Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega Electrical and Audio Help => Topic started by: Boiler Man on 09 July 2008, 00:07:38

Title: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 09 July 2008, 00:07:38
Hi Guys

I have bought an after market Towbar for my Facelift Estate 2003.

I'm not great with auto electrics so help would be appreciated.

With the kit I have a single electrics socket kit 12 N & The 7 way bypass relay wiring kit recommended by the supplier, Towequipe.

I've read quit a few of the posts on here on the topic, but I'm still confused.

Will the by pass kit I've bought do the job or do I still need a adaptor plug for the socket and another relay to replace the the existing indicator relay?  :-/

Any advice would be great.  :y
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 09 July 2008, 00:33:17
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Hi Guys

I have bought a after market Towbar for my Facelift Estate 2003.

I'm not great with auto electrics so help would be appreciated.

With the kit I have a single electrics socket kit 12 N & The 7 way bypass relay wiring kit recommended by the supplier, Towequipe.

I've read quit a few of the posts on here on the topic, but I'm still confused.

Will the by pass kit I've bought do the job or do I still need a adaptor plug for the socket and another relay to replace the the existing indicator relay?  :-/

Any advice would be great.  :y

Any photos of exactly what you've bought? As far as I understand, these 7 way bypass relays are intended for cars that use multiplex wiring systems. The Omega doesn't! The (round?) plug that you have in the boot area will supply all you need to wire up your 12N socket plus a large red wire that's intended to supply 12vots to your caravan for lighting, charging & fridge (once you'e put the fuse in  ;)). The only supply that does get fed directly from this socket is the black/yellow for the brake lights, this is fed via another Trailer Brake Check 'relay' that lives somewhere beind/above/near a face lift car's glove box.

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1175364013/0
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 09 July 2008, 00:47:25
Thanks for the quick reply Andy B

Not sure yet on the plug. The Tow bar and single electrics socket arrived today. (I'm just trailer towing)

7 way relay promised for tomoz. So I'll photo it and post.

Towequipe say they have a help line. But I'm planning on fitting it at weekend and they are not available then. So I was trying to pre-ep a few questions for them. They have been very helpfull so far. But I'm sure they wont know the Omega like you guys.

Plus if I need anything from Vx, I could do with ordering it now.

Cheers :y
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 09 July 2008, 09:42:27
I forgot about your indicator relay. Just swap your 3 pin relay for a 4 pin & put a lamp in the dash where the towball telltale is.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 09 July 2008, 22:41:41
Okay I hope this works

(http://i329.photobucket.com/albums/l362/gaaz252259/TowBar7wireBypassRelay-1.jpg)

This is the wiring diagram for The Universal 7 Way Bypass Relay Kit that arrived today :-/

I'm assuming I have a round plug in the spare wheel area. As it's an 03 Estate. I have to unload before I check.

Help :o
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 09 July 2008, 23:10:57
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.....
I'm assuming I have a round plug in the spare wheel area. As it's an 03 Estate. I have to unload before I check.

Help :o

Don't know about estate cars but the saloon has its plug behind the trim just inside the boot. Mine being a preface lift car has a square-ish plug, but as my wife's Astra G has a round plug with the same connections on, I'm guessing that yours will be round too. I still don't believe you need this really though anyway.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 09 July 2008, 23:20:13
If I don't need this relay.

Do I just wire up the 12N plug to the plug in the boot.

Then replace indicator relay and fit the bulb in the dash? :-/
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 09 July 2008, 23:34:22
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If I don't need this relay.

Do I just wire up the 12N plug to the plug in the boot.

Then replace indicator relay and fit the bulb in the dash? :-/

Yes! But as I said before, if you want brake lights on your trailer you need to either tap into the loom at the brake light itself or if you want to extend the bulb failure monitoring to the trailer aswell you'll need the other Vauxhall 'relay' up by your glove box.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 09 July 2008, 23:54:26
So there is no brake light wire at this round plug that has been put there for you to plug the 12N plug into?

Wonder who thought that one up. ::)

Thanks For all your help, by the way AndyB.

Much appreciated. :y

I expect it to be a long weekend ahead.

Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 July 2008, 00:08:57
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So there is no brake light wire at this round plug that has been put there for you to plug the 12N plug into?

Wonder who thought that one up. ::)

Thanks For all your help, by the way AndyB.

