- Fig. 1 Detail of the luggage compartment: Rocker switch
Applies to vehicles: with power-operated towing bracket
The power-operated towing bracket system consists of a rocker switch, a swivelling unit and the electrically retractable ball joint coupling.
Extending the ball joint coupling
Stop the vehicle and apply the parking brake.
Switch the engine off.
Open the boot lid WARNING!.
Press the rocker switch briefly -1- Fig. 1. The ball joint will move to the "operating position".
Wait for the warning lamp -1- in the rocker switch to light up and check that it stays on permanently. The ball joint has now reached the operating position.
Retracting the ball joint coupling
Stop the vehicle and apply the parking brake.
Switch off the engine.
Unhitch the trailer and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer WARNING!.
Remove the adapters from the trailer socket if necessary.
Remove any accessories from the ball joint, for example a luggage rack or protective cap.
Open the boot lid.
Press the rocker switch briefly -2-. The ball joint will swivel back to the "retracted position".
Wait for the warning lamp -2- in the rocker switch to light up and check that it stays on permanently. The ball joint has now reached the retracted position.
The rocker switch is not active when the vehicle is in motion or if the boot lid is closed.
The trailer socket is located on the retractable ball joint and is swivelled in and out with the ball joint.
A safety cut-out stops the swivelling motion immediately if there is resistance. The warning lamps in the rocker switch flash alternately if this should happen.
Remove the object that caused the safety cut-out to trigger. Then press and hold the rocker switch until the ball joint reaches its final position (operating position or retracted position).
Meaning of warning lamps in the rocker switch
- When one warning lamp flashes yellow, the ball joint is between the two end positions.
- When one warning lamp lights up yellow and stays on, the ball joint is at one of the two end positions.
- If both warning lamps flash yellow alternately, the ball joint is not in its operating position WARNING!. This is also shown by the warning message
Check towing bracket in the instrument cluster display. DO NOT drive with a trailer if the warning lamps are flashing yellow alternately. Unhitch the trailer if necessary and disconnect the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer. Press and hold the rocker switch until the ball joint reaches its operating position. Check that the warning lamp is lit up in yellow. - If both warning lamps flash yellow at the same time the electrical system must be initialised. This may be necessary, for example, if the battery is disconnected and then re-connected.
Initialising the electrical system
Press and hold the rocker switch until the ball joint reaches both of its end positions: "operating position" and "retracted position". This "teaches" the system the complete movement.
Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.
- Make sure that no people, animals or objects of any kind are in the path of the retractable ball joint.
- The towing bracket may NOT be used if the ball joint does not engage properly - risk of accident and injury!
- Never press the rocker switch if a trailer is hitched up or if a luggage rack or other accessories are mounted on the ball joint coupling - risk of accident!
- Never attempt to interfere with the movement of the ball joint, for example with tools, while it is swivelling. This can cause damage, in which case the trailer can no longer be towed safely.
- Never tow a trailer if the warning lamp is flashing yellow. This means that the ball joint is not securely engaged in its extended position – risk of accident!
- Only use the towing bracket when the ball joint has swivelled out fully and engaged securely.
- You should have the towing bracket checked by a qualified dealership if any faults occur in the electrical system or in the towing bracket itself.
Caution!
The swivelling unit, accessories and parts of the vehicle could be damaged if you press the rocker switch while a trailer is hitched up or if a luggage rack, protective cap or accessories are fitted to the ball joint coupling.
Note
- Malfunctions can occur in the power-operated ball joint at outside temperatures below -10° C. If this should happen, press and hold the rocker switch until the ball joint reaches its final position (the operating position or fully retracted position).
- At extremely low temperatures, the power-operated ball joint might not move at all. If this happens, it is sufficient to leave the vehicle in a warmer room (e.g. garage).
- Do not attempt to modify or repair the ball joint or other towing bracket components.
- Should you have any difficulties when using the towing bracket, or suspect that it is not fitted properly, contact a qualified workshop.
- Before setting off, always check that the ball joint is secured properly.
- Never disengage the ball joint with the caravan / trailer still hitched or with a bicycle rack or similar accessory still attached.
- It is advisable to retract the ball joint when you are not towing a trailer.