Anyone here know whether it is absolutelly necessary to get ECU reprogrammed for a VW Touran (2010), when fitted with a towbar?
Been quoted £450 for the towbar and fitting, including single electrics (we don't use twin electrics), and the chap mentioned they could 'if it was necessary', 'download' something...
I have also been told that the ECU thing is a myth and that it isn't needed when a 'vehicle specific kit' is used...
Cars with stability control, Reverse sensors, Bulb failure systems and Fog lights can all be set to towing mode just by plugging the trailer in after programming.
If you have none of the above features then tapping into the loom shouldnt be a problem. A bypass relay maybe required though.
Its more likely to be required with the specific kit. Because some vehicles wont power the trailer socket until its programmed.
I had my trailer wiring done the old fashioned way by tapping into the existing wiring on my car on an 08 plate but vehicles now have a can/bus system which is related to the ECU computer electronics so it's not a myth by any means. My towbar was cheaper having it fitted this way but was advised not to because of the can/bus system because when you connect the trailer plug you are communicating with the vehicle electronics. That's fine till you come to unplug it and the electronic system detects that something is missing causing all sorts of problems not to mention the loss of a holiday and calling out the RAC on two occassions. So by means do it the cheap way but be prepared for problems later on that has to be dealt with by the corresponding manufacturing dealer which is expensive. I originally paid £295 for a non dealer towbar to be fitted which in the long term have had to exchange the wiring harness for a dedicated one plus have had to have the vehicle codes re-set afterwards which cost me a further £850. So take my advice, anyone stating that the ECU technology is just a myth will not eventually hit their pocket but YOURS! The link below explains more in detail about dedicated towing wiring.
Quote: Originally posted by impster on 12/9/2013
Hi folks.
Anyone here know whether it is absolutelly necessary to get ECU reprogrammed for a VW Touran (2010), when fitted with a towbar?
Been quoted £450 for the towbar and fitting, including single electrics (we don't use twin electrics), and the chap mentioned they could 'if it was necessary', 'download' something...
I have also been told that the ECU thing is a myth and that it isn't needed when a 'vehicle specific kit' is used...
Anyone with a definitive answer please tell me!
Ta
I have a VAG product of the same age and YES you will need to get it reprogrammed, what ever towing kit is fitted.
As you will have no reminder that your trailer indicators aren't working without the recoding you will also be illegal. that is just one of several areas the recoding covers.
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Topic: Fitting towbar to a VW TOURAN
