Octavia Tow Bar

tcbandituk · 16-12-2004, 13:53

Hi, been lurking here for a while.
I've just swapped my Fabia 1.9TDi for an Octavia 1.9 TDI and need to get a towbar fitted.
I had the Skoda removeable one fitted on the Fabia (didn't notice the cost too much in the price of a new car !)
This time I'm getting a Witter bar fitted by a local fitter. It's only £180 rather than the £340 the dealer wanted !)
I'm not too worried about it not being removeable but would rather have the auxiliary indicator light working on the dash than the annoying buzzer thing which I had on a previous car.
Having talked to the fitter, the Witter uses the buzzer normally, is there any way round this to enable it to use the auxiliary indicator light instead ?

el richy · 16-12-2004, 13:58

i expect there is but tbh mate it sounds like it would cost a few quid and if he doesnt know what hes doing, u have got some clueless bloke playing around behind your dash!! anybody can fit a tow bar but auto electronics is a whole new game. do u do that much towing to make it worth it?

tcbandituk · 16-12-2004, 14:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by el richy

i expect there is but tbh mate it sounds like it would cost a few quid and if he doesnt know what hes doing, u have got some clueless bloke playing around behind your dash!! anybody can fit a tow bar but auto electronics is a whole new game. do u do that much towing to make it worth it?

I just thought there may be a plug in point at the rear that could be utilised fairly easily, the fitter thought there may be a Skoda plug in adapter of some sort.

el richy · 16-12-2004, 14:37

ask the skoda dealer i recon cus it sound like it could be possible, but tbh they are still mucking around inside your dash! though it does depend on the reputation of the fitter? but wouldnt they want a fortune to run a cable through the car? did you want a double electric?

tcbandituk · 16-12-2004, 14:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by el richy

ask the skoda dealer i recon cus it sound like it could be possible, but tbh they are still mucking around inside your dash! though it does depend on the reputation of the fitter? but wouldnt they want a fortune to run a cable through the car? did you want a double electric?

I'm not too worried just wondering. I've just asked a Skoda dealers and they said they would splice into the wiring loom as well.
The Fabia towbar was factory fitted so maybe they use a different loom.
So it looks like it will be the buzzer !

It's a single electric - I need it to tow the trailer for getting my bike to trackdays.

el richy · 16-12-2004, 15:04

god then if i was u i would just get him to leave out the buzzer! cutting into the lume in ur dash..bad idea!! plus would cost a packet!

tcbandituk · 16-12-2004, 17:42

I'll probably leave the buzzer in for now, I don't use the trailer that much.

However if it's too annoying, I'll introduce it to Mr. Lumphammer :o)

Kentish · 16-12-2004, 22:21

Cobblers!!

The wiring loom for the Octy is a plug in affair, that plugs into both rear light units and has a tail thats then comes round through a grommeted hole in the rear panel ready for wiring up to the 7 oin socket...note no splicing or cutting needed. You also need an uprated flasher relay, which is a replacement complete assembly hazard flasher switch unit..again just plugs in after removal of the original one.

Early Octy,s did have a trailer indicator in the dash binnacle when a trailer was connected (mine did and it was a 98 S plate), however newer ones dont now and just flash rapid when the trailer is connected but a bulb failure occurs (my Superb is that way and is perfectly legal).

Because the flasher indicator in the dash flashes rapid if a bulb failure occurs, when a trailer isnt connected, it would appear that a sounder is not required by law.

Lummox · 16-12-2004, 22:40

The latter wiring kits for the A4 Octavia dont even need a different hazzard switch now, theres a plug in module in the kit iirc.

But as this guy mentioned earlier he's going for a cheaper Witter kit rather than the more costly Skoda dealer fit kit. So the Witter wiring probably wont have that and uses a buzzer.

iirc the trailer light is still there in the dash, just needs a bulb in it and pick up the wiring on the connector on the dash insert.

Kentish · 16-12-2004, 22:51

Not according to Skoda HQ. Dash trailer light is now not an option, and believe me when I say I have rattled plenty of trees to get it in my Superb

Are you saying then that you could "activate" this then??