Much appreciated. :y

I expect it to be a long weekend ahead.



There is a brake light wire. Before it'll work, you just need to add the bulb failure sensor (or a bit of wire in my case) to the soicket behind the glove box, as mentioned.

Kevin
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 10 July 2008, 00:24:15
Cheers Kevin. :y

Do you also think I don't need this Bypass Relay?
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 July 2008, 14:17:22
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Cheers Kevin. :y

Do you also think I don't need this Bypass Relay?

I don't believe you will need it, no.

I think tow bar dealers sell them to cover themselves when they don't know the car.

You will just need a 7 pin socket and a length of cable. Wire the socket to the towing plug in the boot (may even be able to get the connector for this from Vauxhall, otherwise, solder and heat shrink). Then find the brake light failure sensor socket and either bridge the pins or fit the sensor.

Then either fit a 4 wire indicator flasher and bulb to the dash or fit an indicator warning buzzer.

Kevin
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: rennes on 10 July 2008, 19:54:27
Sorry to barge in on this topic, but I have a strange problem.
Just fitted me a towbar and connected the electrics. I went the easy way and cut off the socket and soldered the wires. Heatshrinked of course. Now the strange part. I fitted the 4 pin relay and while the speedo was out I thought I'd fill all the empty bulb sockets. The missing ones were: towbar, seatbelt warning and catalyser heat warning (I guess that's what it is) Now when I connect the trailer and use trun signal, TWO lights blink with the turn indicator. Addition to towbar light, the catalyser light also blinks. I guess there's a reason why there's no bulb from the factory ... Anyone else have any experience with this?
Another matter, not related: I don't have rear fog's. Switch works, indicator lights up in the dash, but no juice to bulbs. Weird thing is, there IS juice in caravan connector wires... Is there a missing relay, fuse or something? Checked all to my knowledge, everything is in its place and no blown fuses ... Not that I need the fogs every day but MOT certainly checks them ...
Any help appreciated. :'(
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Kevin Wood on 10 July 2008, 20:27:06
The rear fog circuit is looped through the towing connector via 2 pins that short when the plug is removed. The idea is that the towing connector switches out the vehicle's fog light when the trailer plug is inserted.

You will find two wires with the fog light colour code (can't remember the colours now) at the towing connector. Connect these together and the car's fog lights will work.

They should be routed through a switch in the connector on the towbar, of course, but I didn't bother on the basis that fog is very rarely bad enough for me to use fog lights let alone when towing.

Kevin
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: rennes on 10 July 2008, 21:47:28
Oh shoot, of course, I was wondering why there were two extra wires left over :) Thanks! Will sort them out tomorrow
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 10 July 2008, 23:12:32
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Oh shoot, of course, I was wondering why there were two extra wires left over :) Thanks! Will sort them out tomorrow

Rear fogs wiring is blue/black, same as the loop of wire across the plug in the socket you cut off!  ;) You'd need a length of 8 core cable to utilise the fog light cut out option, as Kevin says, there is a normally closed switch in the side of a GM 12N socket that the plug opens when you plug it in.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: rennes on 11 July 2008, 08:43:26
No switch on mine, I guess I'll just solder them all together then.

Anyone on the strange two bulb blinking topic I spoke of earlier? Or is it just easier to remove the bulb again :)
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 11 July 2008, 13:50:02
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No switch on mine, I guess I'll just solder them all together then.
You could always extend the wires to somewhere convenient and fit a toggle switch of some kind, so that in the extremely unlikely event you're towing in fog thick enough for rear fogs, you could turn the car's fog lights off to prevent  being blinded from the glare reflected from the front of your trailer/caravan.  ;)  :y

Quote
Anyone on the strange two bulb blinking topic I spoke of earlier? Or is it just easier to remove the bulb again :)
Take the lamp out & forget about it!  ;)  :y
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 14 July 2008, 08:29:10
Hi Guys

Tow Bar successfully fitted this weekend, you were right I didnt need the by pass relay.

Thanks for all your help  :y

Just need to get me a brake sensor and the 4 pin flasher relay.

Does anyone now a part number for these 2 items, so I can order with Vx. for the facelift.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 14 July 2008, 09:20:09
Quote
.......

Just need to get me a brake sensor and the 4 pin flasher relay.

Does anyone now a part number for these 2 items, so I can order with Vx. for the facelift.

