I purchased a 2017 Kodiaq which came with an aftermarket tow bar and wiring loom. After learning of all of the Trailer Assist features I asked my dealer to install the factory loom. The car came with Trailer Prep and Park Assist, Multi function camera.

The dealer installed the loom and coded trailer assist but were not able to see the mirror joystick controls displaying in the instrument cluster when Trailer Assist was selected. It was thought that this might be due to not having a trailer connected

I tested with my trailer connected but had the same result. The car detects the trailer but won't present the mirror controls when Trailer Assist is selected. Any advise much appreciated.

 

 

 

 

Hi, I don't know enough about this system to give you a solution, but I have some thoughts / questions.

 

• You say the car came with Trailer Prep. If so, it already had the factory loom, not an aftermarket loom. So what did the dealer install?
   
• Does anything happen if you press the Park Assist button while in reverse with a trailer attached?
   
• I had always assumed that this feature was only possible with an OEM tow bar (I don't know that for a fact though). The factory tow bar comes with its own control unit (this one: https://www.kufatec.com/en/comfort-retrofits/trailer-hitch/trailer-hitch-control-unit-for-vw-tiguan-skoda-kodiaq-karoq-42243-p), which I thought was probably a necessary component of the Trailer Assist feature. Or do you mean that this is what the dealer installed ? (again, I've no idea if its possible to use the Skoda control unit with an aftermarket tow-bar, but it doesn't seem that likely). I'd be interested to hear more about what exactly the dealer said about all of this. 
   
• If it were me, I would use OBDEleven or VCDS to double-check that the coding is all correct. I would start by checking that the tow bar has been coded correctly first of all, and then look at the Trailer Assist coding. Is there a 69 (Trailer) module listed? If so, is it the Skoda one, or aftermarket?
   
• Here is a post about the trailer assist coding. You can ignore the discussion about needing to upgrade the reversing camera, as you have Area View.

 

Please keep us updated if you find a solution.

 

Edited 10 April, 20224 yr by Teir

Only things I can add are:

 - You cannot have any bulb out errors or it will refuse to work (your cluster is clear in the picture so we know it's not that)

 - You need to have driven forward some distance with the trailer attached so that the camera can recognise the trailer

 

I initially had the same problem as you, and was not offered the assist.  After driving forward for a couple of hundred metres the next time trailer assist worked.

 

TBH though, I'm faster without it although much less elegant.

Thanks for the replies Teir & Wokwon

 

My understanding is, Trailer Prep (from the factory) includes wiring from the main CPU to the left rear panel of the car, but does not come with the towbar module and harness. It is these two components that the dealer installed and configured, along with removing the aftermarket wiring.

 

I have made an assumption that Trailer Assist would work with an aftermarket towbar based on forum thread you referenced (Superb Trailer Assist), which states that Trailer Assist requires Park Assist, Multifunction Reversing Camera and the Trailer Module. There was no mention of the factory fitted towbar being needed.

 

When I press the Park Assist with the trailer connected, I get the message "Trailer Park Assist stopped" appearing in the console. At no point am I presented with the message as per the above link "Trailer Assistant: to start, press the Park button!"

I don't have VCDS or ODEleven so not able to determine what coding changes may have been made, but will look into purchasing.

 

Wokwon, I have driven the car for over 80km with the trailer connected and it won't offer the Trailer Assist controls. And the Trailer Assist is more for my wife if she is ever put in a position to need to drive the car with the trailer.

 

 

I wonder if they missed this step

I have just found out that the dealer did not do all of the coding as per the Skoda Superb  Guide, citing not being able to from their programming / diagnostic equipment.

Which means it's time for me to get coding.

Any recommendation on which Tool to use, VCDS (what version) or OBDEleven

Can anyone advise if Trailer Assist coding including the Trailer positioning assistant can be performed via OBDEleven? 

 

 

 

Well, I guess that's good news - at least the problem has been identified and is fixable. Annoying that it requires you to spend more money though. 

 

Either device will be fine for this small amount of coding. For VCDS, you will want the HEX V2, 3 VIN model (unless you want to work on more cars than that). For OBDEleven, buy the next-gen device on it's own, then buy the pro subscription add on (it's not VIN limited). 

