Towbar electrics set off air bag warning - HELP!!
10-28-2010, 08:44 AM
#1
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Hi,
Had a Witter towbar fitted to pull my boat. Plug in trailer for the first time and the seatbelt tensioner and airbags red warning light came on saying that they are inactive. I have checked the plug and all appears ok. Even when unplugged the warning is still there.
Does anyone have any ideas on a solution?
Thanks
Had a Witter towbar fitted to pull my boat. Plug in trailer for the first time and the seatbelt tensioner and airbags red warning light came on saying that they are inactive. I have checked the plug and all appears ok. Even when unplugged the warning is still there.
Does anyone have any ideas on a solution?
Thanks
10-28-2010, 09:00 AM
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Disconnect the trailer from the towbar and see if the problem goes away. Either the car senses the increased load or you screwed something up with the wiring.
The E60 really isn't meant for towing - especially something as large as a boat.
The E60 really isn't meant for towing - especially something as large as a boat.
10-28-2010, 11:24 AM
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You are kidding right?
If it does not clear then it is possible the wiring has messed up the control module.
Who did the wiring?
If you need to replace the control module you are looking at $1000 or more, hopefully it will be something simpler.
10-28-2010, 11:43 AM
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Most likely a wiring issue, but could have been a coincidence.
Did the lights work correctly when plugged in?
Once the airbag light goes on the only way you can remove it is at the dealer, even thought you fixed the issue.
10-28-2010, 12:10 PM
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Sorry if I offended anybody - I did see a few cars in Europe with tow hitches mounted. I forgot Pickup Trucks and SUV's don't exist over there like they do here.
10-28-2010, 12:21 PM
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yeah, it's a rare sight to see someone towing a boat with a car here in the US, but is a lot more common abroad.
10-28-2010, 12:47 PM
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The wiring was done by a towbar fitting company and is a dedicated loom for the E60 so the car senses if the trailer is out of control etc. Do you think I will get the control module under warranty or will they know?
10-28-2010, 12:49 PM
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That's funny and the common thought of many people here in the states. Its because people here don't see it done daily.
Most likely a wiring issue, but could have been a coincidence.
Did the lights work correctly when plugged in?
Once the airbag light goes on the only way you can remove it is at the dealer, even thought you fixed the issue.
Most likely a wiring issue, but could have been a coincidence.
Did the lights work correctly when plugged in?
Once the airbag light goes on the only way you can remove it is at the dealer, even thought you fixed the issue.
No when plugged in the all the lights worked on the trailer except the left indicator. ANy ideas what this may be?
10-28-2010, 12:52 PM
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UPDATE:
I have just had a look at the 13 pin plug on the trailer and found water inside the plug where the screw in terminals are for the cable to attached to the plug. A number of the screw connectors are showing signs of corosion. Could this have shorted the system?
Your thoughts are appriciated
I have just had a look at the 13 pin plug on the trailer and found water inside the plug where the screw in terminals are for the cable to attached to the plug. A number of the screw connectors are showing signs of corosion. Could this have shorted the system?
Your thoughts are appriciated
10-28-2010, 01:20 PM
#10
I'd say the can bus interface box for the tow hitch is playing up / faulty.
Water or faults in the 13 pin connector should be fused and isolated from the rest of the car and should cause not side effects even if seriously abused.
Water or faults in the 13 pin connector should be fused and isolated from the rest of the car and should cause not side effects even if seriously abused.