Lummox · 17-12-2004, 00:00

Well put it this way, I stripped down a Octavia dash insert the other day for another reason, there is a hole behind the symbol for the trailer light for a bulb.

To be honest Skoda arent very likely to produce two dash inserts one with tow bar one without. But this may well change if the dash cluster is LED operated.

Superb yeah, would you like me to have a look to see if there is something to be tapped into?

Mavrik · 17-12-2004, 15:23

Jeeze....must have a fault on my 2002 Octy, I got a Witter towbar fitted, I got no buzzer, but I HAVE got the repeater light in the instument cluster

should I take it back

Mavrik · 17-12-2004, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kentish

Cobblers!!

The wiring loom for the Octy is a plug in affair, that plugs into both rear light units and has a tail thats then comes round through a grommeted hole in the rear panel ready for wiring up to the 7 oin socket...note no splicing or cutting needed. You also need an uprated flasher relay, which is a replacement complete assembly hazard flasher switch unit..again just plugs in after removal of the original one.

Early Octy,s did have a trailer indicator in the dash binnacle when a trailer was connected (mine did and it was a 98 S plate), however newer ones dont now and just flash rapid when the trailer is connected but a bulb failure occurs (my Superb is that way and is perfectly legal).

Because the flasher indicator in the dash flashes rapid if a bulb failure occurs, when a trailer isnt connected, it would appear that a sounder is not required by law.

Are you sure about the legality of the rapid flash

as far as I can recall, the only legal method is either a buzzer or secondary warning lamp, but I am happy to stand corrected

tcbandituk · 17-12-2004, 15:56

Well it's being fitted tomorrow.
According to Skoda, thay have no idea and said to contact the dealers.
Both the dealer's contacted said there's no light, it's a buzzer.
I tried Witter, they said they only do the actual towbar, the wiring is down to the individual fitter so they can't help.

Somehow i get the feeling it'll be a buzzer

Mavrik · 17-12-2004, 16:00

Have a look in your handbook, in mine in the picture of whats in the dials it shows the trailer repeter lamp

Kentish · 17-12-2004, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

Are you sure about the legality of the rapid flash

as far as I can recall, the only legal method is either a buzzer or secondary warning lamp, but I am happy to stand corrected

According to 2 specialist towing companies, Skoda HQ and 2 dealers yes its legal...but not very satisfactory if you ask me.

Kentish · 17-12-2004, 19:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ross Clarke

Well put it this way, I stripped down a Octavia dash insert the other day for another reason, there is a hole behind the symbol for the trailer light for a bulb.

To be honest Skoda arent very likely to produce two dash inserts one with tow bar one without. But this may well change if the dash cluster is LED operated.

Superb yeah, would you like me to have a look to see if there is something to be tapped into?

Could you...in passing like

Mavrik · 17-12-2004, 20:00

Sorry Andy, im still not convinced, as far as I remember, any trailer must have either an audible or visible indicator warning in the tow vehicle, not sure iof the exact regs, also what happens if you have a bulb failure while towing ??

Kentish · 17-12-2004, 22:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

Sorry Andy, im still not convinced, as far as I remember, any trailer must have either an audible or visible indicator warning in the tow vehicle, not sure iof the exact regs, also what happens if you have a bulb failure while towing ??

If you have a bulb failure when you indicate you get a double rate flashing in the dash. I wasnt convinced either, however I must make clear my towbar was fitted pre-delivery by my dealer prior to me taking hold of the Superb, so it has all Skoda bits n pieces (ok so the tow bar is a Brink), so I think it must be legal.

Mavrik · 18-12-2004, 01:22

So what happens if you get a bulb failure while you got trailer on back

Kentish · 18-12-2004, 10:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

So what happens if you get a bulb failure while you got trailer on back

Exactly as I said, the dash flasher indicator flashes at a double rate.

You have to view it as an indicator of bulb failure set-up, and not as an indicator of trailer connected set-up.

