The Tow Bar Adventure

[Stu]

I would think it unlikely to be the Trailer Control Unit at fault, and if it was then it should have been left unplugged and thus should not cause issue.

I'd say, as others have, it's more likely they've loused up the install.

If they are kosha installers for VAG bars then they ought to have access to a diagnostic tool which would help them.

I wouldn't be surprised if they've broken the CAN wiring which is then affecting those other items. I can't work out why the Nav is acting up except that the 510 will cross ref the vehicle movement by GPS with that of the ABS wheel sensors which is done via CAN. Do you see the navigation cues in the dash insert?

Have a look under your passenger seat and see if you can see the trailer control unit.

I wouldn't bank on making your holiday unless they pull their finger out and do some diagnostics for you.

 

[Stu]

I forgot to say if the CAN was broken it would render the Trailer Control Unit inoperable, giving the indication of being faulty.

The Trailer OCntrol Unit is the same as in the Golf 5, Octavia and a number of other VAG cars - 1K0 907 383 F

Picture here -



Similar unit showing plugs (Red/Black) -

 

[HistoryBob]

Thanks Stu.
You are talking to a virgin as far this lot is concerned. What is the CAN and where might it be found

 

[Andy]

CAN is a power & comunication network that modern vehicles use to switch things on & get feed bacK. For more acurate explanation google it.

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[HistoryBob]

Thanks Andy
Looks like my best bet is to wait until Monday and see if the replacement module cures the problem.
Last night I thought I'd have a go at fitting the Altera bike carrier to my new towing ball. Guess what. It has a fault on one of the straps that fit round the cross bar. It's not my week and I thought next Friday was the 13th

 

[teeboy]

One last thought. You have to earth the towbar install at an earth point just in front of the passenger seat. I might be possible to have added the towbar earth and knocked off one of the others. But my best bet would be that they have knocked off one of the wires/fuses under the passenger seat. It is pretty mad under there!

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[Stu]

So how did you get on then Bob??

 

[HistoryBob]

Not to good I'm afraid. The new module didn't change anything. However the guy did manage to get the sat nav, zircon etc working again. now I don't have Parking sensors or rear view camera. They spent a lot of time talking to Westfalia's technical people any they suggested a few things without success. now they suspect it might be a faulty wiring harness so a new one is on its way. they will have a shot tomorrow with the new harness. if that doesn't work I'm really up the creek without a paddle. france is looking unlikely as we should leave tomorrow night.
As an aside to this I had plenty of time to look round the showroom. These people are Thule agents as well as Westfalia. I spotted a brilliant Westfalia ball mounted, two bike carrier which was light and folded down to next to nothing. I would have purchased one of these if I hadn't already got the Altera. Anyone had any experience with this carrier?

 

[Stu]

Hmm, do you know what they did to get those things working?

Still sounding like a CAN issue to me.

Do they have any sort of diagnostics device? Can they read fault codes? Are they able to communicate with the trailer control unit?

Once you have it back I would take it to a VW garage or specialist for a diagnostic check just foe peace of mind.

 

[HistoryBob]

Yippee. Van back and everything working satisfactory. Turned out Westfalia had supplied a faulty wiring harness. If I had tried to fit this myself with a faulty harness I would have had no chance.
Now frantically packing the van in order to get away tonight. First stop Sunderland. Then France. Feel calmer already.

 

[Stu]

Good news then.

Have a nice break to relax.

 

[Carrg]

Stu - I will be using your tactics from the Cam install to remove the step to remove the steps so I can get the wire up to the dash - thanks for that.
Hopefully the airbag warning lights won't go off, as I have the battery disconnected, but even if they do you can turn them off with VCDS (I set them off when I installed the stereo )

CustartTart - Routing the cable is one of the biggest faffs - you have to remove the trim around the spare wheel, and also the under trim from under the passenger seat. Once all the rim is off it is pretty easy to route to the back - although the cable is quite long - I assume it works for the LWB as well, so I coiled a bit in front of the spare wheel and cable tied it all up.

To get better access I jacked the car up on the passenger side and used a axel stand for safety - I am quite a large chap and I only just about fit under with it on the ground - I think you could do it with levelling ramps, but buy the time I though of that I had the seats out, so getting it on ramps would have been a trauma

I have done all of the mucky bits - just dash board mucking about today - which is good news as it is raining!!!

I am going in!

T

Hi Guys,

Mind sharing the tactics to get the wire up the dash please?

 

[teeboy]

Remove the drivers seat and seat frame - pass the wire under the seat - there is a cut out in the foam under the carpet for this purpose.

Remove step and run wire under the carpet beside the step.

Then you can remove the trim from the side of the dash (where the door closes) really easily.

To get full access under the dash you have to remove all of the platic trim under the steering wheel - but it is better to do this rather than remove a few screws and try to bend the trim!.

Finally to get the light switch out - you push in the switch part and turn and the whole barrel comes out - which is pretty smart.

T

 

[Carrg]

Remove the drivers seat and seat frame - pass the wire under the seat - there is a cut out in the foam under the carpet for this purpose.

Remove step and run wire under the carpet beside the step.

Then you can remove the trim from the side of the dash (where the door closes) really easily.

To get full access under the dash you have to remove all of the platic trim under the steering wheel - but it is better to do this rather than remove a few screws and try to bend the trim!.

Finally to get the light switch out - you push in the switch part and turn and the whole barrel comes out - which is pretty smart.


T

Your a star thank you very much! :clap

Did try to PM you but couldnt.

One last Q (hopefully). Are the electrics still part number 321 454 300 143? Cant seem to find it listed on PF Jones?

Thanks.

 

[Carrg]

EDIT....

Just found the kit! :crazy

Cheers

 

[HistoryBob]

Yippee. Van back and everything working satisfactory. Turned out Westfalia had supplied a faulty wiring harness. If I had tried to fit this myself with a faulty harness I would have had no chance.
Now frantically packing the van in order to get away tonight. First stop Sunderland. Then France. Feel calmer already.

Back in The Uk and I can give an update. Initially thought the van was all OK however it wasn't until we were in France that I discovered the night heater wasn't working. What it actually says is its unavailable. If there's anyone coming to COTF who has the magic disc maybe you could seek me out and reprogram the thing.
Also the reversing sensors haven't been reinstalled correctly in the bumper and so I just get a loud squeal all the time I am reversing. If anyone wants to have a tow bar fitted don't use the same guy I did in Carlisle. He's pants.

 

[Stu]

Sorry Bob, only just saw this - I had my stuff with me and could have had a look for you.

 

[Carrg]

I've looked at the compehensive fitting guides from Westfalia. Whilst time consuming it looks okish job. Problem I now have is the kit has been delivered and it features an extra seperate cable in its own not mentioned in the guide? 300028300113 13 pin extension kit??

 

[Stu]

If it's what I think Gary it's the extra supply to charge the trailer (caravan) batteries. The large white connector??

 

[Carrg]

Thanks Stu. Thought as much but its not mentioned in the fitting guide. :crazy