Detachable Towbar - Confusion

[Chris_374550766]

Hi all. I am looking to fit a detachable towbar to my A6 which has parking sensors. Now I have been given a range of information and prices and i'm getting confused!

One installer has told me that I need to fit an Audi system as the car needs to be reprogrammed, not only to override the sensors but also to alter the traction control settings. I've been quoted £675.00 for this!! Another installer has told me that a bypass system is fine, this will not involve reprogramming the car, meaning that when reversing a continual beep will sound. This system will cost £487.00!!

Does anyone out there know if there is any truth in the claim that the traction control needs to be reprogrammed as I'm nervous that this will not work correctly when towing.

Many thanks.

Chris

 

[JTQ]

To add to your confusion I cant see the Traction Control comes into it, yes, the Dynamic Stability Control, but not the Traction.

So It looks as if both have not a clue what's involved and thus are best avoided?

The DSC algorithms will be different with the van it tow so isolating that, just while coupled should not be too detrimental.

So vehicles do indeed adopt a different set of algorithms when towing but not many to my understanding; the new X5 and D4 being some that do.

Most vehicles use the electrical coupling to mute the rear parking sensors.

I would in your position talk to a knowledgeable chap in your Audi workshop; most have an electronic "guru", that way you will know the "full" implications.

 

[Chris_374550766]

To add to your confusion I cant see the Traction Control comes into it, yes, the Dynamic Stability Control, but not the Traction.

So It looks as if both have not a clue what's involved and thus are best avoided?

The DSC algorithms will be different with the van it tow so isolating that, just while coupled should not be too detrimental.

So vehicles do indeed adopt a different set of algorithms when towing but not many to my understanding; the new X5 and D4 being some that do.

Most vehicles use the electrical coupling to mute the rear parking sensors.

I would in your position talk to a knowledgeable chap in your Audi workshop; most have an electronic "guru", that way you will know the "full" implications.

Thanks JTQ.

I've looked into things a bit further and it appears that the car also has a trailer stability programme which needs to be enabled and as you mentioned the DSC comes into play. I have also found out that the trailer indicator light on the dash will not work and there is the possibility that the audible indictaor warning will not function either when indicating. It looks like I need to pay the extra to have the correct Audi wiring system rather than a cheaper universal manufacturer.

It is all getting very confusing so I am now waiting for the Audi dealer to ring me back!!

 

[Mikey1]

Complex thing traction control as its an equation of grip,load and speed as it is not preset.

Personally i would go with the manufacture fit electrics and have it reprogrammed,nothing stopping you having the towbar and geniune electrics fitted elsewhere then going to the dealer to programm it save on rates etc.

 

[Mikey1]

Thanks JTQ.

I've looked into things a bit further and it appears that the car also has a trailer stability programme which needs to be enabled and as you mentioned the DSC comes into play. I have also found out that the trailer indicator light on the dash will not work and there is the possibility that the audible indictaor warning will not function either when indicating. It looks like I need to pay the extra to have the correct Audi wiring system rather than a cheaper universal manufacturer.

It is all getting very confusing so I am now waiting for the Audi dealer to ring me back!!

Geniune Audi towbar electrics dont have an audible warning for the indicators

 

[Chris_374550766]

I bit the bullet and ended up having a Witter towbar and Audi electrics/programming carried out. Very neat and tidy job with the bumper cut completely invisible. Only downside is that it all ended up costing