Fixed towbars and parking sensors

[wimorrison]

This link shows the fitting instructions for the trailer module (I hope I have the right year )

It may enable you to look at the wiring and modules on your car to identify if the correct module has been fitted to enable the rear sensors to work correctly with trailers

http://vccs.volvocars.se/accessories...turecode=en-GB

I hope this helps

[Clan]

Originally Posted by johnikgriff

Folks

Getting my XC90 in a few weeks, will my parking sensors work okay with a fixed towbar. Looks like I will be okay, but obviously the towbar fitters are all trying to sell me a detachable one (which I'll never detact).

Thanks

No problem with reverse sensors and Volvo towbars , some non-volvo towbars are known not to work though also those protection plates you add for caravans and trailers can cause a malfunction with the ultrasonics too .

[wimorrison]

Originally Posted by Clan

No problem with reverse sensors and Volvo towbars , some non-volvo towbars are known not to work though also those protection plates you add for caravans and trailers can cause a malfunction with the ultrasonics too .

I think that this is why you need to have the official Volvo wiring fitted with the towbar. I have seen towbar electrics 'spliced' into the vehicle electrics using Scotchlocks which means that the reversing sensors still operate when a trailer is fitted.

I understood that a major function of the official Volvo parts are that they switch of the reversing sensors when a trailer is detected on the electrical circuit which enables you to reverse without the system indicating you are about to hit something. I think there isd also a software update required to make it all work correctly.

Please let me know if this is incorrect as it could save me a lot of money getting a towbar fitted to my XC60 (Wiring harness that integrate into the vehicle wiring seem to start at around £150 )

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by XC90caravanpuller

How do I tell which I've got?

Does your car show a flashing <- -> indication on the instrument panel at the bottom RHS .... (same panel that shows the ignition warning/ seatbelt / parking brake etc) when using the indicators whilst a connection is made to the towbar plugs? .... if so then I believe you have a Volvo trailer module fitted (mine makes no beep sound just flashes the dash indication) ... the module should be fitted in the rear LHS wheel arch on the chassis rail at the same position as the rear fuse/relay panel..... remove the triangular carpet/foam packer and have a look.

hope it helps

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by wimorrison

I think there isd also a software update required to make it all work correctly.

Please let me know if this is incorrect as it could save me a lot of money getting a towbar fitted to my XC60 )

Not sure about the XC60 but the software update on the XC90 ONLY auto disables the rear fog light on connection, nothing else .... it all works out the box ....despite the horror stories that one Glasgow dealer tried to convince me about .... exploding rear fuse/relay panels and burned out rear UCH modules ..... CRAP .... the Volvo fitting instructions are very clear and concise and they also state that the software update is only required if the auto-off rear foglight sensing is required.

Hope it helps

[XC90caravanpuller]

Thanks for all the detailed knowledge.
Got the car back after the warranty people OKed the repair.
£250 for one sensor replaced!
Cheque for 80% came this morning ( which was nice)!
I'm winterising the caravan this weekend so will connect up and see what happens.
Will post back when I can see which relay I've got!
Ross