Focus LWMKiii genuine towbar install

Kiteboarder · 17-01-2019, 05:31 PM

Hi all,

I recently got a genuine ford focus towbar off a LW MKii from the wreckers to fit my LW Mkii 2013 year focus. I installed the towbar, the wiring loom with the 12 pin plug as well as the controller module. I pluged everything into the control module, all the cars lights still functioned correctly so I assumed I was good to go, and then I connected a trailer.... Its an LED trailer and the lights flash rapidly, I have tried the ford connector for LED lights and that has stopped the flashing but the trailer lights still don't function. I get no signal through the 12 pin plug, the mulimeter shows 3-4V and 0.1A. Any input from the indicators or brake ect doesnt change this reading.

Any ideas? Anything I have missed on installation?

**russellw** · 18-01-2019, 09:06 AM

Let's step back a bit.

I believe it's actually a 13 pin plug (the alternate being a 7 pin).

Power for the plug is sourced from the module itself. There is a Blue/Red feed wire into the module that provides power so check that you have 12V there. It's power source is Fuse 26 in the engine bay junction box.

I'm not sure whether the trailer module has to be configured in WDS but the fact that you are getting some response would suggest not.

A quick check is to read the voltage on Pin 9 or 10 as they are both straight 12V feeds.

Diagrams below.

Kiteboarder · 18-01-2019, 10:55 AM

Thanks for the reply Russel,

I have gone over the module with the multi meter again. I can confirm that I get a constant 12V feed from the blue and red wire.
I have the flat plug type that has 5 large pins up top and 7 small pins down below.

The module is a Trailer tow module AM5J-19H378-AC

The output pins on the module only show about 5v in a pulse.

What is WDS?

Its as if the module is being sent a signal telling all lights to flash as something isnt set up right...

**russellw** · 18-01-2019, 12:01 PM

WDS is the Ford diagnostic system used to analyse and configure the various electronic modules in modern cars.

Can't really think of anything else.

GTLEGEND · 18-01-2019, 12:58 PM

Is this a sedan or hatch? I have attached below the wiring instructions for both anyway for your reference. Yes the towbar module needs to be programmed to the vehicle using an IDS (WDS was the old diagnostic machine and IDS is now being relaced with FDRS).

https://www.fordforums.com.au/attach...1&d=1547776424

https://www.fordforums.com.au/attach...1&d=1547776424

Kiteboarder · 18-01-2019, 03:25 PM

Thank you so much GTLEGEND, this was exactly the information I was after.
This confirms that it is all installed correctly and more importantly step 14 confirms what I thought, it requires a reprogram of the IDS. After speaking to 2 ford dealerships the third one I spoke to said they can do this for me! Yay.

Thanks again for your input and resources it is greatly appreciated.

GTLEGEND · 18-01-2019, 04:16 PM

No problem, glad to help. Which dealer helped you in the end?