 

OBDeleven should work out at about half the cost of VCDS, albeit with an ongoing annual subscription. Both are good devices, with some differences between them. I find VCDS faster to use, but the flip side of that is that you have to use it with a laptop, whereas you just need a phone for OBDeleven. Get whichever one works out cheaper for you, especially if you don't have lots of other coding or retrofitting that you want to do. 

 

It might also be worthwhile seeing if there is anyone else within travelling distance who already owns one of these devices and would be willing to do the coding for beer money. 

Hello Teir, thanks for the info. I will put out some feelers on NZ based VAG forums to see if there is a "local" who can assist. I would like to get my hands on some software and do a bit of tinkering for myself.

I have seen a cheaper form of the Ross-Tech cable which still uses VCDS but I don't think it comes with Software Updates. But a cheaper option.

https://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/shop/index.php?_route_=vagcom-rosstech-vcds

6 minutes ago, spm23 said:

I have seen a cheaper form of the Ross-Tech cable which still uses VCDS but I don't think it comes with Software Updates. But a cheaper option.

 

Oh... wow.

 

I cannot begin to describe just how shady that is. They claim not to be anything like the cheap knock-offs of VAGCOM cables found on eBay, but yet they're selling a... cheap knock-off. I don't for one second believe that they have licensed the firmware - so if, as they claim, it is identical, that has to be a copyright infringement. And I'd be very surprised if the VCDS licence agreement allows you to use it with anything other than a genuine cable. Finally, I love how the pictures are either of an original cable (which is not what you're getting), or they are making cables claiming to be made by Ross-Tech (which is not what you're getting).

 

I'm not for one minute defending the cost of VCDS (although I do think their pricing structure is fairly reasonable) - but this is dodgy as hell and should be avoided at all costs if you have any morals whatsoever.

23 minutes ago, spm23 said:

Hello Teir, thanks for the info. I will put out some feelers on NZ based VAG forums to see if there is a "local" who can assist. I would like to get my hands on some software and do a bit of tinkering for myself.

I have seen a cheaper form of the Ross-Tech cable which still uses VCDS but I don't think it comes with Software Updates. But a cheaper option.

https://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/shop/index.php?_route_=vagcom-rosstech-vcds

 

As above, this isn't a cheaper version, it's a clone. It may or may not work, and you may or may not be happy to buy a knock-off, but you should be at least aware of what it is. 

 

I have been reading through the OBDEleven forums and it appears that the App has Trailer Assist long coding, but there are mentions of it not working. 

Someone has posted a long coding alternative. I take it that the Manoeuvring Assistant is something new or unique to the Q8? And wouldn't be necessary on the Kodiaq?

 

Jan 18, 2021 at 2:18am mb3 said:

I finally got the Trailer Assist to work.

I am going to list all of the coding below, so that someone in the future will have it all in one place. Please note that I am using the OBDeleven Next Gen Pro on a 2020 Q8 Prestige with rear wheel steering. The coding may differ on other years or models.

Please note that the Trailer Assist icon will not "light up" on your MMI unless you have the vehicle attached to a trailer, the wires plugged in, all of your trailer lights are functioning properly, and your rear liftgate is closed.

Please also note that in order for the Trailer Assist to work, you must also have the Maneuvering Assist coded properly. It does not matter which one you code first. Here are the steps:

Maneuvering Assist:

09 Central Electrics > adaptation > maneuvering assistant > activated

44 Steering Assistance > long coding > byte 2, bit 1 (active)

A5 Driver Assistance > long coding > byte 44 > bit 5 (MA Steering Active)

A5 Driver Assistance > long coding > byte 44 > bit 6 (MA Braking Active)

A5 Driver Assistance > long coding > byte 44 > bit 7 (MA Maneuver assist installed)

19 Gateway > adaptation > installation list > parking assistance > coded

Important note: Make sure to code and swipe the installation button at the same time for the following two steps since they apply to left and right brakes and must be coded the same:

03 Brakes > long coding > byte 10 > bit 0 > active

03 Brakes > long coding > byte 24 > bit 7 > active

Trailer Assist:

44 Steering Assistance > long coding > byte 1, bit 2 (trailer maneuver assist active)

46 Comfort System > long coding > byte 4 > bit 7 (trailer monitoring)

09 Central Electrics > long coding > byte 28 > bit 7 (ARA installed)

A5 Driver Assistance > long coding > byte 15, bit 4 (FW ARA BCM installed)

