208 II 2021 tow bar and rear view camera/parking sensors

[jevhid]

Hi,

I have installed OEM tow bar and electric kit on 208 II from 2021. After installation and connection to the trailer the lights of course didn't work.
I hooked up Lexia to the car, bought a token, used oficial Diagbox, and activated the trailer unit. Yuhuuu, trailer works! (wasn't really able to test the fog light as it was missing on the trailer).

However, later on, while driving without a trailer, I have noticed that in a rear gear I don't get any image from the back camera or feedback from parking sensors, as if the trailer is connected, see attached picture.

Now I am confused what can be the reason for the above mentioned behaviour.

Questions I have:
1. How does a normal behaviour for the rear camera/sensors look like? I would assume both of them should be working with a disconneced trailer.
2. Is there a switch in 13-pin socket which somehow controlls whether trailer is connected or not?
3. Any ideas what can be the issue and how it can be solved?

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok it is important to remember that there are different versions of the electric kits and therefore important to obtain the correct one.
Secondly, depending on the kit you have, there will be versions that automatically work with the vehicle's systems to automatically use a suitable ESP programme when towing or allow the vehicle's systems like the reversing camera and sensors to work when not towing.

So either you have different kit or have configured it incorrectly I suspect.

So you have your VIN and the part number of the wiring kit you bought? Please post your VIN in full without spaces - it will be automatically masked from public view after submitting your post & will only be visible to staff.

[jevhid]

Thank you for fast reply. My VIN number is VR3**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

Parts I have installed are:
-Tow bar 1631689180
-Electric kit 1656244280

[GiveMeABreak]

Ok, so I have the towbar - which is fine, but the wiring kit is incorrect. There is no part (1656244280) coming up as valid for this vehicle.

The correct part is 1688059880 (TOW BAR WIRING LOOM 13-TRACK ERICH JAEGER), which as you can see in the Sales Statements, specifically mentions the correct operation of parking assistance when towing.

VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY

• Compatible with caravans and trailers fitted with LED lamps or bulbs.
• NOT compatible with electric vehicles.
• For vehicles pre-fitted with the towbar option at the factory: The towbar harness accessory is not compatible. Please order the harness set out in the replacement parts catalogue (document/technical).

PEUGEOT VEHICLE COMPATIBILITY

• Electric 208 not compatible

DESCRIPTION

• 13-way towbar harness with blown bulbs detection.
• Harness compatible with all types of towbar (tow ball that can be removed without tools, swan neck).

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

• The electronic module supplied in the kit interfaces with the vehicle CANs.
• Use of the aftersales diagnostic tool is essential.

SALES STATEMENTS

• This harness takes into account vehicle design rules and guarantees safety, reliability and durability for the customer.
• Easy to fit (connectors pre-installed in the vehicle).
• This harness uses a secure, reliable and durable electronic module to inhibit the parking assistance functions (camera or reversing sensors) when the vehicle is towing.
• This module complies with the regulations in force regarding detection of blown bulbs (direction indicators, brake lamps, reversing lamps etc.).
• This module supplies power to light the caravan and run the fridge.

[jevhid]

Excuse me, I wrote the wrong part number installed as I had installation manuals open for both parts. The correct part number I installed is 1688059880 as you stated. So I have a right part installed in this case.

I can of course double check if I wired connectors right tomorrow as it's relatively easy to access them. What can be the other issue causing probelms with operation of parking assistance?

[GiveMeABreak]

The only other issue apart from connecting it up incorrectly to the vehicle's electrical system is the configuration not being done correctly. That's the only thing I can think off (and make sure you have not manually disabled the parking sensors in the vehicle via the button or touchscreen).

[jevhid]

Well, my assumption would be that I shouldn't see trailer displayed on the touchscreen when it's not conneced, which indicates that car detects the trailer somehow.

Are there any pins in the socket responsible for detecting the trailer?

I configured trailer in diagbox using automatic car identification by VIN. The path I followed is Delivery - Accessories - Trailer control unit - Installation. There was no really other option than install or uninstall trailer control unit.

[Paul-R]

On our cars, the 13 pin socket does incorporate a microswitch to register the presence of a plug. If you have one them maybe it's sticky?

[jevhid]

On our cars, the 13 pin socket does incorporate a microswitch to register the presence of a plug. If you have one them maybe it's sticky?

How exactly does a microswitch look like? Brief search on google is not helping my understanding where exactly to look

[PaulC5]

This link has a picture of the back of a 13 pin socket showing a fog light cut off micro switch. Possibly this is something to check. https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/plastic- ... volts.html

[jevhid]

This link has a picture of the back of a 13 pin socket showing a fog light cut off micro switch. Possibly this is something to check. https://www.12voltplanet.co.uk/plastic- ... volts.html

Thanks for the illustration!

I went to the car this morning to see once more whether parking assistance is turned on in the settings. It was. However, to my huge surprise when I turned on the engine and put it in reverse, the camera and sensors are working as usual!

Well, I cannot explain what exactly could have changed besides car being turned off over night. Now I will monitor the behaviour and if it was just a glitch (or sticky switch which unsticked over night?)

Thank you all for help!

PS. Question to admins: Is it allowed to share guides downloaded from servicebox on the forum? I was thinking to make summarize my experience with fitting a tow bar in a mini guide, as there is not so much info online on 208 II.

[GiveMeABreak]

Always do a BSI Reset / Battery Disconnect / Reconnect Procedure after installing any options as it ensures all the networks are reinitialised including the BSI and this can ensure that any new kit is recognised.