[Bettsy]

Hi all
I have a 2015 180 TDI fitted with a Redarc Tow Pro brake controller. The controller is only operating the caravan brakes intermittently, say 1 out of 5 brake applications. This is in both auto and user modes. When car braking and towpro not operating van brakes, the LED flashes very quickly. I can still operate the unit manually in both modes by pressing the knob, which works fine.
I have had the car and van at an auto electrician who have tested everything, including the magnets, wiring etc on the van brakes. That have also replaced the unit with the newer elite model, and same issue occurs.
The issue that has been identified is the power source from the brakes, which is currently at the car trailer socket. For some reason the signal from there back to the tow pro is not doing the right thing.
The auto electrician tried to find another power source from the car brakes, but the vehicle brake lights do not allow the controller to work (actually stays on) once the headlights come on - same globe is used for brake and tail lights. He also looked for a switch on the brake pedal but couldn't locate one.
We are therefore trying to find another power source from the car brakes for the controller. Any ideas ?
Thanks

Bettsy

 

[166033]

The guys at Euro Car Upgrades at Maroochydore fitted the TowPro Elite for me in my MY16 V8.

It works fine. Took a while to calibrate when I hooked up the trailer the first time, but all good - both in auto and manual modes. If I manually brake it lights all the brakes lights (trailer and car), so they've done it properly.

 

[Bettsy]

Thanks Swallowtail
I will be there next week ( at Cotton Tree), so will follow up with them.
Thanks
Bettsy

 

[schootsie]

Hi Bettsy, when you come up to Cotton Tree (caravan park?) drop in to us and say G'day and have a coffee.
Cheers, John

 

[Bettsy]

Hi John
That will be good, we are there from this Sunday for a week. Are you in the park?
Cheers
Craig

 

[schootsie]

Hi Bettsy, PM sent. John

 

[Colin G]

Hi Bettsy
I picked up signal power from the brake wire at the globe there is no brake light switch in the car, because of ABS you need to go to the globe for signal power, A mate just installed a tow pro in his colorado which promptly burnt it self out and filled the car with smoke and was then told there was an issue with tow pro but as you have replaced the unit I doubt you have the same issue. About all you can do is to trace the wiring and make sure you have the brake wire connected all the way through it almost sounds like they have picked up the park light circuit
Colin

 

[Bettsy]

Thanks for the advice guys. Now sorted.
Apparently VW have done a software update at last service just before we left. This has affected the cars trailer module, which means the brake controller can no longer use the trailer socket for the brake wire pick up. The 2 rear brake lights on the car are also not suitable, as the variable voltage from tail light to brake light also affects the controller. Solution was to use the high brake light in the tailgate for the pick up. My advice from an auto elec is that this will effect a lot of vehicles that are wired to the trailer socket which is the normal way.
Cheers
Bettsy

 

[Ewie]

Bettsy

Is your tow module fitted by VW. If it is, then surely VW are responsible for maintaining connectivity if they change the software.

 

[Bettsy]

Hi Ewie
Yes, all VW fitted. Problem is the supply was intermittent, and I doubt VW would be concerned about an aftermarket brake controller even though it was all supplied via the dealer. AS you probably know, the dealers use another supplier to fit these prior to delivery to customer, and it was that after installer that advised me how to fix the issue - the dealer had no idea.
Cheers
Bettsy

 

[Wizz954]

Hi Ewie
Yes, all VW fitted. Problem is the supply was intermittent, and I doubt VW would be concerned about an aftermarket brake controller even though it was all supplied via the dealer. AS you probably know, the dealers use another supplier to fit these prior to delivery to customer, and it was that after installer that advised me how to fix the issue - the dealer had no idea.
Cheers
Bettsy

I know this is a very old thread but hope someone can help. My problem is similar.

Euro Cars Maroochydore fitted my towbar with the Westfalia tow harness which is supposed to be the genuine VW harness. They also fitted the Towpro Elite EBRH-ACCV3.

The Towpro doesn’t recognise my caravan when plugged in. The led on the controller is flashing blue (breathing) when I press the knob. Trying to change mode by double clicking or hold the knob in for 10 seconds doesn’t do anything.

I contacted Redarc support and they asked me to connect an incandescent globe to the blue and white wires. The led light changed to green and if I push the button in, the light changes colour from green to red as I rotate the dial from 0 to 10.
This proves that there is connectivity, however, when I plugged the caravan back in, all I get is the blue breathing light.

I then removed all the wires from the caravan plug and refitted them to ensure a good connection. For the first time the led light changed to green but only temporarily. While it was green I tried to change mode by double clicking but nothing happened. Then when I unplugged the caravan and plugged it back in, it was back to not recognising the caravan.

This sounds very much like an inconsistent supply issue like many others have reported here.

With the many threads there seems to be issues with the VW electrics. What is the solution?

Literally everything else works except the brake controller. When plugged in, the caravan lights all work, reversing sensors are disabled and gear shift patterns changed.

Any ideas?

 

[smclaren]

Ugggh ... intermittent electrical issues ... the worst !

If it was me, I'd definitely hook up and test an alternative caravan/trailer just to be absolutely sure the issue is on the Touareg end ... before pulling stuff apart.

I'm not much help beyond that, Im afraid.

 

[Wizz954]

Ugggh ... intermittent electrical issues ... the worst !

If it was me, I'd definitely hook up and test an alternative caravan/trailer just to be absolutely ensure the issue is on the Touareg end ... before pulling stuff apart.

I'm not much help beyond that, Im afraid.

Good suggestion. I’ll have to find another trailer with electric brakes. I’ll also see if someone else can hook up to my caravan and confirm the brakes are working.

 

[meggsy]

Good suggestion. I’ll have to find another trailer with electric brakes. I’ll also see if someone else can hook up to my caravan and confirm the brakes are working.

Wizzy954 where are you in Brisbane I an Brisbane North and may be able to help not sure how to send a message to you

 

[Wizz954]

Wizzy954 where are you in Brisbane I an Brisbane North and may be able to help not sure how to send a message to you

Meggsy I’m in Cleveland down South. 0414 570776

 

[meggsy]

Meggsy I’m in Cleveland down South. 0414 570776

I'll call you during the week if you like I am in Eatons Hill but my van is out at Dakabin
cheers

 

[Wizz954]

I'll call you during the week if you like I am in Eatons Hill but my van is out at Dakabin
cheers

Sounds good. What type of socket do you have on car and plug on the van?

 

[meggsy]

Sounds good. What type of socket do you have on car and plug on the van?

Flat 12 pin

 

[Wizz954]

Flat 12 pin

That might be an issue. I’ve got 13 pin euro to 7 pin flat. Do you have a 12 pin flat to 7 pin flat adapter per chance?

 

[meggsy]

That might be an issue. I’ve got 13 pin euro to 7 pin flat. Do you have a 12 pin flat to 7 pin flat adapter per chance?

The Euro to 7 pin will do the lights and brakes OK. it will fit.