The towbar release in my Octavia Mk4 has stopped working, so now the towbar stays out. (that’s better than staying in…)
The Skoda garage can not repair it (apparently some collision during previous ownership)
While trying to repair it however some broken plug came off and could not be put back.
Result: release still doesn't work, but now when I start the car I get a warning that something is wrong with the towbar. That warning disappears after three beeps, but a warning light stays on.
The only remedy seems to be to replace the whole towbar á €2200. No way…

Does anyone know if the car can be tricked in believing that the plug is in place?
(Telling the car by coding is no option, because it would also disable the lights on the trailer)

Below a picture of the socket taken by the garage

That sounds like a pretty poor response from the garage. They may not want the work but the pins and wires in those plugs and sockets can be removed and replaced and I'd bet you could get a new plug or even a second hand one from eBay or AliExpress. Doing so would allow you to transfer the wiring over to a replacement which would allow it to be reconnected potentially solving your problem.

Apart from the towbar not retracting, were the warnings being activated before it went in for repair?

If not, they broke the connection socket in their attempt to fix it - and they would be responsible for repair to connector.

Edited 25 March, 20251 yr by Warrior193
added information

Thanks for your response!

I doubt if the garage is to blame, they seem sincere and worked for two hours to get the best out of it.

Unfortunately they were not succesful. Can happen...
They take it that some kind of collision in the past would already have broken it. And when you then try to repair it, it can be that you hold those broken pieces in your hand.

So, I hope that something like 'connect hole 2 to hole 7' would just be enough to prevent those alarms to go off

About your suggestion of buying a plug from AliExpress, I wouldn't know what to search for! :)

below the sketch the garage made...

I'm inclined to doubt their mechanical aptitude if their drafting skills are any example!

The socket will have a part number on it but...

eBay

8 Pin Connector Wiring Harness Prewired Plug For Audi Sko...

8 pin connector used on many vehicles in the VAG range.

Edited 25 March, 20251 yr by skomaz

wow! I'm most impressed.Thank you!

11 hours ago, skomaz said:

The socket will have a part number on it but...

In the night I suddenly thought, wouldn't there be 1 fuse that enables/disables the release. In the fuse diagram I find 4 'tow bar hitch' fuses. Could one be taken out and solve my warning-problem? (I saw sveral post by you, so you seem to be well informed in Skoda matters :)

11 hours ago, mountain said:

In the night I suddenly thought, wouldn't there be 1 fuse that enables/disables the release. In the fuse diagram I find 4 'tow bar hitch' fuses. Could one be taken out and solve my warning-problem? (I saw sveral post by you, so you seem to be well informed in Skoda matters :)

I'm not sure to be honest as I'm not familiar with the mk4... My guess is that removing fuses will disable things but maybe create more warnings.

21 minutes ago, skomaz said:

I'm not sure to be honest as I'm not familiar with the mk4... My guess is that removing fuses will disable things but maybe create more warnings.

Thanks! I will try and see