Towbar Electrics

[patspiercing]

Hi,
I am about to fit a towbar to my 2012 DS3 HDi 110. The car is fitted with parking sensors, however these should not cause a problem as I can switch them off whilst towing.

Has anybody got a guide for fitting the 7 pin electrics to the car please?

Thanks
Mick

[GiveMeABreak]

I'm assuming in this case you're not fitting an OEM one with trailer fuse box which would handle the parking sensors and effect a special ESP programme for towing...

I'll need a VIN if you want the lighting pins - but your kit should have its own wiring instructions.

[patspiercing]

Hi,

Thanks for your help.

I am not fitting an OEM one unless I really have to for cost reasons.

My VIN number is VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks Mick

[GiveMeABreak]

Brake Left: Pin 5 Live, Pin 3 Earth
Brake Right: Pin 3 Live, Pin 4 Earth

You'll need to visually check the following Reversing and Fog lamp pins as the manual says the fog is on the rear right and the reversing lamp is on the rear left cluster, but the wiring diagram has an error. I think as there is only one of each lamp, they are both Pin 2 on each cluster.

Reverse right hand cluster: Pin 2
Fog Left Hand Cluster: Pin 2

Indicator Left: Pin 6
Indicator Right: Pin 1

Tail Lights Left: Pin 4
Tail Lights Right: Pin 2

[Paul-R]

If the vehicle is LHD (Location: Cap D'Agde, France) then won't the foglamp be on the left and the reverse lamp on the right?

[Hell Razor5543]

If you can, go for OEM equipment. This will (as Marc said) allow the vehicle to be 'aware' of a trailer when it is towing one, which will, to a degree, change how the car brakes and handles (as well as disabling the reversing sensors).

A word of warning; if you are towing a braked trailer try to avoid reversing with the trailer hooked up, as this can cause the Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) to fail well before it normally would.

[GiveMeABreak]

If the vehicle is LHD (Location: Cap D'Agde, France) then won't the foglamp be on the left and the reverse lamp on the right?

The same pins are used (pin 2) on each cluster (whether reverse or fog) Paul, but as per my post, an actual check needs to be done as the wiring diagram is wrong somewhere - so he needs to make sure he is connecting the right wire to the intended lamp.

Basically, I suggest he check the whole lot as typically the diagram is not 100% - the brake / tail light is another issue that I can't determine.

[Sloppysod]

If you can, go for OEM equipment. This will (as Marc said) allow the vehicle to be 'aware' of a trailer when it is towing one, which will, to a degree, change how the car brakes and handles (as well as disabling the reversing sensors).

Thouroghly agree, if you can afford it go for the OEM wiring, especailly if you are towing anything of value.
However, the rear suspension does feel firmer when an empty trailer is attached, you feel the back end bouncing.
I carry two bikes on the back and the car feels great at motorway speeds, no sway or yaw.
Note, you will need access to diagbox as the car needs to me 'told' you have fitted the new ECU.

[patspiercing]

Hi,
Thanks for the information.
Can I just splice into the existing wires to the rear light clusters?
I only intend to be towing a small motorcycle trailer unbraked.
I have got a Lexia/ Peugeot Planet clone and so should be able to make the changes if required.
I have not fitted a towbar since I fitted one on a Citroen AX. Life was a lot easier then LOL.

[Paul-R]

If you're going to go down the splicing route then you'll need a smart relay which takes a minute current so as not to upset the canbus.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from ... -charge%22

[patspiercing]

I think I will play it safe and buy a dedicated kit. At least then everything should work and it should be fairly easy to fit.

[Paul-R]

A wise, if expensive, choice.