OEM Towbar won’t release
 

Morning all, wonder if someone could help me.

My OEM electronic release towbar won’t release - it has power, the button works and I can hear it trying to release but it’s solid underneath the bumper. It took a few goes to release earlier in the year at one point but did, however it’s not having any of it now.

I need to get it booked in as I think there’s something awry in the mechanism, but does anyone know if there is a manual override at all?

Luckily it was just being used for a tip run with the trailer rather than heading for the Ferry for France!

I had that once just before going on holiday with the caravan, I reached under the bumper and gave the towbar a wee nudge & it swung down ,it’s worked perfectly since.

If the towed vehicle has an adjustable towing socket (i.e. there's a hex or other nut pointing into the socket), try loosening that off. First time I towed with my XC60 I had an issue with the tow socket having been adjusted to a smaller or worn tow ball.

Personally I'd try a liberal spray of WD40 on swing mechanism, leave to soak for a while then 'gentle' persuasion whilst activating button. If not used regularly may just be a bit seized, in quite a vulnerable position given our weather. If just for a little trailer all good, but if going to use for a caravan don't forget to thoroughly clean ball of any WD40!

has it been regularly lubricated ? it gets all salted up in the winter.