Hi
Has anyone had trouble connecting the electrics for a tow bar on a 1.9 8V multijet Croma dynamic. I have just bought the car and am trying to fit a tow bar. I have got the bar fitted after a struggle with the bumper. but the electrics seem to be a real problem. I am trying to fit a standard 7 pin trailer electrics. Brake light seem to work (at least one bulb but I know the trail board I am using for testing has only one working bulb) As for any other connections, as soon as I connect the extra bulbs the car seems to think there is a short on the circuit and all the bulbs stop working. The indicators give one flash and then nothing. The side lights may flash, I haven't noticed, then nothing until the trailer board is removed then the car lights work normally again. Is this car just too intelligent for its own good? and how do I get the trailer lights to work?
Do I need a dedicated interface from Fiat or similar? or could I make my own. I am thinking some buffers and relays or FETs would do the job. Any one done any similar? or anyone got working lights on a Croma?
Thanks -- Steve

Hi Steve,
I've got an 8v eleganza and got the towbar fitted professionally not long after I got the car so I can't really help with the specifics of how they did it.
However, they did have to fit a bypass relay (I'll get the model number this morning) to protect the car's electronics.
More knowledgeable types should be along shortly

Brian

Thanks Brian. If you could find the details of the bypass relay or connector they used that would be really helpful.
Thanks
Steve

Found this.
http://www.towsure.com/product/Smart_7_Way_CanBus_Relay

Others may be available. See your local towbar specialist.

Sorry a bit late onto this one.

You need to fit a 7 way bypass relay. I could give you details of the bypass relay I used when I fitted my towbar and electrics but that was over 5+ years ago and as they say "technology moves on".

The relay Portland_bill has highlighted will be perfectly OK and is a fair price. Other makes are available.

The Croma does not use "modulated" light signals so you don't need a specific smart/can bus/multiplexed control unit BUT to be honest the mentioned TEB7AS unit can cater with these types of circuits, is a neat little package and well priced so you might as well just buy it.

Also read hear: http://www.towsure.com/static/fitting_a_multiplex_towbar_bypass_relay

Hi
Thanks for the information, very useful.
I also asked Towequipe if I was doing something wrong as their ad suggested that the supplied kit would operate the lights. Well I have just received a by-pass relay from Towequipe, absolutely free. Pity Towequipe didn't give me one in the first place, They obviously know I would need one. It would have saved me a lot of time and effort. Now I need to fit it and see if it will work. Their ad on amazon still has the wrong electrics
Thanks again
Steve