ECU protection when fitting a towbar

[PAT303]

I'm getting a towbar fitted to the Puma and half the fitters say I need ECU protection for the wiring and half say I don't.Who has a TB fitted to thier Puma and have you got the ECU box fitted or not.Thanks Pat

[TimNZ]

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

[Allan]

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

[PAT303]

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

[Loubrey]

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...

[IGL002]

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

[PAT303]

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

[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

[justinc]

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

[Lorryman100]

If you use the OEM socket with the OEM harness you don't require any other electronics to be connected. The problem occurs when you splice the cables in due to the CAN BUS system on the Puma. The CAN BUS is only connected through multiplex plugs between the Instrument Cluster and the ECU. All other comms between the 10AS and Wabco/IC units are through serial connections which run at set values read by the CAN system. When you splice into this system you are changing the load and resistance values which has led to engine running issues. Land rover do not recommend splicing the 12N &12S sockets into the loom as it can cause problems. As to running LED's, these can cause issues when fitted and when towing a trailer as they run at a lower load which can cause the trailer lights not to illuminate and the turn indicators not to work. Mobile centre in the UK offer relays to overcome these voltage issues with LED's.

Flasher / Indicator Relays : LED Lights, Marker Truck LED Vehicle Lighting Trailers Commercial Lightbars Warning Lights Land Rover (http://www.mobilecentre.co.uk/led-flasher-relays-and-resistors-flasher-indicator-relays-c-12_63.html)


HTH Brian.

[29dinosaur]

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

Old thread I realize.... But am about to put on a towbar that I purchased through a LR wrecker in SA. It comes with loom and plug insocket - cable length about a metre..... Is there a socket in a 110 Crew Cab 2010 Puma Defender that I can use or will I be stuck like austar? I have noticed that the trailer icon comes on as well. Sorry for newbie type questions.... Habe only had this Deefa for a week and am stil learning.

[drzzt]

I've have the trailer light coming on with a bull bar and the indicator lights on the bull bar. The trailer light works off voltage and if it's higher than some special, the trailer indicator comes on. Under the plastic flap in front of the indicator/brake lights under the rear right guard is a plug for the towbar wiring harness.

[29dinosaur]

Thanks found the necessary plug in point. Just needed to look more carefully.......

[debruiser]

Quick stupid Q for everyone. I'm getting a dealer fitted hayman reece tow bar on my 2013 defender. Do I need an electric brake controller unit or does the defender computer gadget do that for me?

[n plus one]

Quick stupid Q for everyone. I'm getting a dealer fitted hayman reece tow bar on my 2013 defender. Do I need an electric brake controller unit or does the defender computer gadget do that for me?

You'll need a brake control unit.

[Hooroo]

FYI: From my dealer re: MY15 110 with OEM tow pack:
"You do not need any fancy ECU’s or ECM’s to wire your brake unit into your Defender.
You can pick-up the feed wires in the r/h/r ¼ panel area, above the tail-light and wire into the Teckonsha brake unit in the front of the vehicle. Very simple and basic.
We can fit it for you if you wish. We would charge approx. $150.00 + any wires, terminals etc."

[MrLandy]

There still seems to be some confusion over fitting tow bar to 2.2 puma Defender. I've just had two quotes to supply Hayman Reece tow bar @$550 and $650 respectively, and both say I must use a special ecu loom @$220. Is new loom necessary? Does this loom plug into the socket In the wheel arch? Has anyone fitted one of these recently? Any advice appreciated.

[Beery]

There still seems to be some confusion over fitting tow bar to 2.2 puma Defender. I've just had two quotes to supply Hayman Reece tow bar @$550 and $650 respectively, and both say I must use a special ecu loom @$220. Is new loom necessary? Does this loom plug into the socket In the wheel arch? Has anyone fitted one of these recently? Any advice appreciated.

No ECU necessary, the genuine LR "N Type" towing electrics don't have it and they plug straight into the provided socket near the fuel tank.

I think its just Hayman Reese trying to flog you a box of nothing to get an extra couple of hundred dollares out of you.

I just bought this one (same as what you are after?) for $530, with no ECU or plug & tail.

I've ordered a genuine N type plug & tail from Rimmer Bro's in the UK for about $50 less than I could get from the local dealer for. It also mounts in a better position, in the cross member where its protected better than something down on the towbar.

https://scontent-lax1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11694027_10153973378034688_2010097523596762029_n.j pg?oh=35a554bd8d48335d58fbc40696fa8c04&oe=564FFAA7

[MrLandy]

Thanks Beery, that's very helpful.
Cheers

[karlz]

No ECU necessary, the genuine LR "N Type"....

Im still somewhat confused. Sorry for that.
My 110 arrives on Monday, 1st thing I need to do is get the towbar fitted.
I'm happy to do it myself, the bar looks fine, just bolts and nuts etc.. If I order the hayman kit, or the OEM kit which Im confused about as well, do I have to order a wiring kit as well. People have said that there is a plug behind the right wheel arch, does the OEM kit come with this cable to connect? (No ECU understood)

Sorry for the questions. I'm surprised a tow bar isnt standard on the 110

[Beery]

Dont be sorry. The only dumb question is one that you dont ask!

