Hi Everyone,

I have a Factory fitted electric Tow bar. Last time I use, it was 5 years ago I believe. I tried to use it Today no chance not releasing.
It has a green light always but whenever I pull it out light changes to red blinking and tow bar is not releasing. I used some wd-40
and rust cleaner but still result didn't' change.

I also tried to pull out the tow bar with bare hand or hit the mechanism with a wood or hammer(kindly), still no chance.

Anyone faced the same issue?

Sorry to hear ... I have been regularly advising on the topics to take from time to time the hitch out and oil the swing mechanism, even if is not used for towing.

The thing gets all the crud and road crap and tends to freeze solid.

You will have to keep trying to lower, I thinks it starts with a sideway move, I would not try to hit it, but encourage it to move ... try to pass a rope or strap and pull.

It is much better of you can raise the car, more comfortable to work.

When you pull the lever, the light blinks red, but does it go back to green or it remains also stuck?

I am planning before the next winter season to carve a "cover" and put it in the bumper hole, there is too much crap getting there that is certainly no good for easy operation ...

Your post reminded me to check mine as it's not been used since 2019. When I last put it away I sprayed white lithium grease around the rotation mechanism and after some gently wiggling today it came loose whilst I held the handle fully out.

I've dowsed it with lithium grease again and that's made it much easier to move and it drops straight away when the handle is pulled. I used to use the grease for the caravan as it's non-sticky and doesn't attract dirt.

Hope you get it sorted and as @leolito says - lube it now and again.

Lube is the answer! 😁

Gald you manage! Lithium grease is not bad ... a friend suggested something like "water" grease like for boats or something, will look into that.

During the weekend I remember I had not said not to pull with too much force, otherwise you risk breaking the handle, or the cable ....

45 minutes ago, leolito said:

Lithium grease is not bad ... a friend suggested something like "water" grease like for boats

I would highly recommend “Quicksilver 2-4-C marine grease”.

The only grease I use on my boat and for trailer bearings - after trying many brands/ types years ago.

It will stick well, remain flexible and repel water on the towball pivots, maybe a little messy putting on by hand as theres no spray can version.

Thanks! I am ok by "hand greasing", actually I prefer it. I use a nitrile glove (which I use 99% of the time, I barely work with bare hands no pun intended), either finger or an old flat screwdriver ideal for the purpose ....

Decathlon used to do a waterproof spray grease for bike chain that I've found to be pretty good in exposed situations. Might be worth a look.