A5 Driver Assistance > long coding > byte 54 > bit 6 (TMA trailer maneuver assist installed)

A5 Driver Assistance > long coding > byte 54 > bit 7 (TMA trailer maneuver assist image processing installed)

5F Multimedia > Adaptation > Car Function Adaptations Gen 2 > menu display trailer assistant > activated

5F Multimedia > Adaptation > Car Function Adaptations Gen 2 > menu display trailer assistant over threshold high > activated

5F Multimedia > Adaptation > Car Function List BAP Gen 2 > trailer assistant 0x36 > activated

5F Multimedia > Adaptation > Car Function List BAP Gen 2 > trailer assistant msg bus 0x36 > terminal 15

IF YOU HAVE REAR WHEEL STEERING YOU NEED TO PERFORM THE FOLLOWING ADDITIONAL STEP:

09 Central Electrics > long coding > rear axle steering > Hal not available

Regarding the rear wheel steering setting, I intend to turn this to "not available" when trailering and to "available" when not trailering.

I hope this helps someone in the future. Thank you everyone for your patience.

Yes, OBDEleven has some 'one-click apps' that do coding for you, for a fee. Is there one for Trailer Assist now? Generally speaking I would avoid them in favour of doing the long coding manually, so that you know exactly what is being done, and can reverse it. You won't have any difficulty doing the long coding manually with OBDEleven, if you can identify what coding to do. 

 

I would be cautious about using the coding from the Q8. The Superb III is the same platform and era as the Kodiaq, so I would start with the coding from that thread and see how you get on first. From the look of the coding above, it seems that Trailer Assist on the Q8 is integrated with / dependent on this new Maneuvering Assist feature, so a lot of those changes will be superfluous or unavailable on the Kodiaq. E.g., the front camera (A5 module) is not required or used by Trailer Assist on the Kodiaq, as far as I'm aware.

 

Similarly, I'd be surprised if 'rear axle steering' exists in the Kodiaq coding, but if it does, just leave it alone. 

 

It would be great if you could let us know when you have been able to successfully code this, as I'm hoping to do similarly at some point in the next year. I just need to find the time to install the additional four sensors needed for Park Assist first. 

 

 

Edited 13 April, 20224 yr by Teir

Teir

Can you help me understand how the OBDEleven subsctiption works.

I understand that you can buy Credits which can be used to implement "pre-coded" Long Coding feature options from within the App.

If I buy the Gen 2 Pro for €100, do I need to pay the same each year if want to maintain the "Pro" level of service". 

Unfortunately they changed the pricing model last year. 25 euro used to buy you Pro for life (I still have this), but if you buy it now it's 25 per year for the pro features. 

 

Don't buy the 'Pro Pack', unless you think you're going to need credits for some reason. Buy the device on it's own for 59.99, and then add the pro plan separately for 24.99 (you'll find it under 'Digital Content' on their website). You'll then pay another 24.99 next year if you want to maintain the pro features. 

 

Edited 13 April, 20224 yr by Teir

Roger that. I think that will be the way to go. I'll keep you posted when I get my hands on the OBDEleven. Thanks for the help

Teir, the OBDEleven Pro you have, was it a Gen 1? I've ordered a Gen 2 with Pro Plan and looking forward to seeing what it can do.

I have the Next Gen / Gen 2 device. It's a very useful tool to have - I always keep it in the car, in the storage compartment next to the steering column, ready to go whenever needed!

 

When you get your device, I recommend doing a full scan of all control units as a backup before you start coding.

Hey there, without getting into much personal details, were you the person mentioning Trailer Assist to the guys at Ebbett Skoda the other day? I was in the Superb and overheard... If that was you, message me and I can get it coded for you as I've got VCDS. I enabled it on our last Kodiaq (Style 2017) - ours had the EMD/Best Bars OEM-spec towbar and I had to enable it myself. 

On 15/04/2022 at 06:48, ZacDaMan72 said:

Hey there, without getting into much personal details, were you the person mentioning Trailer Assist to the guys at Ebbett Skoda the other day? I was in the Superb and overheard... If that was you, message me and I can get it coded for you as I've got VCDS. I enabled it on our last Kodiaq (Style 2017) - ours had the EMD/Best Bars OEM-spec towbar and I had to enable it myself. 

hello, I have Q8 2025 with the same probleme, I programing all with the trailer but not joistick. you can help me.?