Custom with 'proper' Towbar electrics

[davidjpowell]

I have a late 2017 Custom and the dealer has fitted a towbar. Used it for the first time last weekend and was surprised that the reversing sensors did not switch off automatically. I'm also surprised (although slightly less so) that there seems to be no indication on the dash that the trailer is plugged in.

Is this normal for a proper towbar installation or has the dealer taken a shortcut and not installed dedicated electrics?

Grateful for feedback..

[se7en]

I have a Custom with factory fitted tow bar & electrics, the reverse sensors cut out when the trailer is plugged in, and there is no indication on the dash re trailer until there is a problem, i.e. "trailer light fault" on dash, or indicators flash faster if there's a bulb out. also, factory fitted electrics only come with the 13 pin euro socket on the tow bar electrics.

[hitech-donk]

When hitched up the display for the parking sensors should show a trailer instead of the rear sensors. Also when locked if you disconnect the trailer the alarm should go off, on a limited at least, which I believe may have an upgraded alarm compared to the lower models?!

[hoggyf]

Mine was an aftermarket fit by the dealer when I bought it and mine is a 7 pin and the reversing sensors don't switch off. Can this be upgraded?

[khould]

Press the reversing sensor button on the dash!!!
It doesnt bleep or screem at you then

[davidjpowell]

Thanks all.

I'd sooner the dealer did a proper fit, so that the trailer stability stuff works. Particularly as the removable towbar agreed with the dealer turned into a cheap fixed one.

I'll have a double check on the symbols tomorrow...

[loot]

The custom needs to have config turned on for trailer.
On my custom I have full sat nav and front/reverse cameras so that means I have large colour display in the radio panel and speedo. Some only have low spec speedo but have a reversing mirror with lcd display in, lower than that I don't know how a trailer would be displayed??
The trailer tow module needs to be fitted as factory spec because it uses can bus.
The trailer tow module has a wire for trailer detected which is pin 5 to bcm pin 19 /I suspect it'll just be a ground but will need confirming! But if so then you can add your own if anyone adds a simple 3rd party setup.



Warning!.
Tow detection.

Euro 5 2.2L tow detection is listed as.
Trailer tow module pin 5 to bcm pin 11

Euro 6 2.0L
Trailer tow module pin 4 to bcm pin 7

[thedugmaster]

Mine was an aftermarket fit by the dealer when I bought it and mine is a 7 pin and the reversing sensors don't switch off. Can this be upgraded?

I think this is because there's two options related to towbars in the BCM. One acknowledges that a bar is fitted and the other relates to the newer EU spec 12 pin connector. I had a 7 pin wiring harness on mine and it behaves the same as yours.

I suspect that you have to tick both options in the BCM for the rear centre sensors to disable when hitched. The technician at Ford only enabled the first option when I had my bar coded, he wouldn't enable the second one as like you I don't have 12 pin electrics.

I know this ^ because I was sat in mine next to the technician at Ford when he connected the laptop and showed me how to update the settings.

[loot]

If I get time tomorrow I'll plug in and take a photo.

[davidjpowell]

Interesting.

I don't have nav, but I do have rear reversing camera which shows in the centre dash, and the LCD panel on the dash.

I have a 13 pin socket - but am not completely convinced that I have a full loom. Certainly my fridge appears to not work - but an unfortunate coincidence of new to us caravan means I'm not sure where there is a fault...

A tester has been ordered to rule the towbar in or out...

[loot]

I looked at my config but forgot what I was looking for in this thread but looking down the list I recall seeing tow bar module and trailer assist something and something about trailer breaking something.

[thedugmaster]

I looked at my config but forgot what I was looking for in this thread but looking down the list I recall seeing tow bar module and trailer assist something and something about trailer breaking something.

What software/hardware do you need to access the van's BCM?

[loot]

Ids v96 on is good.

Or forscan

[davidjpowell]

Slowly answering some of my questions... My switchable 12v feed appears to be non-existent... It explains why I can't get my caravan fridge working...

[BHM]

Slowly answering some of my questions... My switchable 12v feed appears to be non-existent... It explains why I can't get my caravan fridge working...

My factory fit 11 pin all works as it should, including fridge and reverse lights and fog...fyi

Bhm