Towing with Audi Q7?

[EA2010]

If anyone out there is towing with an Audi Q7, please let me know if you had any problem with your trailer lights not working ...

I've tried two different harnesses from Audi - and my trailer lights (2012 X-25) only light up very faint ... with no reverse lights, no signal lights and no flashers.

Very frustrating ...

[ttu]

can't help you with the trailer lights but curious how it tows.

i have been thinking about buying one with the tdi engine. also how has reliablity been so far?

i am sure someone will chime in here soon to help you with the issue.

[mikeg205]

the light issue is a ground issue.... If you have jumper cables you can check the trailer really easily. I had the same problem crop up in my van... had to detach and attach ground wire on my so called professionally installed hitch.

[CottagerGreg]

Do a search on vwvortex.com

I have an OEM VW harness for my trailer. I will see it on the weekend as i am picking up my boat from winter storage

[j.mccreight@hotmail.com]

Did the Q7 come from Audi already equipped with the tow package? If not and the dealer or any other shop for that matter installed it, then you need to have Audi hookup their VAG(scan tool) and reprogram your Q7 to accept towing configuration. Also make sure your settings are for the US(which includes Canada) and not EU. bc the EU uses a pulse wave instead of a steady 12v like here in US, it's all controlled internally in the C.U. Also another thing that can cause the coding to mess up is running the battery dead, disconnecting the battery or any other method of losing your 12v for the car computers, you will if not already experienced this when your audio unit locks out and you need to enter the code...

[mikeg205]

Originally Posted by j.mccreight@hotmail.com

Did the Q7 come from Audi already equipped with the tow package? If not and the dealer or any other shop for that matter installed it, then you need to have Audi hookup their VAG(scan tool) and reprogram your Q7 to accept towing configuration. Also make sure your settings are for the US(which includes Canada) and not EU. bc the EU uses a pulse wave instead of a steady 12v like here in US, it's all controlled internally in the C.U. Also another thing that can cause the coding to mess up is running the battery dead, disconnecting the battery or any other method of losing your 12v for the car computers, you will if not already experienced this when your audio unit locks out and you need to enter the code...

Jim you are a car god!

[fskof]

Does your trailer have LED lights? if so you will need to get an adapter for the led's to work. I had to buy one for my 2004 VW Touareg.


http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/TR20141.html

[AZX9]

The most interesting man in the world is correct. You may need to have your system flashed for American trailers. I have towed both a standard lighted trailer and an all LED trailer without any changes or problems with my 2011 TDI Touareg. As far as towing with the TDI, it is an amazing vehicle for towing. The Q7 has the same diesel as my Touareg and is a little longer (better) and a little heavier (not so good) and the tow rating is a little lower at about 6600 but would still handle just about any MC besides a 300 or X80.

[chippy1971]

Hi I have an x15 and I have a Q7 3.0 Turbo Diesel and it does it easy.

I reckon it is a great car for towing and it really is not a problem.

Happy to help if you have more questions.

[EA2010]

Originally Posted by j.mccreight@hotmail.com

Did the Q7 come from Audi already equipped with the tow package? .... Also make sure your settings are for the US(which includes Canada) and not EU. bc the EU uses a pulse wave instead of a steady 12v like here in US, it's all controlled internally in the C.U.

This makes total sense. When I connect the trailer to the factory lighting harness on the Q7, the main trailer lights light up really dim ... and when I took a photo I noticed a pulsing signal thru the camera lense.

I will approach the Audi dealership on this ...

THANKS!