90463123 (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1175364013/0) for the Vx trailer bulb failure.
I got my 4 pin flasher from Halfords.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 14 July 2008, 09:52:58
Thanks Again Andy B :y

I'll ring Vx on that number

As for Halfords, you must have a better one than me. They looked at me, like I was from another planet at our local branch. ::)

As a mater of interest. You said the 4 pin relay was a bit noisy. Is that only when the trailer is hooked up or all the time?

O! - and were abouts is it positioned. The flasher I mean.
I've found the empty relay base behind the glove box for the sensor.

Thanks Again, for all your help.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 14 July 2008, 09:57:48
Quote
.....
As a mater of interest. You said the 4 pin relay was a bit noisy. Is that only when the trailer is hooked up or all the time?.........

All the time.  :(
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 14 July 2008, 10:01:32
Quote
.....
O! - and were abouts is it positioned. The flasher I mean.
I've found the empty relay base behind the glove box for the sensor.
......

It took me ages to find where mine was, above the driver's feet. I ended up following the loom back from the boot & kept opening it to make sure I still had my yellow/black wires. I had sill trims off, the glove box out & all the lower trim out both sides untill I found it! :o
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: rennes on 14 July 2008, 13:51:57
Interestingly, my 4 pin relay was much quieter than the original. But it's not GM, it's some 3rd party unit. I'm having a hard time hearing it sometimes now :) Wanna swap? I'f I only lived closer ...  ;D
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 14 July 2008, 23:27:19
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Interestingly, my 4 pin relay was much quieter than the original. But it's not GM, it's some 3rd party unit. I'm having a hard time hearing it sometimes now :) Wanna swap? If I only lived closer ...  ;D

Mine's not GM either, it's a Hella relay.
Swap? Yes I'll swap countries will you!  ;D  :y  :y
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 25 August 2008, 12:00:59
Hi Guys

Finally got my relays from Vx.

What a farce, 5 weeks, had to come from opel factory in Germany.

I know now that the sensor relay goes in the empty socket behind the glove box.

But where is the 3 pin indicator relay located, that I need to replace with the new 4 pin? (facelift)

Any help would be appreciated :y
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: alexandjen on 25 August 2008, 23:04:39
Quote
Hi Guys

Tow Bar successfully fitted this weekend, you were right I didnt need the by pass relay.
Thanks for all your help  :y

Just need to get me a brake sensor and the 4 pin flasher relay.

Does anyone now a part number for these 2 items, so I can order with Vx. for the facelift.

So did you just connect the 12n wiring directly to the Omega towing connector wiring in the boot?

I thought you needed a 7 way bypass relay  :-/
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 26 August 2008, 09:23:25
No didnt use the by pass relay.

Connected direct to the loom that has a purpose made plug on it.

But you have to fit these 2 extra Vx relays

and I cant find the indicator relay? Anyone? :(
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 August 2008, 09:34:28
Its normaly the central one in the cabin relay box under the steering wheel.

They are 4 pin as standard by the way!
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: alexandjen on 26 August 2008, 10:16:20
Quote
No didnt use the by pass relay.

Connected direct to the loom that has a purpose made plug on it.

But you have to fit these 2 extra Vx relays

and I cant find the indicator relay? Anyone? :(

So if you don't use the bypass relay do you have to use the Vx relays or is there another solution?

I fitted a bypass relay a while back and everything seems ok as far as the trailer lighting is concerned but my cruise control stopped working around the same time ::)

I didn't use the brake light feed in the connector plug in the boot but instead spliced into the nearside feed to the brakelight.

Can anyone confirm if this configuration is ok?
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Boiler Man on 26 August 2008, 10:40:11
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They are 4 pin as standard by the way!

Are they? Have I bought a 4 pin I didnt need? :-/
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 26 August 2008, 11:13:39
Quote
Quote
They are 4 pin as standard by the way!

Are they? Have I bought a 4 pin I didnt need? :-/


No, they are a little more complex so they dont flash at a different speed with the extra indicator lighting load on the trailer lighting bar.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: alexandjen on 27 August 2008, 17:22:20
Quote
Quote
No didnt use the by pass relay.

Connected direct to the loom that has a purpose made plug on it.

