Detachable towbar won’t connect? Quick fixes that work
Watch our quick how-to video
Introduction
If your detachable towbar will not lock, will not click in, or will not seat in the receiver, you are not alone. The usual causes are simple to fix at home. This guide and video show the checks to preset the neck, clean the socket, align everything correctly, and confirm a safe lock. Do not force the mechanism. A correct fit should click, lock with the key, and the indicator should confirm it.
Use the quick list below for the fast version, then follow the step by step. If the neck still will not connect after these checks, stop and book a quick inspection at our workshop.
At a glance
- Preset the neck off the car so the locking pins hold open
- Clean the receiver socket and the neck so grit does not block the pins
- Offer the neck up square to the socket, keep the collar fully back, insert firmly
- Turn the key to lock, check the visual indicator, and do a firm tug test
Step by step: how to fix a detachable towbar that won’t connect
- Preset the neck off the vehicle.
Turn the key to unlock. Pull and twist the collar fully until it clicks into the open or “insert” position so the locking pins stay retracted. If the pins pop back out, repeat until it holds open. - Clean the receiver and the neck.
Remove any bung from the socket. Wipe inside the receiver and the neck to remove dirt or light corrosion. A small amount of water-displacing spray can help free sticky parts. Do not over-lubricate friction surfaces. - Offer up square, then insert.
Hold the neck square to the socket. Keep the collar fully back as you insert, then release so the mechanism can engage with a positive click. - Lock and check.
Turn the key to lock and remove it. Check the visual indicator where fitted and perform a firm tug test up and side to side. There should be no movement in the neck. - If it still will not seat, stop.
Do not use tools or hammer the neck. Book a quick inspection so we can reset and test it safely.
FAQs
Why will my detachable towbar not connect
The most common reasons are: the neck is not preset open, the neck is not square to the receiver, or grit in the socket blocks the locking pins. Preset the neck, clean both parts, and try again square to the receiver.
How do I preset the neck correctly
With the neck off the car, turn the key to unlock. Pull and twist the collar until it clicks and the pins stay retracted. The neck is now in the open or insert position and ready to fit.
How do I know it is safely locked
You should hear or feel a positive click as the mechanism engages. Turn the key to the lock position and remove it. Where fitted, the visual indicator should confirm lock. Finish with a firm tug test up and side to side.
The key will not turn or will not come out
Remove the neck and preset it again. The key will only lock and release correctly when the mechanism is fully engaged. If it still will not turn, stop and book a check.
The green indicator will not show locked
Remove the neck, preset it so the pins hold open, clean the receiver, and try again square to the socket. If the indicator still will not show, do not tow until it has been inspected.
Need a hand setting it up. Our technicians can inspect, reset, and test your detachable system, then show you the routine so it connects first time.