Mavrik · 18-12-2004, 10:20

Im getting a bit confused here I think

when you plug trailer in, you get a duble speed flash when using indicators, or have I got that bit wrong

assuming Im right, what happens if you get a bulb failure when towing a trailer does it saty the same or increase the flash rate

or am I barking up the wrong tree (not unknown for me)

Kentish · 18-12-2004, 12:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mavrik

Im getting a bit confused here I think

when you plug trailer in, you get a duble speed flash when using indicators, or have I got that bit wrong

assuming Im right, what happens if you get a bulb failure when towing a trailer does it saty the same or increase the flash rate

or am I barking up the wrong tree (not unknown for me)

Wrong tree..

With a trailer connected, everything is normal with no extra lights or clicking other than the normal rate indicator. However, if a trailer light fails then the indicator in the dash flashes at double rate.

Is that clearer?

Mavrik · 18-12-2004, 13:15

Yeh MUCH clearer thanks

thing is though, as far as im aware, you HAVE to have some sort of warning repeater system (audio or visual) for trailer indicators

Im 99.9% certain this is the case

I have been looking for the relevent C&U regulations, but cant find the bu**ers

Mavrik · 18-12-2004, 13:20

I just found this

Quote:

Direction indicators. Required for trailers manufactured
after 1/9/65. Fitted at rear. Maximum distance from
outer edge – 400 mm. Minimum height – 350 mm.
Maximum height – 1500 mm; or, if not possible,
2300 mm. A telltale is required to indicate failure of
an indicator bulb, including trailer. Flash rate will be
60–120 per minute.

So you could possibly be right

16-12-2004, 13:53	#1
tcbandituk Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Octavia Tow Bar Hi, been lurking here for a while. I've just swapped my Fabia 1.9TDi for an Octavia 1.9 TDI and need to get a towbar fitted. I had the Skoda removeable one fitted on the Fabia (didn't notice the cost too much in the price of a new car !) This time I'm getting a Witter bar fitted by a local fitter. It's only £180 rather than the £340 the dealer wanted !) I'm not too worried about it not being removeable but would rather have the auxiliary indicator light working on the dash than the annoying buzzer thing which I had on a previous car. Having talked to the fitter, the Witter uses the buzzer normally, is there any way round this to enable it to use the auxiliary indicator light instead ?

16-12-2004, 22:21	#8
Kentish Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 5,238 Thanks: 0 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Cobblers!! The wiring loom for the Octy is a plug in affair, that plugs into both rear light units and has a tail thats then comes round through a grommeted hole in the rear panel ready for wiring up to the 7 oin socket...note no splicing or cutting needed. You also need an uprated flasher relay, which is a replacement complete assembly hazard flasher switch unit..again just plugs in after removal of the original one. Early Octy,s did have a trailer indicator in the dash binnacle when a trailer was connected (mine did and it was a 98 S plate), however newer ones dont now and just flash rapid when the trailer is connected but a bulb failure occurs (my Superb is that way and is perfectly legal). Because the flasher indicator in the dash flashes rapid if a bulb failure occurs, when a trailer isnt connected, it would appear that a sounder is not required by law. __________________ Andy Owner of a sense of humour.

16-12-2004, 22:40	#9
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,304 Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 735 Times in 617 Posts	The latter wiring kits for the A4 Octavia dont even need a different hazzard switch now, theres a plug in module in the kit iirc. But as this guy mentioned earlier he's going for a cheaper Witter kit rather than the more costly Skoda dealer fit kit. So the Witter wiring probably wont have that and uses a buzzer. iirc the trailer light is still there in the dash, just needs a bulb in it and pick up the wiring on the connector on the dash insert. __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

16-12-2004, 22:51	#10
Kentish Briskodian Join Date: Feb 2003 Posts: 5,238 Thanks: 0 Thanked 11 Times in 7 Posts	Not according to Skoda HQ. Dash trailer light is now not an option, and believe me when I say I have rattled plenty of trees to get it in my Superb Are you saying then that you could "activate" this then?? __________________ Andy Owner of a sense of humour.

