MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Audi Towbar

I, or should I say the fiance has an Audi A3 diesel that I am sure would be perfect for towing.
Here is the problem. It has rear parking sensors that have no facility to turn them off without snipping the wire. If I was to have a tow bar fitted would the sensors beep like crazy every time I reversed because they are picking up the towbar?
Has anyone had a problem like this before and if so how do I solve it?


Posted: 31/03/2008 17:20:44
By: hywel jnr
On a Ford with a factory fit towbar, plugging the trailer electrics into the towbar socket switches off the rear sensors so it doesn't happen- might be worth a call to someone who fits them, link to one below. I think they sell DIY kits or fit them.

http://www.towequipe.co.uk/?gclid=CJKI56Dit5ICFQxtQgoddSXY_w

Posted: 31/03/2008 17:34:22
By: KM2825
Which goes to underline that the only thing wrong with A Ford is the makers label, a social thing not technical. The Edsel aside!


Posted: 31/03/2008 18:52:47
By: .
Hal, I have a Volvo V70 with parking sensors and an after market Witter Tow Bar Fitted. The sensors do not pick it up. I think it will depend on the hight of the towbar and sensors and distance between the two middle sensors. Take it to your local tow centre and ask them?


Posted: 31/03/2008 19:05:47
By: Jez3550
I have a Saab 9-3 with dealer fitted rear parking sensors and towbar. The sensors aren't affected by the towbar (but neither do they compensate for it, so mentally reduce distance off by a few inches when parking!)


Posted: 31/03/2008 21:25:12
By: Douglas
Who cares snip the wires!! With a towbar you dont need sensors


Posted: 31/03/2008 21:33:56
By: Russ
If you can be bothered fit a relay (rel 7) to the supply to the sensors with the other side of the relay to a spare switch on the dash. You will also need a towing relay for all the other lights cos on some of the Audis, you can damage the ecu as the bulb failure warning system can't deal with the extra current. Any good towbar fitter / auto spark could advise / install them nae bother. Check out The Towsure web site for prices and whats available.


Posted: 31/03/2008 22:10:58
By: Calum B
If you are near Reading, try :
All Tow Bars
Meade Park/Sonning Lane
Sonning
Reading
RG4 6US
He fitted a bar to my Peugeot 407SW which has not affected the rear parking sensors, although I can switch them off as necessary on my centre console.


Posted: 31/03/2008 22:20:00
By: Rob-2601
Amen to Russ
Quote

Who cares snip the wires!! With a towbar you dont need sensors

End Quote

How I laugh at each memory of the wife reversre parking in our local multi storey.


Posted: 01/04/2008 00:07:16
By: Midland circuit sailor
My brother had just taken delivery of a brand new BMW with early sensor fittings and was so proud of it and them was demonstrating to a pal how welll they worked that the next thing he knew the car was in the body shop having the rear valance replaced.  Now if he had a tow bar.......


Posted: 01/04/2008 07:23:13
By: Garry R
Surely they pick up the boat - not the towbar unless switched off.


Posted: 01/04/2008 07:24:57
By: Garry R
Mine only pick it up when there is a boat there -  not just the tow bar.


Posted: 01/04/2008 09:00:53
By: Mark Ampleford
PS - you can always get a removable one for about £100 more.


Posted: 01/04/2008 09:01:50
By: Mark Ampleford
Try Tam Leisure on the Cambridge Road in New Malden if that's convienient. They often fit tow bars for VW & Audi dealers.


Posted: 01/04/2008 12:38:00
By: WP
The electrics are wired into the engine management system and so the car knows when it is towing and must thus disable the parking sensors. Removable towbars are great - just had a Westphalia one fitted on my Vectra - and they allow the bumpers to do their job without any impact being transferred to the chassis.
The extra £30 or so for the twin socket electrics for caravans is also worthwhile as it will add to the resale versatility of your car.
I used Britannia in Bristol - with electrics to be wired in I wanted it done in a garage rather than mobile so it could be properly tested.


Posted: 01/04/2008 18:38:39
By: PatJ
I have a removable tow ball on my Rover 75 estate and it needed some fancy bleeping relay which apparently is law now for indicators.  I managed to tuck them into the light cluster compartment where you can just hear it otherwise it would drive you bats.  I fitted the whole thing myself and it wasn't too difficult as so much now is predrilled.  I'm no mechanic so not impossible.


Posted: 01/04/2008 20:59:48
By: Garry R
Wrap the relay in thin foam for that faint beep beep experience


Posted: 01/04/2008 21:20:45
By: Calum B
I find driving an MGB renders the bleep (or anything else) pretty inaudible once you are over 45mph


Posted: 01/04/2008 23:32:37
By: Andrew M
Fitting a twin electric towbar to your car will not help its re-sale!! People steer clear of cars with twin electrics as public perception is that twin elec means caravan towing which means Knackered shocks, clutch and gearbox! Trust me 8 years in the motortrade!!


Posted: 02/04/2008 08:52:05
By: Russ
I find that beeping quite useful, as my lighting board has a fault somewhere and occasionally loses the connection.


Posted: 02/04/2008 09:40:55
By: Mags

REPLY

To Reply, please join/renew membership.

Owners Association


Developed & Supported by YorkSoft Ltd

Contact

Merlin Rocket Owners Association
Secretary