Hi,

I'm looking at removing the towbar and electrics from my MK3 focus.

The electrics are the ford parts, so I had this programmed by ford . If I am now to remove the electrics, do I need to get it reprogrammed to turn this off or will it be fine without?

Thanks in advance 

If you have the genuine Ford trailer module fitted then yes it will need reprogrammed to tell the vehicle it has been removed.

If you remove it without reprogramming it one of the things that normally happens is the indicator flash rate of the warning lights on the instrument cluster will be at double quick time, even though the cars indicators will be flashing at normal speed.

4 hours ago, unofix said:

If you have the genuine Ford trailer module fitted then yes it will need reprogrammed to tell the vehicle it has been removed.

If you remove it without reprogramming it one of the things that normally happens is the indicator flash rate of the warning lights on the instrument cluster will be at double quick time, even though the cars indicators will be flashing at normal speed.

Thanks for the reply. I assumed this would be the case. May not be worth the hassle of me removing it depending on the cost to get it reprogrammed 

If you are any good with a computer then you can use a Windows laptop with FORScan and a vLinker lead and change the setting your self. The software is free and the lead is about £34

48 minutes ago, unofix said:

If you are any good with a computer then you can use a Windows laptop with FORScan and a vLinker lead and change the setting your self. The software is free and the lead is about £34

Thanks, I'm alright with computers but don't really like to mess with things that could possibly cause bigger issues 😭. 

Is the only other option to take to ford, or can other garages (with the required tools) do it? 

Just didn't want to trade in the car with it on, but don't want to be incurring additional expense that I'm unlikely to recoup back by selling the bits I've taken off.

I'm very loathed to suggest that the simple task should be easily achieved by a local auto-electrician or an independent garage.

For reasons that often baffle me these professionals often seem to fail but run up quite a bill while trying.

Download FORScan: https://forscan.org/download.html

vLinker FS lead: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

Just for your info. a recent thread of a guy doing the job himself:

 

Thanks again. I will take a look at that, especially given my local dealer wants £93.60 to do it 😭.

Silly question, but which part being removed causes the issue? I'm pretty sure the electric plug is connected to the towbar, so could I remove that and just leave the module in place? Or would still cause the issue. It really loathes me to leave something that isn't needed on a car, so at least was looking to remove the towbar and put the metal support that was removed when towbar fitted back in.

What software/tools would a mechanic need to have to do the job? I have a few friends of friends who are mechanics so want to understand if it's likely they will have these before asking.

Thanks again 

Hi Matt, with respect to mechanics they are best left to using spanners, socket sets and other such mechanical equipment. You need a vehicle electrical technician or an auto-electrician who understands the operation of a modern cars electrical system.

All that is required to do the job is a Windows laptop, the software FORScan, and a connecting lead which I would recommend the vLinker FS.

You could just leave the trailer module installed on the car and unplug from it the cable that goes from it to the towing socket. That shouldn't cause any issues and it will be a clean uninstall, as it won't leave any cables hanging about.

FORScan software is free for windows laptops: https://forscan.org/download.html

vLinker FS cable (this week £29.99): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

2 hours ago, unofix said:

Hi Matt, with respect to mechanics they are best left to using spanners, socket sets and other such mechanical equipment. You need a vehicle electrical technician or an auto-electrician who understands the operation of a modern cars electrical system.

All that is required to do the job is a Windows laptop, the software FORScan, and a connecting lead which I would recommend the vLinker FS.

You could just leave the trailer module installed on the car and unplug from it the cable that goes from it to the towing socket. That shouldn't cause any issues and it will be a clean uninstall, as it won't leave any cables hanging about.

FORScan software is free for windows laptops: https://forscan.org/download.html

vLinker FS cable (this week £29.99): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

Thanks again. I will see if I can find an auto electrician and then decide what to do.

I am tempted to do it myself but think one of your replies on the thread you shared summed up my fears, in that if I do something wrong I have an expensive paper weight 🤣😭. Hopefully I can find someone locally who can do it or has the required cable/forscan software.

I suppose if I try disconnecting the socket running to the cable from the module and it causes no problems, I may go with that if the reprogramming cost outweighs removing it. 

Shame you were closer to me 😁

I took my tow bar off. I left the electric socket  in situ. Tie wrapped it underneath. As unofix says the Forscan software and vLinker FS cable is a great tool. I may have a go at disabling the trailer module as I think its affecting the rear parking sensors.

On my estate you have to remove the rear bumper to slide out the mounting plates that  bolts the tow bar to the chassis.

2 hours ago, ian1gail said:

I may have a go at disabling the trailer module as I think its affecting the rear parking sensors.

The trailer module will automatically disable the reverse parking sensors if it believes that the towing socket is in use. Likewise it will also inhibit the vehicles rear fog light when towing.

Thanks, I'm still debating whether to bother at all given the limited resale of the parts.

Initially I'm going to leave everything in place but disconnect the plug for the socket from the module. Hopefully everything still works as it should. If it does, I can then remove the socket and towbar at the same time that the bumper is off.

With the forscan software, do I need an extended/paid version to be able to disable the trailer module? How simple is it to do as a first time user?

 

I don't think you need the paid version. I find it fairly easy to use. Once you have found the module the alterations are done by clicking on or off. I've  done a few things. Done a regen on the dpf. Reset the pull drift control. (it was pulling to the left) Think I reset the service indicator.

On 4/13/2023 at 10:29 AM, unofix said:

vLinker FS cable (this week £29.99): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

Hi mate,

I have a OBD cable with a HS/MS CAN switch. I often see you recommending the vLinker FS cable - is it a better cable than the cheaper switched cables and worth the £30 investment?

Cheers

Nick

A good quality ELM327(modified) lead like those sold by TunnelRat Electronics work very well on vehicles up to 2013/2014

The vLinker FS cable will work on vehicles of any age but is something that I would recommend for vehicles 2014 onwards. It has faster communication and automatically switches between the HS/MS canbus systems without the need to change a switch. Also newer vehicles sometimes require a programming voltage of 18V which the vLinker FS provides.

If you already have a good working cable then it will be fine for use on a 2012 Focus.

Tempted to invest - mine works, it's a no-name modified ELM327 cable but the switching between HS and MS is a bit annoying, but at least the vLinker will allow me to work with newer Fords as well.

Cheers,

Nick

If you are tempted to buy a new vLinker FS cable from Amazon and you're not in a rush check the link below. prices change every few days from as high as £36.99 to as low as £28.99 Seems to be on a rolling cycle.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

 

Today's price is £29.26

9 minutes ago, unofix said:

If you are tempted to buy a new vLinker FS cable from Amazon and you're not in a rush check the link below. prices change every few days from as high as £36.99 to as low as £28.99 Seems to be on a rolling cycle.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vgate-vLinker-Adapter-FORScan-MS-CAN/dp/B0952P4MLP

 

Today's price is £29.26

Just got for £27.80 with the extra 5% off today 🙂