17-12-2004, 00:00	#11
Lummox Cupra Bush King Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Newport Pagnell Posts: 22,304 Images: 2 Thanks: 22 Thanked 735 Times in 617 Posts	Well put it this way, I stripped down a Octavia dash insert the other day for another reason, there is a hole behind the symbol for the trailer light for a bulb. To be honest Skoda arent very likely to produce two dash inserts one with tow bar one without. But this may well change if the dash cluster is LED operated. Superb yeah, would you like me to have a look to see if there is something to be tapped into? __________________ Unit 18 Automotive Services www.unit18.co.uk Remapping Service now available, PM for details.

16-12-2004, 13:58	#2
el richy Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: by bristol Posts: 553 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	i expect there is but tbh mate it sounds like it would cost a few quid and if he doesnt know what hes doing, u have got some clueless bloke playing around behind your dash!! anybody can fit a tow bar but auto electronics is a whole new game. do u do that much towing to make it worth it?

16-12-2004, 14:37	#4
el richy Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: by bristol Posts: 553 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	ask the skoda dealer i recon cus it sound like it could be possible, but tbh they are still mucking around inside your dash! though it does depend on the reputation of the fitter? but wouldnt they want a fortune to run a cable through the car? did you want a double electric?

16-12-2004, 15:04	#6
el richy Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: by bristol Posts: 553 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	god then if i was u i would just get him to leave out the buzzer! cutting into the lume in ur dash..bad idea!! plus would cost a packet!

16-12-2004, 17:42	#7
tcbandituk Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'll probably leave the buzzer in for now, I don't use the trailer that much. However if it's too annoying, I'll introduce it to Mr. Lumphammer :o)

17-12-2004, 15:23	#12
Mavrik Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 531 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Jeeze....must have a fault on my 2002 Octy, I got a Witter towbar fitted, I got no buzzer, but I HAVE got the repeater light in the instument cluster should I take it back __________________ Silver Octavia Estate Elegance TDi owner ---------------------------- http://www.forl.co.uk/003/index.html

17-12-2004, 15:56	#14
tcbandituk Briskodian Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 15 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Well it's being fitted tomorrow. According to Skoda, thay have no idea and said to contact the dealers. Both the dealer's contacted said there's no light, it's a buzzer. I tried Witter, they said they only do the actual towbar, the wiring is down to the individual fitter so they can't help. Somehow i get the feeling it'll be a buzzer

17-12-2004, 16:00	#15
Mavrik Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 531 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Have a look in your handbook, in mine in the picture of whats in the dials it shows the trailer repeter lamp __________________ Silver Octavia Estate Elegance TDi owner ---------------------------- http://www.forl.co.uk/003/index.html

17-12-2004, 20:00	#18
Mavrik Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 531 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Sorry Andy, im still not convinced, as far as I remember, any trailer must have either an audible or visible indicator warning in the tow vehicle, not sure iof the exact regs, also what happens if you have a bulb failure while towing ?? __________________ Silver Octavia Estate Elegance TDi owner ---------------------------- http://www.forl.co.uk/003/index.html

18-12-2004, 01:22	#20
Mavrik Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 531 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	So what happens if you get a bulb failure while you got trailer on back __________________ Silver Octavia Estate Elegance TDi owner ---------------------------- http://www.forl.co.uk/003/index.html

18-12-2004, 10:20	#22
Mavrik Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 531 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Im getting a bit confused here I think when you plug trailer in, you get a duble speed flash when using indicators, or have I got that bit wrong assuming Im right, what happens if you get a bulb failure when towing a trailer does it saty the same or increase the flash rate or am I barking up the wrong tree (not unknown for me) __________________ Silver Octavia Estate Elegance TDi owner ---------------------------- http://www.forl.co.uk/003/index.html

18-12-2004, 13:15	#24
Mavrik Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Rochdale Posts: 531 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Yeh MUCH clearer thanks thing is though, as far as im aware, you HAVE to have some sort of warning repeater system (audio or visual) for trailer indicators Im 99.9% certain this is the case I have been looking for the relevent C&U regulations, but cant find the bu**ers __________________ Silver Octavia Estate Elegance TDi owner ---------------------------- http://www.forl.co.uk/003/index.html

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