i want to fit a tow bar to a mondeo zetec 2.0tdi.i am receiving conflicting information so help please if you are able.i am told i need a wiring loom kit and a software download in addition to the tow bar and electrics.one person has suggested a bypass relay for the lights?.any suggestions?and how do i stand re my insurance if i have the bypass relay fitted.HAPPY CARAVANNING
I had a towbar fitted to my 2010 Mondeo 2.0 diesel by a fitter but not aware that a software download was required. Cost fitted with single 13 pin socket was about £245.
Either way you need to notify your insurance of the towbar as some consider it a modifciation.
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John12748, what year is you Mondeo? as I have a towbar for the 2001 model onwards till they changed the shape not sure of the change year. I`m also in Tyne & Wear
The bypass relay is a cheaper option than buying the dedicated loom which can cost over £100 & need configuring at main dealer. However with a late model car the dedicated loom is to be preferred.
If you car is still within warranty use a main dealer approved fitter otherwise any probs caused by towbar fitment will not be covered. All comprehensive insurance covers you for third party risks while towing. Towbar fitment is not classed as a modification, not by Saga, anyway.
My 55 model has not got a Ford wiring loom, nor as I found is it a good idea?
Basically Fords 12S 12v battery/fridge supply wire is not up to the job, you want a beefy 25Amp cable direct from the battery and relays in the boot.
Any software alterations as far as I know is limited to telling the ECU there is a van on the back if you have reversing sensors, that maybe you can put up with?, but far more important if you have stability control?
Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 13/1/2011
The bypass relay is a cheaper option than buying the dedicated loom which can cost over £100 & need configuring at main dealer. However with a late model car the dedicated loom is to be preferred.
If you car is still within warranty use a main dealer approved fitter otherwise any probs caused by towbar fitment will not be covered. All comprehensive insurance covers you for third party risks while towing. Towbar fitment is not classed as a modification, not by Saga, anyway.
Ford main dealer quoted us in excess of £500 for a towbar1 Even the salesman thought it was way over the top. How do you tell whether you have a dedicated loom or a by pass fitted and why would a dedicated loom be better than the by pass?
If you have the towbar fitted at Ford main dealer it will be Ford supplied swan neck & 13pin dedicated loom. It will be covered by warranty. Job done. Unfortunately they have fixed prices for jobs which are way over the top. If your car is new it might still be your best option.
If you car is within the 3yr warranty you need to have the towbar fitted by a main dealer or a fitter approved by them to avoid warranty issues concerned with towbar/electrics. There are arguments for & against bothering to fit dedicated looms. I would say if car is less than 3yrs old fit the proper loom. Older than that, your choice if you want to cut costs.
Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 14/1/2011
If you have the towbar fitted at Ford main dealer it will be Ford supplied swan neck & 13pin dedicated loom. It will be covered by warranty. Job done. Unfortunately they have fixed prices for jobs which are way over the top. If your car is new it might still be your best option.
If you car is within the 3yr warranty you need to have the towbar fitted by a main dealer or a fitter approved by them to avoid warranty issues concerned with towbar/electrics. There are arguments for & against bothering to fit dedicated looms. I would say if car is less than 3yrs old fit the proper loom. Older than that, your choice if you want to cut costs.
The car is 3 months old and we did inquire whether there would be any issues if fitted with towbar by an outside professional company. No issue as long as they were a recognised company. This saved us just over £250!
We are having other issues with the car but not related to the towbar.
Thanks for your replies.Alittle more info i have learnt,thewiring loom and software download helps the engine to output the correct bhp for towing and alerts the esp when a drift or snake starts.also the correct bhp stops turbo blow when towing long distances.i am by no means an expert on this topic it is only what i have been told whilst considering which towbar to fit.be warned.
The 'extras' only come with the dedicated loom. Its fair to say tho, that we have been towing caravans for decades safely enough without all these electronic 'towing aids'.
I have owned a 55 reg Zetec Tdci 130 for almost 3 years and I went to an independant towbar fitter who used a Witter on my car with twin electrics. I've towed to France and had no problems with power, it's pulled like a dream every trip.