Gizmo - is it terribly complicated to do this coding? I am astounded that 2 main dealers have tried and failed to do this correctly. Is there more than one module that needs to be coded?

[Gizmo]

No it's a piece of cake (with VCDS anyway)

Just off to bed now as I have an early start but I will post up the link and coding instructions in the morning... If I have time

[Paul R T]

Hi

I have a 2010 Estate SE 170, which I bought second hand from a main dealer, which already had a detachable towbar fitted, and I use it to tow our Coachman Pastiche 460/2.

To answer the three questions in your post at 1836 hrs:

1. The reversing sensors should not detect the swan neck when fitted alone.
   
2. When the caravan is attached with reverse gear selected you should see an image of the caravan on the Bolero/Columbus.
   
3. You will not get an audible warning of the indicators working; if a direction indicator on the caravan is not working you will get a warning in the same way as if one of the car indicators is faulty.
   

The way to check if the charging system is working on a caravan with a 13 pin connection is to check if the refrigerator is live on 12v with the engine running - they use the same pin and the connection is split in the caravan wiring.

Also check that with the caravan connected, when you switch on the rear fog lights, that the fog lights on the car do not come on, just those on the caravan.

Hope you get it sorted OK. It will be a great towcar, once you do.

You may need to resort to a towbar specialist. In Hertfordshire i would recommend GT Towing near Hatfield, but that is some way from you.

Cheers

Paul R T

[Gizmo]

It looks more complicating than it is, in reality it takes a couple of minutes:

Trailer Hitch Retrofitting (1K)

Configuration

The following Activations are necessary to ensure that the newly fitted parts are properly recognized and are ready to use.

• Update the Installation List in the Gateway (J533 / #19).
  
  • Register the newly added 69 - Trailer Control Module.
    

  [*]Update the Trailer Control Module (J345 / #69) Coding.

  • Not all Retrofitting Kits contain Diagnostic capable Trailer Control Modules, some Aftermarket Modules may even be pre-coded. This Step can be ignored for Modules which are not Diagnostic capable.
    
  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Coding Table is not shown here but will automatically be used by the Long Coding Assistant once you access the Function using VCDS. If an Aftermarket Module is installed, check the Retrofitting Kit for further Instructions.
    

  [*]Update the Brake Electronics (J104 / #03) Configuration.

  • Check which ABS or ABS/ESP System is installed. If a MK60EC1 is installed an Activation is not necessary (proceed to the next Step), this Step is only valid for MK60 (from June 6th 2005 / MY 2006+) and MK60-AT. MK70 and MK70M as well as MK60 (before June 6th 2005 / through MY 2005) do not support the Trailer Stabilization Function.
    
    • Enable the Adaptation Function by performing a Security Access. Additional Information will be shown by VCDS once you access the Security Access Function.
      
    • Via Adaptation select Channel 056 and activate the Trailer Stabilization. Additional Information will be shown by VCDS once you access the Adaptation Channel.
      
    • The Activation of the Trailer Stabilization can be tested using a Trailer Test Tool (e.g. VAG 1537/A) by performing an Output Test.
      

  [*]Update the Engine Control Module (J623 / #01) Coding.

  • Make sure that the Engine is NOT running, otherwise the new Coding will be rejected. Models equipped with Start/Stop System do have a Shutoff Switch/Button which will deactivate the Start/Stop Function.
    
  • As a Rule of Thumb, If the Engine uses conventional Short Coding (Coding is 7-digits like 0011312) the Long Codding Assistant does NOT apply. Modules using Short Coding typically do NOT support or require Trailer Configuration Coding. If the Engine Control Module uses a Long Coding the Activation is done in (Long) Coding itself through via Coding Assist. Please also note that there are different Coding Variants for Long Coding.
    
  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Coding Table is not shown here but will automatically be used by the Long Coding Assistant once you access the Function using VCDS.
    

  [*]Update the Parking Aid (J446 / #76) OR Parking Aid 2 (J446 / #10) Configuration, if installed.

