04-06 XC90 and 13 Pin Towbar Electrics

[Rastiman]

Hi everyone

Im looking to buy a D5 XC90 between 2004 and 2006, and will want to fit a towbar and 13 Pin electrics.

Can someone please confirm if its possible to buy a "plug and play" setup, and will it need to be programmed by a dealership to disable the parking sensors and rear fog light?

If it does need to be programmed, can it be done with Vida?

Thanks all.

[SwissXC90]

The standard Volvo towbar wiring and trailer module is plug and play

the dealer-only software addiitons are for:

1. Disable rear fog lamp when towing (required by law in some countries, check yours)

And I think that's it.

[Harley Dave]

I agree with Swiss

The trailer module will inhibit the reversing sensors automatically although I have found on mine that it sometimes doesn't happen immediately and also the little tell tale symbol in the dash likewise doesn't always illuminate immediately when indicating.

Both work fine after a short period though so it might just be the module recognising what it has attached to it that takes a moment or two.

I found/find this when testing for a good connection of the trailer electrics and operation of the lamps before setting off. It's OK once I start driving.

Cheers

Dave

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by Harley Dave

I have found on mine that it sometimes doesn't happen immediately and also the little tell tale symbol in the dash likewise doesn't always illuminate immediately when indicating.

Both work fine after a short period though so it might just be the module recognising what it has attached to it that takes a moment or two.

I found/find this when testing for a good connection of the trailer electrics and operation of the lamps before setting off. It's OK once I start driving.

Exactly the same for me. Doesn't always detect the trailer is connected immediately.
Maybe if I had larger bulbs in the trailer it would work faster...

But my "trailer" is normally a bike rack

[Rastiman]

Thanks everyone for the replies. Can you recommend a particular make for the electrics other than Volvo, or am I better off buying a Volvo kit?

[SwissXC90]

Originally Posted by Rastiman

Thanks everyone for the replies. Can you recommend a particular make for the electrics other than Volvo, or am I better off buying a Volvo kit?

It is a Volvo specific kit.
Supplied by Volvo.
Made by someone else.

But a good price.

[Harley Dave]

Again, I agree with Swiss - the Volvo supplied kit is genuine plug and play - no cutting and/or joining of wires.

Even comes with the required fuses if you want continuous supply for a fridge in the caravan and/or charging the leisure battery in the 'van etc

I found the price surprisingly acceptable compared with after-market kit.

Make sure you order the correct part for your age/model of vehicle - FRF will keep you right.

Cheers

Dave

[Rastiman]

Thank you for your much appreciated advice Swiss & Dave, I'll have a chat with my local dealer and get the part number etc. Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

[S60D5-185]

I've self fitted a tow bar to my last 3 Volvo's which were S60, XC70 and my current XC90.


With regards to the electrics I have always bought Genuine Volvo from my local dealer.


I have always been given a decent discount after asking for it and you know that it will save a lot of time in the long run as well as keeping all of the car's original wiring loom intact.

[Gazzaa]

Try Right Connections, I fitted their plug and play kit to my 2005 D5.....very easy to fit....supplied with full instructions (they may even make the Genuine OE kit). Never had a problem.

I cant remember how much it was though, worth giving them a call.

https://www.rightconnections.co.uk/

Cheers
Gazza