But you have to fit these 2 extra Vx relays

and I cant find the indicator relay? Anyone? :(

So if you don't use the bypass relay do you have to use the Vx relays or is there another solution?

I fitted a bypass relay a while back and everything seems ok as far as the trailer lighting is concerned but my cruise control stopped working around the same time ::)

I didn't use the brake light feed in the connector plug in the boot but instead spliced into the nearside feed to the brakelight.

Can anyone confirm if this configuration is ok?

Can someone also clarify what else is needed to use the brake light feed in the trailer connector in the boot?

Is it just a case of shorting out a relay socket with a length of wire or does it need relays?

I'd like to rewire mine without the by pass relay and use the supplied brake feed wire to see if my cruise will start working.
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: alexandjen on 28 August 2008, 08:43:46
Quote
Quote
Cheers Kevin. :y

Do you also think I don't need this Bypass Relay?

I don't believe you will need it, no.

I think tow bar dealers sell them to cover themselves when they don't know the car.

You will just need a 7 pin socket and a length of cable. Wire the socket to the towing plug in the boot (may even be able to get the connector for this from Vauxhall, otherwise, solder and heat shrink). Then find the brake light failure sensor socket and either bridge the pins or fit the sensor.
Then either fit a 4 wire indicator flasher and bulb to the dash or fit an indicator warning buzzer.

Kevin

Kevin, is this just a 2 pin base that needs bridgeing?
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Andy B on 30 August 2008, 21:08:52
Quote
Its normaly the central one in the cabin relay box under the steering wheel.

They are 4 pin as standard by the way!

Obviously I'd need to find the original flasher relay from my car, but I'm sure that I removed a 3 pin & replaced it with a 4 pin.
I've just looked in the garage & found A N Other 3 pin GM flasher relay though.  ;)
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: Kevin Wood on 01 September 2008, 14:05:00
Quote
Quote
Quote
Cheers Kevin. :y

Do you also think I don't need this Bypass Relay?

I don't believe you will need it, no.

I think tow bar dealers sell them to cover themselves when they don't know the car.

You will just need a 7 pin socket and a length of cable. Wire the socket to the towing plug in the boot (may even be able to get the connector for this from Vauxhall, otherwise, solder and heat shrink). Then find the brake light failure sensor socket and either bridge the pins or fit the sensor.
Then either fit a 4 wire indicator flasher and bulb to the dash or fit an indicator warning buzzer.

Kevin

Kevin, is this just a 2 pin base that needs bridgeing?

It's a 4 pin base (P39 on wiring diagram) of which 2 pins need bridging (pins 2 and 6 - make up a 2" length of wire with a spade connector on each end and it'll do the job).

The colour coding of the two wires that need bridging are the same as the colour coding of the brake light signal at the towing connector (Black and Yellow IIRC) so they're easy to spot. The other two wires on the socket are not coded the same and should be left unconnected.

Incidentally, I find the standard flasher unit is fine driving the extra trailer bulb. I guess the only reason to change it would be to get the dashboard towing lamp to work.

Kevin
Title: Re: "Sorry" Tow Bar Electrics Help
Post by: alexandjen on 02 September 2008, 21:31:48
Quote
Quote
Quote
Quote
Cheers Kevin. :y

Do you also think I don't need this Bypass Relay?

I don't believe you will need it, no.

I think tow bar dealers sell them to cover themselves when they don't know the car.

You will just need a 7 pin socket and a length of cable. Wire the socket to the towing plug in the boot (may even be able to get the connector for this from Vauxhall, otherwise, solder and heat shrink). Then find the brake light failure sensor socket and either bridge the pins or fit the sensor.
Then either fit a 4 wire indicator flasher and bulb to the dash or fit an indicator warning buzzer.

Kevin

Kevin, is this just a 2 pin base that needs bridgeing?

It's a 4 pin base (P39 on wiring diagram) of which 2 pins need bridging (pins 2 and 6 - make up a 2" length of wire with a spade connector on each end and it'll do the job).

The colour coding of the two wires that need bridging are the same as the colour coding of the brake light signal at the towing connector (Black and Yellow IIRC) so they're easy to spot. The other two wires on the socket are not coded the same and should be left unconnected.

Incidentally, I find the standard flasher unit is fine driving the extra trailer bulb. I guess the only reason to change it would be to get the dashboard towing lamp to work.

Kevin

Cheers Kevin, much appreciated :y