General, Technical Data - Towing Guide: Other Volkswagen Golf Mk7

FOREWORD

The content of this guide has been divided into two sections "General Information" and "Specifications".

The first section (General Information) contains information and important tips about "towing a trailer". For example, technical requirements for towing or the function of the towing control module are described.

The second section (Specifications) contains tables that list towing weights, including braked, unbraked and tongue weight, grouped according to engine. If possible, the requirements that must be met before the towing weight may be increased are also explained.

Volkswagen vehicles are designed according to high safety standards.

We recommend to use only replacement parts identified as genuine Volkswagen parts. These parts are known to be reliable, safe and suitable.

Other parts on the market have not been assessed according to these standards. This includes parts that may have T U V approval or that are licensed. The vehicle manufacturer is not liable if such parts are installed.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OUTSIDE GERMANY

Follow all country-specific laws and regulations. Contact the importer if questions arise.

FACTORY-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH

If the vehicle was already delivered from the factory with a trailer hitch, all of the technical and legal requirements for towing a trailer have already been taken into account.

Note that a 13-pin trailer socket has been installed in many models since the beginning of 1988 instead of the conventional 7-pin socket. This new socket allows additional electrical consumers in the trailer to be connected, such as back-up lamps. This was not possible with the previous 7-pin socket.

If the trailer that will be hitched has a 7-pin connector, an adapter cable available from authorized Volkswagen dealers can be used.

RETROFITTED TRAILER HITCH

Note the following if the vehicle will be retrofitted with a trailer hitch

The trailer hitch is a safety-related component. Only use approved hitches that were designed to meet the vehicle requirements. Trailer hitches from the Volkswagen Accessories program are recommended because they are identical to the hitches installed at the factory. The installation instructions provided with these trailer hitches have also been approved by Volkswagen.

BALL HITCH

Height

350 to 420 mm (13.75 to 16.55 in), measured from the center of the ball to the road surface, with the total weight within the permitted range.

Distance

At least 65 mm (2.55 in), measured from the center of the ball to the bumper.

TRAILER SOCKET

Connect the trailer socket to the vehicle electrical system of the vehicle pulling the trailer according to the manufacturer instructions.

Refer to the manufacturer installation instructions when installing the trailer hitch.

7-PIN TRAILER SOCKET

If more electrical consumers need to be connected than the 7-pin socket allows, a second 7-pin socket must be installed. Pin assignment must conform to DIN ISO 1724

1. 1 - Left turn signal
2. 2 - Tail lamps
3. 3 - Ground
4. 4 - Right turn signal
5. 5 - Right headlamps, side marker lamps and license plate lamp
6. 6 - Brake lamp
7. 7 - Left headlamps, side marker lamps and license plate lamp

13-PIN TRAILER SOCKET

The backup lamps, continuous current and charging cable can be used on the trailer with the 13-pin trailer socket. A 13-pin trailer socket is recommended if a bicycle rack will be installed or a camper will be towed.

Pin assignment must conform to DIN ISO 11446

Scheme 1

1. 1 - Left turn signal
2. 2 - Tail lamps
3. 3 - Ground for circuit 1 through 8
4. 4 - Right turn signal
5. 5 - Right headlamp
6. 6 - Brake lamp
7. 7 - Left headlamp
8. 8 - Back-up lamps
9. 9 - Terminal 30 (permanent positive)
10. 10 - Terminal 15 (battery charging in trailer)
11. 11 - "free"
12. 12 - "free"
13. 13 - Terminal 15/30 ground

Towing Recognition Control Module -J345

General Information

The towing recognition control module -J345- recognizes "trailer mode" when there is a power decrease of at least 5W and transmits this information to various control modules via the CAN data bus.

The vehicle electrical system control module -J519- and the comfort system central control module -J393- supply the towing recognition control module -J345- with information via the CAN data bus.

1. At least turn signals or side marker lamps must be switched on to detect trailer mode.

For information on testing control modules, diagnosing malfunctions, malfunction indicators and fault finding, refer to [For transmission(s) 0A4, 02E, 09G, 02Q] [For engine(s) CBTA, CJAA, CBUA, CCTA, CBFA] Towing Recognition Control Module J345 .

Towing Recognition Control Module -J345-, RETROFITTING

Retrofitting a towing recognition control module -J345- approved by Volkswagen is possible, but it can pose problems due to the connection with the vehicle CAN data bus. The control module must then be coded in "Guided Fault Finding", using the Vehicle Diagnostic Tester.

