fhpski

I enjoyed your write up on the hitch install!
Could you copy the instructions and post them or email them to me.
I found a hitch on ebay but no instructions or mounting hardware. I am looking to see if I can buy else where.
Thanks if you can post the instruction sheets.

mksap11

You're missing the equipment stack which would explain why your layout doesn't match the picture.

<img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u55/mksap11/Q7/IMG_5262.jpg">

<img src="http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u55/mksap11/Q7/IMG_5263.jpg">

rich4848

is 4L0092101U the only thing you need to buy in addition to the new bumper cover plate. i was told by one audi dealer that you had to buy a seperate wire harness and module as well. i just purchased an 08 4.2 s-line

Poncherelly

Hey guys, I've installed the hitch on my 2010 Q5 including the control module and now get ESP errors. Others in the Q5 forum are seeing the same thing and I was wondering if the Q7 guys are getting the same? If so, does anyone know of what needs to be done? I've VAG'd my car in the cent elect. to show it has a hitch, but the error remains.

Any helf would be great.
Thanks

rmbrownii

Do you have a finished product with the wiring installed? Where did you put it?

Poncherelly

Not sure if this is for me but Yes I installed everything. OEM hitch, wiring and control box. The control box is installed behind the right rear panel similar to the Q7 and I had to buy a new bracket to mount it with. Physically everything is as it should be, electronically or sftware configuration wise is where I'm having difficulty. I sat in the Q5 last night and went through each screen with my VAG cable and found 4 spots to configure the computer ... I'm heading down to the car now to test to see if my problem remains.

TJK

Just got the retro kit from Benzel Busch. Very good pricing. I am very happy I got the OEM and not Curt - OEM is extremely heavy duty, and comes complete with all the mounting stuff and electronic controller. I may try to tackle install this weekend.

By the earlier posts, it looks like I will need to VAG the computer to recognize the brake light/directional controller module. Is that correct?

Poncherelly

If it's anything like the Q5 then yes. There are 4 areas to code the computer using your VAG cable. The ABS section on the Q% is security coded so you mihgt not be able to get to that. Of course my experience is that of the Q5 so if I'm wrong I hope someone chimes in quickly. If the Q7 instal is similar to the Q5 then this document might help: http://thecarpentiers.homelinux.com/...and_codes.docx

TJK

Great post - was very helpful today installing my new hitch. Didn't have time to complete the electrical - got stuck on how to get out the right rear floor support piece that is right over the Nav unit - this blocks install of the controller box over the Nav/dvd unit and blocks access to wiring to find a ground screw.

A couple more tips for anyone else attempting this:

1. The new wire harness rubber grommet goes in a hole in the floor pan, just behind the pass side rear wheel. I had to pull up on the new grommet/seal plug and pull it up a little past the rubber wire harness insulation to get it to reach.

2. I didn't have to detach the electrical connectors to the bumper cover - just carefully laid it to the right side on some blankets, and worked carefully installing the hitch.

3. The 4 recessed 10mm nuts holding the bumper on are definitely a challenge. I used a magnetized mechanic's pick up tool to very carefully get the nuts off after loosening them completely. Putting them back, I used a tiny bit of that sticky poster tack stuff that lets you hang posters without tacks. I stuck it inside the socket to keep the 10 mm nut from falling off. Don't use too much or the socket head will pull off and get stuck in the hole. You must have a deep socket for this job - as deep as you can find, and extensions.

4. Use a wire or the mechanic's pick up tool to fish the wire to the trailer harness from up thru the hole in the floor pan and into the area where it connects to the controller box. In my Q7, that area is very crowded with wiring and would have been impossible to find w/o the fish tool.

TJK

Also - I installed my filler panel (panel that frames around hitch opening) with the bumper still not attached. It's probably possbile to attach this after the bumper is reinstalled by working it around the hitch, but it's quite fiddly and delicate - probably best to fit it up while the bumper cover is off or loose.