From July 2023 the all new V710 model Ford Transit Custom replaced the previous V362 models built from 2012 to 2023. The first step in selecting the correct wiring is to know which model of the Ford Transit Custom is to be fitted?
Choosing Tow Bar Wiring To Fit The Transit Custom V362
There are several things you need to be aware of before ordering and installing
tow bar wiring for the V362 models of Ford Transit Custom. Once you have decided upon the basics, such as do you need 7 or 13 pin format and whether the wiring is just to run the trailer lights or lights and caravan electrics. The next issue is to find out which engine and emmission system is installed?
This is because some of the towbar wiring connector plugs contained in the different van models differ from one another. The easist way to identify which plugs your van is likely to have is via the engine and emmission system installed on to it. There are three model choices, is it a 2.0L Euro 6 , 2.0L Euro 6.2 or 2.2L Euro 5? Once identified there is one final thing you need to know. Does the van have trailer prep installed or not?
What is trailer prep?
So, what is trailer prep? It varies between manufacturers and vehicles but on The Ford Transit Custom V362 it means there may be a (blanked off) plug located between the spare wheel holder and the near side rear wheel arch, as can be seen in the picture below.
If this connector plug is present it means Trailer Prep is installed on the van. The only issue to note with Trailer Prep models is that the Front Connector changes from an 8 to 16 pin one on the Euro 6.2 versions. This is why knowing the emmission system on your van is important
To recap knowing which engine, which emmission system and finding the trailer prep plug or not means you can now order the correct wiring kit. So depending on your specific van you would order the 7 or 13 pin kit to fit the 2.0L Euro 6 with or without prep, or the 2.0L Euro 6.2 with or without trailer prep or the 2.2L Euro 5 with or without trailer prep.
As a side note. Its worth mentioning that the towbar wiring kits for vans without trailer prep can be installed on to vans that do have prep. However, these kits do not install via the trailer prep connector plugs shown in the pictures. Dedicated towbar wiring kits for vans with trailer prep have a price advantage (as there is less actual wire needed) and a quicker installation time. So it is worth the effort to check the van for the prep connector plugs prior to ordering.
All V362 models Main Connections
Regardless of whether your Transit Custom has trailer prep, the main connections are made in the front passenger foot well. On kits for models without trailer prep the wiring runs from the towing socket at the rear, along the chassis rail to the front passenger footwell. This is why these kits can be fitted to the van regardless of whether it has trailer prep or not.
Vehicle Coding
After installing the wiring loom, the van will need to be coded. Van coding is where the van is plugged into a diagnostic scanner and the relevant coding work (as shown in the fitting instructions) is carried out. From dedicated wiring kit installation the trailer lights operate as expected. But for the trailer related safety functions (Dash board tell tales etc.) built into the van by Ford to work, coding is required. On older models this may only be automatic PDC cut off but as the models get newer more sophisticated towing related safety functions may be built in
Known Wiring Issues
Fortunately, modern vehicle wiring is very reliable. The only fault which sometimes arises on the Custom towbar wiring, is a complete failure. Which is often due to the incorrect installation of the ECU control box in the front passenger foot well. The low level installation position means the step and therefore the electronic brain box gets a lots of water thrown at it here in the UK due to our inclement weather. Like everything electrical it does not survive getting wet. So it is really important the ECU box is installed so that any water thrown at it can drain away from it. The correct orientation is shown in the picture below. This helps to reduce the risk. But avoid driving through flood water as even if the water level is low the step will get flooded. Remember water damage is not covered by the warranty offered on this product or any electrical products for that matter!
For detailed fitting instructions for the various Towbar wiring kits to fit the Ford Transit Custom please select your towbar wiring kit and click on the view fitting instructions link found in the product description.