Note. Installation of control module solutions that are available from third parties, and are not approved by Volkswagen, are not recommended. Installing such equipment voids the warranty. Generally, these are connected to the tail lamps and not integrated into the vehicle electrical system. This can result in a misdiagnosis from the lamp monitoring function or to malfunctions. Also, dimmed bulbs such as combined brake and tail lamps cannot be activated.

Towing Recognition Control Module -J345-, CODING

For information on coding, refer to [For transmission(s) 0A4, 02E, 09G, 02Q] [For engine(s) CBTA, CJAA, CBUA, CCTA, CBFA] Towing Recognition Control Module J345, Coding .

ENGINE COOLING

Because towing places higher demands on the engine cooling system, the cooling system is enhanced in vehicles that have factory-installed trailer hitches, if necessary. This is done by installing a stronger or a second radiator fan and/or a larger radiator. Vehicles designed for hot climates and/or with an A/C system already have the enhanced engine cooling system. In the Passat, a stronger coolant fan (PR number 0Y2) may also be installed alone at the factory. This makes it easier to install a trailer hitch later.

The cooling system should also be enhanced when a trailer hitch is retrofitted, if the system was not already modified at the factory. Otherwise the cooling system could overheat under increased engine load, for example when driving in mountains, in high temperatures or with high towing weight. When converting the cooling system, use the engine cooling system components designed for towing. Refer to the procedures in the applicable repair information.

Enhancing the cooling system may only be avoided if the engine will only be under moderate load, for example

1. The combined weight is considerably less than the permitted amount.
2. No high outside temperatures.
3. No long, steep grades.
4. No driving at high altitude.

The coolant temperature gauge must always be monitored closely. If the needle in the gauge moves high into the hot zone, reduce speed immediately. It may be necessary to take a break to allow the engine to cool. When doing this, let the engine run at idle for approximately 2 minutes to prevent heat buildup.

Note. In vehicles with an A/C system, switching the system off will reduce the load on the engine cooling system. This also improves vehicle acceleration and makes passing other vehicles safer. If the cooling system is not enhanced, the seller must inform the buyer when selling the vehicle.

EXTERIOR REARVIEW MIRROR

If the traffic behind the trailer cannot be seen in the standard exterior rearview mirrors, additional exterior mirrors must be installed. Both exterior mirrors must be installed on folding mounts and adjusted to provide a sufficient range of vision behind the vehicle.

REINFORCED SHOCK ABSORBERS AND COIL SPRINGS

1. Reinforced shock absorbers and coil springs on the vehicle rear axle reduce pitching motions between the vehicle and the trailer. If not already installed in the factory, these shock absorbers and springs can often be retrofitted at authorized Volkswagen dealers.
2. Stabilization aids can also reduce pitching and rolling motions. These aids are available from authorized Volkswagen dealers and can be installed there.

OPERATING AND DRIVING TIPS

Note. Always read and follow the operating and driving tips in the vehicle owner's manual.

TRAILER HITCH TYPE LABEL

The towing weight and tongue weight specifications on the trailer hitch type label are the inspection values for the trailer hitch. The approved data for each vehicle is found under the towing weight and tongue weight specifications for the trailer hitch. The vehicle-specific values are listed as follows

1. In this towing guide.
2. In the vehicle documentation.
3. In the applicable owner's manual.

The trailer hitch increases the vehicle curb weight so the load must be reduced to account for it.

COMBINED WEIGHT

The combined weight is a combination of the actual towing vehicle weight and the actual towing weight. The permitted combined weight for the vehicle or the trailer must not be exceeded. If the full permitted towing weight will be used, the weight of the vehicle may need to be reduced accordingly.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Follow all country-specific legal requirements when towing a trailer.

GLOSSARY

Some of the terms used in this Guide are explained here.

1. "General Certification (ABE)" -- Permit for driving on public roads for standard production vehicles or vehicle equipment. It is issued by the motor vehicle department for the Federal Republic of Germany and allows for registration in accordance with German law if the vehicle or vehicle equipment meets the German Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
2. "Towing Weight" -- The towing weight specifies the maximum permitted weight that a vehicle may tow, depending on the type of trailer used (braked or unbraked).
3. "EU Type Approval Number" -- A number for an EU type approval form that is issued by the type approval authority in an EU member country (in Germany, the German Federal Motor Vehicle Registration Agency) in accordance with EU guideline 70/156/EWG. It is used to issue an EU-wide license to operate a motor vehicle, motor vehicle equipment such as a lamp or a self-contained technical unit such as under ride protection.
4. "Tongue Weight" -- The tongue weight specifies the maximum permitted weight that may be placed on the trailer hitch.

GOLF FROM MY 09

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.

The towing weight cannot be increased for technical reasons.