If ordering a Hayman Reese, let them know that you need a 'socket & tail' as well. Its a separate part. I dont think it plugs into the provided socket, I believe it has to be spliced into the existing wiring.

I dont know if the OEM Land Rover towbar comes with the N type electrics or if its a separate part, you'll have to ask your dealer.

[MrLandy]

My understanding is that the socket and tail doesn't have to be Hayman Reece brand to match tow bar, as long as it has correct Defender socket at tail end and correct pin plug for your trailer. Is this correct? ...Beery did you buy yours from the uk because it's difficult to source one with correct plug on the tail end for 2.2 Defender in Australia?

[tact]

My understanding is that the socket and tail doesn't have to be Hayman Reece brand to match tow bar, as long as it has correct Defender socket at tail end and correct pin plug for your trailer. Is this correct? ...Beery did you buy yours from the uk because it's difficult to source one with correct plug on the tail end for 2.2 Defender in Australia?

Make me an offer(PM) and you cover shipping from Malaysia, and any import duties etc - and you can have the cable I pulled out of my 2.2 TDCi.

My vehicle had the LR towbar fitted when I bought it new. All original fitment..

Only the cable is available. I reused the drop plate and chassis brace arms to fit a pintle hook with original towbar parts (modified) for extra strength

[Beery]

My understanding is that the socket and tail doesn't have to be Hayman Reece brand to match tow bar, as long as it has correct Defender socket at tail end and correct pin plug for your trailer. Is this correct? ...Beery did you buy yours from the uk because it's difficult to source one with correct plug on the tail end for 2.2 Defender in Australia?

Thats correct MrLandy, you can use either/any electric socket with either towbar.

Regardless of whether you get the round N Type 7 pin or the flat 7 pin socket, you'll want to carry an adapter lead incase you need to tow a trailer with the other type of plug.

Its not essential that the socket you buy can plug straight into the provided wiring on the vehicle. The alternative is to splice into the vehicle's wiring.

I bought the genuine N Type socket & tail because its easy, neat and professional, no splicing and it mounts neatly in the oval hole in the rear crossmember where its well protected.

I'll find you a photo of the socket mounted in the crossmember and post it up here.

I got it from the UK because it was significantly cheaper than buying it locally.

Cheers
Tom

[Beery]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2015/07/511.jpg

[Rig110]

When I got my LR towbar (2 years ago) it came with a flat plug and wiring but was not plug and play (has to be wired up and either spliced into body loom or you need to source the plug).
I bought a genuine LR plug and play loom from the uk for about half the local price.

[MrLandy]

Make me an offer(PM) and you cover shipping from Malaysia, and any import duties etc - and you can have the cable I pulled out of my 2.2 TDCi.

My vehicle had the LR towbar fitted when I bought it new. All original fitment..

Only the cable is available. I reused the drop plate and chassis brace arms to fit a pintle hook with original towbar parts (modified) for extra strength

Thanks tact I'll pm you

[MrLandy]

Thats correct MrLandy, you can use either/any electric socket with either towbar.

Regardless of whether you get the round N Type 7 pin or the flat 7 pin socket, you'll want to carry an adapter lead incase you need to tow a trailer with the other type of plug.

Its not essential that the socket you buy can plug straight into the provided wiring on the vehicle. The alternative is to splice into the vehicle's wiring.

I bought the genuine N Type socket & tail because its easy, neat and professional, no splicing and it mounts neatly in the oval hole in the rear crossmember where its well protected.

I'll find you a photo of the socket mounted in the crossmember and post it up here.

I got it from the UK because it was significantly cheaper than buying it locally.

Cheers
Tom

Thanks again beery

[tact]

In case it helps anyone now or in future to find the right part.. I took a series of pics of the smallish wiring tail and trailer plug assembly that I removed from my 2013 110 DCPU.

I tried to capture clearly:
- the special plug used to connect to the connector that is up behind the rear RHS panel where right side brake/turn lamps are mounted (above rear crossmember).
- all the text and barcode on the label on the part

The pics are here:
http://www.aulro.com/app/showgallery.php/cat/1383

[karlz]

The pics are here:
http://www.aulro.com/app/showgallery.php/cat/1383

OK, so now I understand. There is a socket on the RHS cross member where that square plug, plus into. Would have thought that part would be cheap enough.

[Beery]

OK, so now I understand. There is a socket on the RHS cross member where that square plug, plus into. Would have thought that part would be cheap enough.

Close. The socket isnt in the crossmember, its up the right hand chassis rail a bit.

[MrLandy]

My trailer socket is above cross member just behind the flap covering tail light fittings.

[tact]

My trailer socket is above cross member just behind the flap covering tail light fittings.

Same here. I accessed it from under the vehicle. Reaching last the crossmember up to behind the stop/tail/turn lamps. A good torch helps... (And of course since I was removing the wiring already installed I just had to follow the wires to find where to disconnect the tail )