(G) Towbars - here we go again.

Hi,

I’m planning on fitting a towbar (2006 1.9 Multijet).

I see that there are various “wiring looms” available for £100+ and then there’s the homebrew methods.

Are there advantages in the off the peg “wiring loom” or are the homebrew methods as good?

Is there a wiring diagram anywhere?

Cheers

Poperon

Opted for the homebrew (far cheaper) method – bypass relay and Scotchloks etc.

Now I need to get a 12v supply to the relay, but where’s the best place to get it from – straight from the battery (in line fuse) or can I tap into the fusebox or electrics elsewhere?

Cheers

Poperon

I scotched a wire onto the live for the power socket (to the right of the gearstick).
I ran the cable under the plastic centre console then under the carpet to the nearside rear of the car (where I ran all the wires for the towbar).

It's a real shame fiat didn't add a 12v socket for the rear passengers (thinking kids & DVD players) as well as a 12v socket in the boot (as the doblo is ideal for camping, wheelchairs (electric winch) etc)

Yesterday I finally traced an electrical fault on my Doblo that had the symptoms of:

1. Brake light failure message when engaging reverse just after start up.

2. Brake light failure messages at random while driving.

3. Sidelight failures message when braking (only with sidelights switched off)

Traced it to some towbar wiring that the previous owner had fitted. The car has no towbar but it does have a bracket for one. When it was removed the wiring was simply cut and cable tied behind the rear bumper. The wiring was scotch locked into the car wiring with no relay. I think some of the bare wires where it had been cut were touching.

Removing all of the towbar wiring solved all of the bulb faults. I think perhaps using a relay might have prevented the bulb errors? In any case, this story can act as advice for others with the same errors.