S60 Volvo towbar wiring kit got me confused!

MrT · Mar 17th, 2007, 20:24

Installed my genuine removable towbar today - much cheaper than aftermarket, but the relays are puzzling me.
The kit came with three relays - fog lights, which I fitted, and two others - brake lights, and something else. Trouble is, the second two already have relays occupying the relevent positions, so the new ones appear to be surplus to requirements - is this normal? The car's never had a towbar before, and is a 53 reg D5 SE auto.
Also, am I right in thinking that the software upgrade is purely for the foglight cut, so not really neccessary?
Thanks in advance.
Dale

Paul Clifton · Mar 18th, 2007, 16:07

Basically the answer to both of your questions is yes, you guessed right on both counts.
You have to remember that these kits will span diferent models and years therefore they have to be a bit 'universal'. Most of the later cars only require you to fit the rear fog relay. As you rightly surmise one of the others is a brake lamp relay which on earlier models replaced two smaller lower wattage versions and the other relay is for power connections for caravan 'internals' which is fitted as standard to most of the later models. You probably did not have to fit the supplied fuses either as again these are usually already fitted to the later models.

Paul.

JIM C · Mar 18th, 2007, 18:02

Hello there,
I have just taken delivery of a 2003 S60 D5 and will be fitting a towbar, most likely a detachable as I had that on my V70. I am very interested that you have just fitted a detachable towbar and wired it up.
Where did you purchase the towbar? and did you purchase the genuine volvo wiring kit? Lastly how easy was it to fit.

Many thanks

MrT · Mar 18th, 2007, 18:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by JIM C

Hello there,
I have just taken delivery of a 2003 S60 D5 and will be fitting a towbar, most likely a detachable as I had that on my V70. I am very interested that you have just fitted a detachable towbar and wired it up.
Where did you purchase the towbar? and did you purchase the genuine volvo wiring kit? Lastly how easy was it to fit.

Many thanks

I fitted genuine Volvo components for ease - the instructions are spot-on, not much price difference to aftermarket (particularly high end, which I'd always fit), and everything slips into place like it should. All purchased from my local main dealer, Pillings in Milton Keynes.
Dale

Mar 17th, 2007, 20:24	#1
MrT New Member Last Online: Mar 27th, 2008 19:58 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Milton Keynes	S60 Volvo towbar wiring kit got me confused! Installed my genuine removable towbar today - much cheaper than aftermarket, but the relays are puzzling me. The kit came with three relays - fog lights, which I fitted, and two others - brake lights, and something else. Trouble is, the second two already have relays occupying the relevent positions, so the new ones appear to be surplus to requirements - is this normal? The car's never had a towbar before, and is a 53 reg D5 SE auto. Also, am I right in thinking that the software upgrade is purely for the foglight cut, so not really neccessary? Thanks in advance. Dale __________________ '64 Austin A60 pickup '73 Honda ST70 '88 Yamaha SRX600 1JK '95 Toyota Corolla Sportif auto '03 Volvo S60 D5 SE auto

Mar 18th, 2007, 16:07	#2
Paul Clifton Paul Clifton Last Online: Jul 18th, 2023 15:50 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Wisbech View Photos By: Paul Clifton	Relays. Basically the answer to both of your questions is yes, you guessed right on both counts. You have to remember that these kits will span diferent models and years therefore they have to be a bit 'universal'. Most of the later cars only require you to fit the rear fog relay. As you rightly surmise one of the others is a brake lamp relay which on earlier models replaced two smaller lower wattage versions and the other relay is for power connections for caravan 'internals' which is fitted as standard to most of the later models. You probably did not have to fit the supplied fuses either as again these are usually already fitted to the later models. Paul. __________________ Paul Clifton. A man's knowledge can never outweigh his experience.

Mar 18th, 2007, 18:02	#3
JIM C Forum Support Team Last Online: Jul 4th, 2021 16:28 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Scotland View Photos By: JIM C	Hello there, I have just taken delivery of a 2003 S60 D5 and will be fitting a towbar, most likely a detachable as I had that on my V70. I am very interested that you have just fitted a detachable towbar and wired it up. Where did you purchase the towbar? and did you purchase the genuine volvo wiring kit? Lastly how easy was it to fit. Many thanks __________________

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