Tow Bar Wiring

[TopCat1]

I guess you have been asked this many times but here we go again.
I have just bought a used (56 plate) Kia Sportage and had a tow bar fitted by the Kia dealer. I asked for 13 pin socket but on collection found 2 x 7 pins and a converter lead. On challengeing the dealer I was told that Kia do not make a 13 pin connection for my model year. (seems strange as they gave me a converter lead). I must now consider changing the plug myself.
I have wiring diagrams for both plugs and it does not seem too difficult. I know that I must make the hole in the bracket for the entry wire larger. However, are there any hidden pitfalls such as wire thickness differences or fuse ratings ect. that I have to worry about?

Many thanks for any advice.

 

[Sedo]

Dave
We're just thinking of changing to 13pin on our 56 plate Sedona TS.
Dealer has said they'll change it but it's £200 never mentioned anything about a 13 pin connection.
A local Atlas outlet, who're owned by auto-electrical company can do it for £120.
My dealings with our Kia dealer have been excellent and as far as I can understand fittings would be bought in anyway, sounds a bit as if they're making excuses to me.
As I understand it you're just using the same supplies but using a single cable and a different socket. Our dealers use Witter towbars anyway.

 

[Philspadders]

the plug in wiring kit for the 56 sportage is based ona 12n /12s . Why not just stick wth the converter cable. I fitted my own 12n/12s electrics to my 07 sportage when i bought the car in ... 07 and use a converter cable as my new van is a 13pin . It works fine without any problems.

 

[earlyriser]

hi
on my 04 sedona i j ust removed 12n&12s sockets&replaced them with 13 pin socket
may need to get another plate or make hole larger
after fitting i taped grey & black cables together.

 

[xtrailman]

I had mine done professionally. It was originally 12s and 12n
Just fit both cables into the 13pin socket, its a straight forward job.
You need to either buy a back plate with the larger hole, or as you say open up the old one.
What you should also use to keep water out is a rubber boot.

 

[anotherDavid]

I did mine with a cable conecting strip, just joined up the 12n and 12s to a length of 13 pin cable and a new socket. Get the parts from www.westerntowing.co.uk who have an excellant website with lots of help for this type of job. Incidentally some adaptors wont operate your fridge if you go down that route.
David

 

[chrisbee1]

On my 57 reg Sportage I fitted a junction box behind the boot side trim then used 13 core cable from Sargent’s to a 13 pin socket. It's a much better set up than using an adaptor lead due to there being less connectors to give problems.

 

[DerekBrad]

I too did my own conversion (CRV 06). I removed the boot floor (picnic table) and located a terminal strip in the well, connected like for like, protected with insulating tape and all was ok. The rear entry hole on the plate did need enlarging but only took me few minutes. I was able to route the two leads into the boot area, and the 13 core lead out, without any drilling and found the whole job quite simple. It's got to be better than having to bother about the conversion lead dangling.

Regards to all

Derek

 

[cairntess]

I converted my 2004 Mondeo last year, feed the 13 core cable into the boot, did the same into the caravan a 2008 Swift Challenger, works fine, but a little bit intricate to get your head into visible positions !, all the bits came from Jackson's of Arley. Can be done.

 

[DerekBrad]

Hello Alan,
I know this is slightly off topic, but if you would like the name of a reliable Service Engineer for your van, then may I mention Dave Butlin on the Cornwall Road Ind Est in your home town. Thorough and loads cheaper than dealer.

Best regards
Derek (Mkt Harboro)

 

[Alimac1]

Hi

I have just changed, this week the 12s/12n to 13 pin for new 'van. It was a lot easier than I thought, backplate mounting hole was already bigh enough so bought 13 pin socket from e-bay, £10 incl delivery and only took hour and a half to fit, easy to follow wiring diagrams but just concentrated on one plug at a time, 12n first then 12s, then taped both together for neater finish. Don't be afraid to try it, just remember to disconnect car battery first so you don't short out when passing the cables through rubber boot.

Ali

 

[TopCat1]

Thanks everyone for your advice. I will definately do the conversion myself. I have heard of a 13 pin plug that comes already wired and sealed, just need to take the car wiring back into the boot area and connect in the nice dry area so no possibility of corrossion. First however, I have to send the car back to the dealer as when I connected the van I had no reversing lights and the rear sensors were beeping all the time I was in reverse. Another reason for not letting the franchised dealer fit the bar. Next time it has to be a tow bar specialist!

 

[cairntess]

Thanks Derek,
I have used Dave B, When doing the odd job he is good for spares also.
Regards
Alan