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AlKo ATC Wiring

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Old Mar 29th, 2019, 12:00   #1
Bigbilly69
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Default AlKo ATC Wiring

I recently changed my tow car to a 2013 Volvo XC60 Auto which I am very pleased with but must admit I haven't towed with it yet.
More by chance it was already supplied with a genuine Volvo supplied detachable tow ball and Volvo marked 13 socket electrics. This morning I thought that I would just connect the caravan to the car and check the wiring so that if there was a problem I had time to get it fixed before my first proper tow.
Everything seemed fine but the AlKo ATC would only come on when the ignition was on although the engine didn't have to be running. I am more used to pin 9 (?) being connected directly to the battery and not via the ignition. Is this OK or should I get it altered ?
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Old Mar 29th, 2019, 13:45   #2
Stobey
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Hi I have a 2015 XC60 with Volvo detachable tow bar and tow a lunar Delta with ATC have no problems
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Old Mar 29th, 2019, 14:10   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigbilly69 View Post
I recently changed my tow car to a 2013 Volvo XC60 Auto which I am very pleased with but must admit I haven't towed with it yet.
More by chance it was already supplied with a genuine Volvo supplied detachable tow ball and Volvo marked 13 socket electrics. This morning I thought that I would just connect the caravan to the car and check the wiring so that if there was a problem I had time to get it fixed before my first proper tow.
Everything seemed fine but the AlKo ATC would only come on when the ignition was on although the engine didn't have to be running. I am more used to pin 9 (?) being connected directly to the battery and not via the ignition. Is this OK or should I get it altered ?
yes pin 9 should be live all the time , who did the wiring?
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Old Mar 29th, 2019, 20:18   #4
Whyman
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As Clan has suggested you may not have the genuine Volvo trailer module and wiring and that is why pin 9 is controlled by the ignition switch through a relay.

When I connect my van you can immediately hear the ATC do its thing and the light on the A frame goes green.

The volvo wiring also needs a software upgrade which activates the traction control to work with the ABS to reduce or stop any sway or snake. It also uses the vehicles light check function to check the caravan lights as well so you do not need to do it before you set of.

It will probably do other things as well to make the driving experience safer.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2019, 14:18   #5
green van man
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I only connect the van with the engine running and the ATC immediately goes into test mode. This being the first van I've towed wit ATF it's a bit of a novelty but never had it operate on the road, older vans did not have it anyway so while a good idea not essential if unit properly set up in my book.

Paul.
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Old Jun 23rd, 2019, 21:58   #6
37 RUBY
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So many differences from the same manufacturer.

If I connect my ATC equipped van to the car with car locked, the pin is not live and ATC is not powered but if I unlock the car(ignition off, key in my pocket) the pin is live and the ATC powers up.
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Old Jun 24th, 2019, 23:01   #7
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I have a bit of a problem in that when I connect my son's Range Rover all works well but on disconnection the ATC light stays green as if something on the van has failed to switch off. Switching off the software button sorts it

I have referred it to Swift and am waiting a reply on what is happening?
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Old Jun 25th, 2019, 08:15   #8
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Originally Posted by Whyman View Post
I have a bit of a problem in that when I connect my son's Range Rover all works well but on disconnection the ATC light stays green as if something on the van has failed to switch off. Switching off the software button sorts it

I have referred it to Swift and am waiting a reply on what is happening?
I am surprised as I thought the ATC compleatly separate from the caravan battery and powered by the tow car for the duration of the connection. In essence it's a pendulum switch that operates a motor to apply the caravan brakes, then releases them once the pendulum switch stops telling the system it's needed.

It is of course possible I am mistook and would be interested in what Swift has to say on the matter.

Paul.
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Old Jul 18th, 2019, 14:20   #9
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I have a bit of a problem in that when I connect my son's Range Rover all works well but on disconnection the ATC light stays green as if something on the van has failed to switch off. Switching off the software button sorts it

I have referred it to Swift and am waiting a reply on what is happening?
Swift have replied asking whether either vehicle was using 7 pin to 13 pin adaptors cables. Neither were as both had genuine manufacturers kit. Told Swift this and no response yet.

We went to Silverstone for the GP and the green light did not stay on when we disconnected so hopefully the problem has sorted it self out. All the lights worked as did the fridge so who knows what was happening?
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Old Jul 18th, 2019, 22:26   #10
37 RUBY
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Sounds like a sticking habitation relay which should drop out once the vehicle voltage disappears.

If it rears its head again try switching caravan interior lights on. If the relay is stuck on you shouldn't be able to.
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