Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
Ford Owners Club - Ford Forums

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.



Join the Independent Ford Owners' Club

Our community has been built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, and proudly run by Ford owners' for over 18 years. As an independent, non-official club, everything you’ll find here, advice, support, and opinions, comes directly from members with genuine Ford ownership experience.

Join our friendly community... it's Free!

 

Tow bar swap

S-max08
S-max08
in Ford S-Max Club

Featured Replies

Hi 

I have just removed the ford fitted tow bar with wiring and module from my old 09 smax and tried to fit it to the new one same model 

although the connections are all there and it seems like it should work there is no power to the trailer 

If anybody has experienced this and knows what the issue is I would really appreciate some advice as I am at a loss 

thanks

  • Quote


    What year is the new model (your profile says 2008) ?

    Have you used FORScan to turn on the Trailer Module ?

    Have you activated it in the GEM/BCM and ICM ?

    You need to tell the car that it now has the trailer module and tow bar fitted.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Yes the new one is 2008 and the electrics worked on the old car 

    How do I activate it then 

  • Quote
    8 hours ago, S-max08 said:

    How do I activate it then 

    9 hours ago, unofix said:

    Have you used FORScan to turn on the Trailer Module ?

    Have you activated it in the GEM/BCM and ICM ?

    Download ForScan, buy the appropriate cable for your laptop: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0952P4MLP then enable the trailer module in the modules listed by unofix above.

  • Quote
    • Like 1
    • Author

    I don’t have anything like that 

    would a garage be able to do that with one of those computers they read the fault codes with do you think 

  • Quote

    Yes a Ford dealer can do it. Finding one willing to do it is unlikely.

    If you have a laptop then the only thing that you would need to buy is the cable. If you could find a willing Ford dealer they will charge a lot more than the cost of the cable to do it.

  • Quote
    • Author

    Ok thanks 

  • Quote

    A local tow bar specialist may be able to do that, perhaps cheaper?
    Also, AFAIK, you may need to have an extra power feed fitted if you are towing a caravan (needed for fridge and Al-Ko or similar trailer control)?

  • Quote
    • Author

    If I download this forscan and get the cable is it easy enough to do as I have never used it and don’t want to mess it up 

  • Quote

    You'll need the (cheap) extended licence or if they still do a trail period and, with care and following the instructions (If In Doubt, Dont!) you may be able to do that (but I'm not a responsible person!)

    In any case, using Forscan for code reading and live data is a very useful skill but I always proceed with caution.

    Edit: This may help:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E71FCWHnOFQ

     

  • Quote

    • Latest Deals

    Ford UK Shop for genuine Ford parts & accessories

    Disclaimer: As the club is an eBay Partner, The club may be compensated if you make a purchase via the club

    Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Reply to this topic...
    Go to topic listing

    The "Digestive"

    • The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026)

      Steve ·
      The Digestive Forum Roundup (24th May - 31st May 2026) We hope this email finds you well and enjoying your week. As always, our forum has been buzzing with activity, so we’ve compiled the highlights for you. Plenty of interesting discussions are taking place, especially around the Ford Focus and Fiesta models. Starting off with the Focus, many members have been discussing issues with the Emergency Call System, particularly in the Mk4 model. PLB raised concerns about persistent malfunctions, a se
      Steve
      Steve
      • 160 views





    Background Picker
    Customize Layout

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.