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2013 Touareg - No Brake Lights (LED Trailer Lights)

12K views 20 replies 11 participants last post by  Gman69  
#1 ·
Guys, please help.

I just had my dealer install a VW factory 7,700lb trailer hitch on my 2013 Touareg VR6 Exec model. He told me to take the car home and test with my trailer. I have a small LoadRite trailer to pull my Waverunner, which has LED tail lights. When I use my 7-round to 4-flat converter, I get running lights and turn signals but the brake lights will not work. I also get the yellow service lamp light on the dash. I do not get flashing on the trailer lights.

1. Do I need to take the Touareg back to the dealer for a re-program?
2. Do I simply need one of these $29.00 U-Haul or E-Trailer VW LED adapters to make the lights work properly?

I read a lot of posts and it seems on older Tregs you buy the adapter but it sounds like that on 2011 Touaregs and newer, VW allows for VAG COM reprograming to detect LED trailer lights.

What's the best thing to do?

Thanks.
 
#3 ·
Fixed by dealer. As noted a reprogram corrected the issue on my 2013 without the need for the special LED adapter.
 
#4 ·
Add me to another person with trailer light issues. Just had the OEM package installed and all lights work except brakes. I have a 2008 V6 and the trailer is new with LED lights. I have not been able to test on a different vehicle but based on all of the posts on this site with the same issue, I am assuming it needs to go back to the dealer for programming. Thanks in advance for any assistance.
 
#5 ·
I think you will probably need to get a load box to get all the LED's to work correctly.
I also have an '08 with OEM bar & trailer module and fitting a load box solved my issues.

TonyB
 
#6 ·
All of my LED lights are working now after the dealer did the re-program.
 
#7 ·
I believe the '13model (also '12?) don't need the load box as VW has made appropriate changes to be compatible with LED lights which are being used widely these days.

TonyB
 
#8 ·
All of the LED's on the trailer work. Blinkers, running lights, hazard lights, but nothing for brakes. The service tech gave me the instructions and I read that the final instruction is to program for brakes. Given that all of the LED's actually work, it sounds like a programming issue, correct? Or is a "load box" to solely take care of the brake issue? Is a load box a VW part?
 
#9 ·
Do you have any errors on the MFD? With mine it would make a "ding" and a light symbol would light on the display, blinker or clearance or some other light not functioning.
Fitting the load box fixed the problem. The "load box" does not specifically solve "brake issues", as I understand it, LED lights do not have enough resistance thus when a trailer is connected, the in-vehicle towing module thinks it has a light "out" because it does not have feed back from a particulat light/s.
I also understand that VW in the 2012/13 models have recognised this problem and rectified the issue so the load box is no longer needed, obviously older vehicles still have his problem.
The load box does have a VW part number, I don't have it to hand but you should be able to find it through the search facility.

TonyB
 
#10 ·
The MFD will read "check right brake light" and "check left brake light" and a symbol displays on the speedo, which I was not sure what it was but probably is the light out symbol. The symbol is in the lower left kind of obscured by the speedo needle. Why would it not sense brake lights while all others are fine? Could it still be a programming issue with the brakes?
 
#12 ·
So I went to walmart and purchased a 4-flat circuit tester. I have a 7 round to a combination 4-flat or 5-flat adapter. The trailer is a 5-flat. I plugged in the 4-flat tester and the MFD read check right and left brake lights. The tester lit up for all light functions except brakes. Does that confirm it is a programming issue?
 
#15 ·
After another trip to dealer for programming the issue may be resolved. While my Touareg is a 2008, the tech used a code associated with 2004-2007 and it worked with a 4-flat circuit tester. I'll test with trailer tomorrow.
 
#16 ·
the issue with no brakes is because the J345 module is configured to European and needs to be set to North American - display should read Check Brake Lights and Check Left Tail Light I believe - that's the give away of the wrong programming, I see it all the time
 
#20 ·
I have a 2012 VR6, 7P chassis. OEM wiring package and 7-pin RV connector. R & L turns work, 4-way flashers work, brakes work, running lights work, but brake lights do not.

Local shop checked "trailer towing" in the gateway. Block 69 held 010000..0, not the expected 16385. The local shop is as confused as am I; do I need to visit a dealer?
 
#21 ·
Please
re-post exactly what info fixed it. How did they select/fix the settings to
make it work properly? Did it work with your aftermarket brake controller and
LED lights too? Is the lighting selectable?


I asked them to check the
factory setting. They told me it was 0100000 which showed a brake light error.
This is the same number referenced in the other thread on this site. I asked
them to change it to 020D0000, also from the other thread. I'm assuming this is
the ROW vs. NA setting. From there i went to my trailer dealer since my trailer
was at the track. We plugged it in and checked both turn signals and brake
lights and all worked.