Hello,
NB: I can't post links yet. I'm not trusted enough. but search seat parts direct 3 live feed adaptor and it should give you the jist...
Thanks for the info. I've a lot of reading and these are my current thoughts in the tow bar / tow bar preinstallation:
- Tow bar preinstallation gets you wiring from the front of the car to the rear of the car where a control box is fitted and the necessary Software modifications re ESP / trailer stability programme
- The seat tow bar pack, as listed in the accessories
brochure, contains a detachable tow bar, tow bar cover and an electrical lead that goes from the tow bar itself (the actual socket) to the control box that was preinstalled as part of the tow bar preinstallation / prep and also includes something that is described as a tow bar cover - from reading this cover is used when the bar is detached and covers the hole made in the bumper.
- The socket presented is a 13 pin type
- The tow bar cover may or not be available at the moment. At the end of 2014 there was a part number but no actual availability
- I can't confirm if the ESP / Trailer stability programme is actually on the Leon but the manuals (pages 194/195 and 265) talk about towing in more detail.
- Even though the socket is a 13 pin type on other VAG models sharing the same platform some forum members are complaining that not all pins are wired on the preinstallation, especially when it comes to something called split charging. I think this is most useful when towing caravans that have their battery that needs charging whilst driving and that also have a fridge built in that needs to run whilst you travel. Looking at motabars.co.uk/basic_tow_electrics.html seems to suggest that with 13 pin electrics you should get the split charge functionality. There is an adaptor (directseatparts.co.uk/product/13-Pin_To_2_x_7_Pin_Adaptor_000055300GA) to convert from 13 pin to 2 x 7 Pin but I have no idea if this gives both lighting connections and split charging.
- To achieve the split charging you might need another wiring kit - that runs from the front fuse box to the read, called a Seat 3 Live Adaptor which is £53.50 inc VAT BUT needs installing front of car to rear EVEN if you've already had the tow bar prep done at the factory. Labour on this would be intensive / expensive. I would have hoped that this was included in the tow bar preperation otherwise there is not much point to the kit if you have to remove all the trim to put this lead in... directseatparts.co.uk/product/3_Live_Feed_Adaptor_000055200G
- O and if you connect a tow bar based bike carrier the car probably thinks you are towing and adjusts the esp and software accordingly.
So basically I am none the wiser and have no idea.
From the accessories
brochure:
DETACHABLE TOW BAR*
£645.50 5DR and SC except FR
Consists of:
Detachable tow bar 5F0803881A
Electric cable kit 5F0055204A
Tow bar cover 5F0803595
£686.00 5DR and SC FR
Consists of:
Detachable tow bar 5F0803881A
Electric cable kit 5F0055204A
Tow bar cover 5F0803595A
£701.50 ST
Consists of:
Detachable tow bar 5F9803881
Electric cable kit 5F0055204C
Tow bar cover 5F9803595
Removable tow bar with security system. A colour indicator system makes for easy placement of the hook.
Includes electrics and tow bar cover.
Please consult your SEAT dealer for further information about 13-pin adaptor, live feed adaptor and electrics options.
Part 5Q0907383 is an electrics box which needs to be pre-installed in a Leon for a tow bar to work.
For car with pre-installation, 13-pin electrics required will be different and cost will be less.