Thread: ECU protection when fitting a towbar

Hi Pat, I just connected the trailer plug wiring to the big plug thats hiding behind the panel in the drivers side rear wheel arch.

None of the fitting instructions on Topix for the UK trailer plug mention anything about a "ECU Box".

Cheers,

Tim

I've just got an ARB bar and standard plug on my 2008 Puma. I know D3's don't like LED lights on trailers so perhaps things have changed on later Defenders.

Allan

Apparantly after 06 the defender needs the protection box but Hayman Reece can't give me a straight answer. Pat

I fitted the Land Rover OEM towbar as it turned out to be the cheapest option by a significant margin (found it unbelievable at the time as well) on the 90. Straight forward installation and according to the official workshop manual for Pumas just a matter of plugging the electrics in as TimNZ mentioned.

The wiring is only connected to the lighting circuits, not much different in concept from fitting any additional lights to the Puma, which leaves me scratching my head about the fact that ECU is even mentioned...

I fitted a Hayman Reece and foolishly followed their instructions which stated "splice into the existing wiring loom". Half way through the process I found the socket provided by Land Rover for trailer wiring.

Following anger management counselling, I wired in the ECU (which I reckon stands for Electronic Control Unit and not Engine Control Unit) using the splicing method.
I figure they give you the ECU for a reason so why not use it.

I plan to get the OEM loom later but don't know which type of plug to use.

Cheers,

Iglooist

I did some searching and found defenders don't need it.The LR part number for the loom is LR005920. Pat

Hi,
the only problem I have with a 2009 D130 CC is that the left and right tail lights and indicators all have their own wiring (and I suspect fuse).
Thus, when splicing in for a trailer plug the tail lights it is all loaded on one circuit (and brake lights too I suppose)
It may be this wiring alteration that makes the little green 'trailer' icon in the dash show up when indicating a turn, even with out a trailer.
Has any body solved this mystery?
cheers

Originally Posted by austastar

Hi,
the only problem I have with a 2009 D130 CC is that the left and right tail lights and indicators all have their own wiring (and I suspect fuse).
Thus, when splicing in for a trailer plug the tail lights it is all loaded on one circuit (and brake lights too I suppose)
It may be this wiring alteration that makes the little green 'trailer' icon in the dash show up when indicating a turn, even with out a trailer.
Has any body solved this mystery?
cheers

That'll be due to the Bullbar indicators on yours Dave.

JC