  • Depending the exact Model/Model Year either Coding or Adaptation can be used.
    
  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Setting is not documented here but will automatically be shown once you access the Coding/Adaptation Function using VCDS. A Security Access may be necessary prior to Coding the Module.
    

  [*]Update the Rear View Camera (J772 / #6C) Coding, if installed.

  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Coding Table is not shown here but will automatically be used by the Long Coding Assistant once you access the Function using VCDS.
    

[Vagtastic]

It looks more complicating than it is, in reality it takes a couple of minutes:

Trailer Hitch Retrofitting (1K)

Configuration

The following Activations are necessary to ensure that the newly fitted parts are properly recognized and are ready to use.

• Update the Installation List in the Gateway (J533 / #19).
  
  • Register the newly added 69 - Trailer Control Module.
    

  [*]Update the Trailer Control Module (J345 / #69) Coding.

  • Not all Retrofitting Kits contain Diagnostic capable Trailer Control Modules, some Aftermarket Modules may even be pre-coded. This Step can be ignored for Modules which are not Diagnostic capable.
    
  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Coding Table is not shown here but will automatically be used by the Long Coding Assistant once you access the Function using VCDS. If an Aftermarket Module is installed, check the Retrofitting Kit for further Instructions.
    

  [*]Update the Brake Electronics (J104 / #03) Configuration.

  • Check which ABS or ABS/ESP System is installed. If a MK60EC1 is installed an Activation is not necessary (proceed to the next Step), this Step is only valid for MK60 (from June 6th 2005 / MY 2006+) and MK60-AT. MK70 and MK70M as well as MK60 (before June 6th 2005 / through MY 2005) do not support the Trailer Stabilization Function.
    
    • Enable the Adaptation Function by performing a Security Access. Additional Information will be shown by VCDS once you access the Security Access Function.
      
    • Via Adaptation select Channel 056 and activate the Trailer Stabilization. Additional Information will be shown by VCDS once you access the Adaptation Channel.
      
    • The Activation of the Trailer Stabilization can be tested using a Trailer Test Tool (e.g. VAG 1537/A) by performing an Output Test.
      

  [*]Update the Engine Control Module (J623 / #01) Coding.

  • Make sure that the Engine is NOT running, otherwise the new Coding will be rejected. Models equipped with Start/Stop System do have a Shutoff Switch/Button which will deactivate the Start/Stop Function.
    
  • As a Rule of Thumb, If the Engine uses conventional Short Coding (Coding is 7-digits like 0011312) the Long Codding Assistant does NOT apply. Modules using Short Coding typically do NOT support or require Trailer Configuration Coding. If the Engine Control Module uses a Long Coding the Activation is done in (Long) Coding itself through via Coding Assist. Please also note that there are different Coding Variants for Long Coding.
    
  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Coding Table is not shown here but will automatically be used by the Long Coding Assistant once you access the Function using VCDS.
    

  [*]Update the Parking Aid (J446 / #76) OR Parking Aid 2 (J446 / #10) Configuration, if installed.

  • Depending the exact Model/Model Year either Coding or Adaptation can be used.
    
  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Setting is not documented here but will automatically be shown once you access the Coding/Adaptation Function using VCDS. A Security Access may be necessary prior to Coding the Module.
    

  [*]Update the Rear View Camera (J772 / #6C) Coding, if installed.

  • Due to different Control Modules and Equipment in the Car the actual Coding Table is not shown here but will automatically be used by the Long Coding Assistant once you access the Function using VCDS.
    

Top man. Thank you!

[Caulkheader]

Thanks for the replies. Car was back with the dealers today and a new module was fitted plus an interogation by Skoda technical.

It is now working and has been demonstrated to me. The information on here was very valuable!

Cheers.

[aladins78]

Your habitation battery charging issue will probably be because pins 10 and 11 will be missing or not connected, pin 10 is and ign/charge supply and pin 11 is a ground connection.