Parking sensors, towbars and wiring looms!

nicktfarrow replied on 24/02/2020 11:35

nicktfarrow

Posted on 24/02/2020 11:35

Hi,

I have just purchased a mondeo mk5 17 reg and it need to get a towbar fitted and am not sure about the rear parking sensors and them being affected by just having a presence of a swan neck towbar (when not towing).

Indespension recommend a detachable towbar as the solution, but I dont really want to pay the extra £170 it costs as I would leave it attached all the time. They cannot guarantee that a static swan neck would not cause issues for the sensors. The local ford dealer reckons they can 'program out' the effect of the towbar from the rear sensors for £120, if its wired up with the correct 'module' (no idea what this is).

The other issue is the 'vehicle specific wiring' that is on offer for another £150 extra. I get the impression its nice to have but not really that vital but am not sure.

So I'm tempted to take a punt and go for the static swan neck with a non specific wiring for £300 rather then the detachable with vehicle specific wiring for £600 and hope ford can deal with any parkng sensor issues!!

Any advice or thoughts really appreciated!

nick

33 replies

EmilysDad replied on 25/02/2020 23:27

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 25/02/2020 23:22 by lornalou1

only need one foot for an auto.

Posted on 25/02/2020 23:27

haven't we been here before? 🤔

I use 2 ..... as do many other auto driver too 😏

... but we digress and will get slapped wrists 😄

davetommo replied on 26/02/2020 18:45

Member

davetommo

Motorhomer from Lancashire

Posted on 25/02/2020 23:27 by EmilysDad

haven't we been here before? 🤔

I use 2 ..... as do many other auto driver too 😏

... but we digress and will get slapped wrists 😄

Posted on 26/02/2020 18:45

So do you press the brake and then throttle at the same time . I do like the auto on the winding roads with van in tow. Also I drive a mini bus with special needs children which is manual so still go for the non existent gearstick in the auto.

EmilysDad replied on 26/02/2020 18:54

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 26/02/2020 18:45 by davetommo

So do you press the brake and then throttle at the same time . I do like the auto on the winding roads with van in tow. Also I drive a mini bus with special needs children which is manual so still go for the non existent gearstick in the auto.

Posted on 26/02/2020 18:54

I don't press them both at the same time .... one foot for Go & t'other foot for STOP 😉

Sandgroper replied on 28/02/2020 16:20

Member

Sandgroper

Caravanner

Posted on 24/02/2020 19:13 by EmilysDad

The point is that towbars look cr4p when on the back of a car ... more so on a saloon than on a LR when the receiver is still on show when the bar is removed.

How much 'messing about' is removing a bar anyway? It takes seconds.

Posted on 28/02/2020 16:20

Can't say that I've ever noticed from my driver's seat!

Back to the OP. I have towed with a 2009 Mondeo for ten years. Witter fixed towbar, vehicle specific loom and no 'Agency' mods.

The fixed tow bar doesn't register with the sensors but the caravan does. It can be a bit annoying when reversing onto a pitch but a stab with the forefinger switches it off!

I did approach my local Ford agent to ask about getting the car's computer adjusted. The Service manager asked if we were having any problems - told him no, except for the above. His advice was to save my pennies!!!!!

lagerorwine replied on 28/02/2020 19:48

Member

lagerorwine

Caravanner from South Yorkshire

Posted on 24/02/2020 17:17 by EmilysDad

so why have a detachable bar fitted if you were never going to remove it? 🤔🤔

Posted on 28/02/2020 19:48

Bought detachable (first ever) with the intention of removing it when not towing, but then thought about those idiots that can't 'parallel' park, so left it on for protection.

EmilysDad replied on 28/02/2020 21:29

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 28/02/2020 19:48 by lagerorwine

Bought detachable (first ever) with the intention of removing it when not towing, but then thought about those idiots that can't 'parallel' park, so left it on for protection.

Posted on 28/02/2020 21:29

waste of money then .....

EmilysDad replied on 28/02/2020 21:31

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 28/02/2020 16:20 by Sandgroper

Can't say that I've ever noticed from my driver's seat!

Back to the OP. I have towed with a 2009 Mondeo for ten years. Witter fixed towbar, vehicle specific loom and no 'Agency' mods.

The fixed tow bar doesn't register with the sensors but the caravan does. It can be a bit annoying when reversing onto a pitch but a stab with the forefinger switches it off!

I did approach my local Ford agent to ask about getting the car's computer adjusted. The Service manager asked if we were having any problems - told him no, except for the above. His advice was to save my pennies!!!!!

Posted on 28/02/2020 21:31

Can't say that I've ever noticed from my driver's seat!

So you beam yourself to the driver's seat without ever seeing the back of your car .....🙄

cyberyacht replied on 29/02/2020 08:30

Member

cyberyacht

Motorhomer from Hampshire

Posted on 29/02/2020 08:30

The only real merit to a detachable IMHO is the benefit to your shins.

1 person likes this

Matthews1963 replied on 29/02/2020 11:44

Member

Matthews1963

Caravanner from Essex

Posted on 29/02/2020 11:44

I’ve had several mondeos estates over the years fitted with parking sensors and a swan neck tow bar. I have never had a problem with the sensors picking up the swan neck towbar when running solo.