Hi 

 

Im trying to fit a tow bar i got from a breakers yard to my octy. Its come straight off a mk1 hatch like mine and comes with double electrics. I know how to fit it (bumper off crash bar out etc). what Im NOT so sure on is how to wire up the electrics. Im only bothered about the single electrics (signals, lights, etc). The bar I bought has most of the electrics included and even has plugs on the end of some of the wires. I havent got a clue where they go so any advice would really help. I think its got a relay too, but again, no idea what goes where? 

 

Your help is appreciated

 

Cass

you dont need a relay really, when I did mine I just used scotch lock connectors off the wires from the light cluster. Google image search the wiring, its fairly easy. Mine had the double sockets, i didnt wire the second one up.

You should have a relay/beeper unit for the indicators.

 

I used scotch-lock things and connected into the loom near to the CD changer in the boot.

I havent got a relay, actually its a buzzer. Do you really need it?

You are supposed to have a buzzer/or flashing light on the dash to tell you when the towbar indicators are in use.

In reality, the things a pain beeping away everytime you use the indicators. (especially if you tow often)

i go by the indicator light on the dashboard, it flashes in time with the lights on the front rear and rear of the trailer, and the ones on the mirrors or wings. Quite ingenious really!

The buzzer in the boot or a separate display on the dash is a requirement so you know the trailer indicators are working. Not checked on an MOT as far as I can tell.

Not yet... I have never had a car fail yet. I have however fitted a tow bar to my mk2 with the proper module... I would have thought that would beep but doesn't?

Second the above scotch locked into the light cluster, just google 7 pin towing electric diagram for the right colours-lights

I had the same thing when I fitted my second-hand tow bar. Junked the double electrics as all I wanted was a simple 7-pin plug for the lights on my trailer. Bought a new one from eBay/Amazon, looked in Haynes manual for the appropriate wire colours/numbers and Scotchlocked near the CD multichanger. job jobbed.

Shame on those who promote the Scotch lock menace. Do a proper job and use solder and heat shrink.

Spawn of satan scotch locks, you lot are rough gits :p  :p

 

When i fitted my towbar i used a bypass relay so had to run a 30amp feed from fusebox behind steering wheel to power it, it sits behind spare wheel under boot floor so i carn't hear it bleeping when am towing, previous bars ive fitted to my volvos i just threw the bleeper in bin,

 

Its not essential to run a bypass relay but car wiring looks abit thin and didn't fancy pulling extra current down it for trailer lights,

 

If yours has 2 sockets and your never going to use the white socket then just take it off, if the black socket and electrics are ok then use them, if not you can get ready made 7 pins sockets with a length of wiring and single bracket cheap enough,

 

My electrics from lights are wired up behind back panel and soldered and taped up all nice and neat

Spawn of satan scotch locks, you lot are rough gits :p  :p

 

I always used to use teeth to chew off the insulation and insulating tape, so dont knock the scotch locks.

 

Though on the MK2, I did use a proper kit! Though Im not sure it beeps. Come to think of it, I dont remember plugging the trailer into the socket!

There are many types of Scotchlok connectors and for car use, and in my view, it is important use a moisture resistant type such as the 314. These are filled with silicone grease and can be identified by a bulge which is squeezed to make the idc connection.

 

People are right in saying don't use Scotchlok when they are referring to the more common type which has a fold over cover. These are not suitable for use where moisture is present. Unfortunately these are the type most commonly available in DIY stores, such as Halfords.

 

Many people have used these cheaper types successfully for several years  - it just depends on the environment. 

 

I have no connection with the manufacturer and my thoughts are are entirely based on professional experience.

Just make sure you make a good earth point, I must have followed about 10 trailers this week that do an impression of a Christmas tree as soon as they apply the brakes when indicating.

 

The module type units like mine and presumably whitep, retain standard normal function warning via the dash and warn the same way when a bulb fails - flash very fast - so that satisfy legal requirement that way.