OEM Towbar won’t release

Frank Bullitt · Sep 24th, 2023, 10:32

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!

Scotia64 · Sep 30th, 2023, 21:40

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.

RKP · Oct 29th, 2023, 05:37

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.

Davab · Nov 16th, 2023, 22:55

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!

Clan · Nov 17th, 2023, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Bullitt

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!

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

Sep 24th, 2023, 10:32	#1
Frank Bullitt Scandanavian Flick Last Online: Jan 23rd, 2024 05:37 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: England	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!

Sep 30th, 2023, 21:40	#2
Scotia64 Member Last Online: Sep 6th, 2024 17:13 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Hamilton	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. __________________ Winter pack ,xenium pack, bliss, tinted rear windows , retractable towbar, mud flaps , Apple car play all wrapped up in Pebble Grey XC90 B5

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Oct 29th, 2023, 05:37	#3
RKP New Member Last Online: Dec 7th, 2023 04:09 Join Date: Oct 2023 Location: Canberra	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.

Nov 16th, 2023, 22:55	#4
Davab New Member Last Online: Feb 5th, 2024 10:51 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Shrewsbury	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!

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