I have only just noticed this happening since having a tow bar fitted but it was all coded so it shouldn’t be causing it. When I engage reverse gear a message flashes up that Blind spot monitoring and rear alert are disabled and they turn off. Once you move off you can activate them again but next time you stop and go into reverse they turn off again. I have heard that it might be a faulty control unit that is the cause. Has anyone also had this problem. 

No, this is normal, they are supposed to deactivate when you engage reverse, assuming the tow bar is in use (i.e. something is plugged into the electrical socket). The sensors in the rear bumper for 'BSA' and 'Rear Alert' would pick up the trailer / bike rack and give you false alerts, so they automatically turn off.

 

Or are you saying they are deactivating, even if you're not towing? If this is the case then the tow bar fitter hasn't coded the car correctly.

 

Having to reactivate them after you disconnect the trailer or drive forwards again is normal, they don't automatically turn themselves back on.

 

Edited 5 October, 20187 yr by silver1011

Sorry I didn’t make it clear. They deactivate when the trailer is plugged in and I turn them on manually after that but they deactivate every time I use reverse gear. I have taken it back to the tow bar fitter and he has recoded it so it shouldn’t happen. I have noticed on another forum that several people have had this problem and not all have had towbars fitted. The dealer didn’t seem very interested because it wasn’t a Skoda fitted towbar.

2 minutes ago, Huntspill101 said:

Sorry I didn’t make it clear. They deactivate when the trailer is plugged in and I turn them on manually after that but they deactivate every time I use reverse gear.

 

With the trailer still plugged in?

 

They will continue to deactivate, even if you reactivate them if the trailer is hooked up, every time you select reverse gear. This is normal.

This is happening without the trailer connected.

Given that the issue only appeared after the tow bar was fitted would suggest that the issue is directly linked to the improper coding of the tow bar.

 

If the third party tow bar fitter has exhausted all of his solutions, then the only option you have it to ask him to reverse all of his coding and then, it the issue persists, take it back to your local Skoda dealer under warranty.

 

A proper chew, but the easiest way to get it fixed properly. Glad I was able to go for a factory tow bar now!

I had exactly the same issue when I had an aftermarket tow bag fitted. 

 

They had to re code it a few times to get it to work. 

 

They also gave me some instructions on how to 'reset' the system after unhitching the electrics. 

 

Happy to pass on the instructions if you wanna give it a try. I must admit I've had no issues with it since. 

 

James

It would be useful to have the instructions to see if they help. I see your location is Devon. The towbar fitter I used is based in Exeter. How is it easiest for you to send them. Is it ok to let you have my email address here.

On 07/10/2018 at 18:36, jamesdevon said:

I had exactly the same issue when I had an aftermarket tow bag fitted. 

 

They had to re code it a few times to get it to work. 

 

They also gave me some instructions on how to 'reset' the system after unhitching the electrics. 

 

Happy to pass on the instructions if you wanna give it a try. I must admit I've had no issues with it since. 

 

James

 

Hi. I think I'm having this same issue - any chance you can send the instructions that you mentioned?

Thanks.

On 05/06/2019 at 17:25, Trevorbailey said:

 

Hi. I think I'm having this same issue - any chance you can send the instructions that you mentioned?

Thanks.

Hi there, 

 

Before you hook up the electrics make sure you turn off all but front assist on the maxi dot screen. 

 

Then hook up and use the electrics. 

 

When it comes to unhooking them:

 

Unplug the electrics. Then press the parking sensor button to turn them on. Whilst they're on go back into the maxi dot and turn everything back on. Then turn off the parking sensors. 

 

That should work. They told me it doesn't matter about the engine running but I've always done it with it running. 

 

Hope it helps.