Sorento TSA 'fighting'

Trini
Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
edited November 2016 in Towcars & Towing #1

We have a 2015 Sorento and tow a 1450kg single axle Elddis Affinity which has towing stability control fitted.

On 2 occassions recently we have experienced snaking. Once on the A1 & on the M62. Both road surfaces  were reasonable not rutted.

 

I am wondering if I should turn off the TSA on the car as this maybe fighting against the IDC on the caravan?

 

I used to tow with an Insignia and never had any snaking.

 

I wasnt speeding on either occassion.

 

Thanks. Andrew.

 

Comments

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #2

    I asked the same question quite a few months ago and the answers sort of reinforced my thinking that it should not conflict.

    Both work on the same principle using 'yaw' sensors for sideways motion, TSA for the car which acts on individual wheels and ATC for the caravan braking both wheels. ATC should trigger first as the sway would be more prominant
    than the cars and should react first, only if the sway got so bad that it adversely affected the cars motion would TSA kick in. 

    I personally would not switch the cars TSA off as it would have to be quite bad snaking for it to come into use, and the ATC should have corrected it way before that happening.

  • Metheven
    Metheven Club Member Posts: 3,987 ✭✭✭
    1,500 Likes 1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #3

    Got timed out, but if your cars TSA did come in while the caravans ATC was applying the brakes, I believe it would compliment rather than oppose.

    Obviously an opinion and not based on anything else, so read it just as that Smile

  • jeffcc
    jeffcc Forum Participant Posts: 430
    edited November 2016 #4

    Not sure about the Sorento but a lot of modern cars(if so equipped) have to be programmed to know its towing a trailer, so as to alter the stability programmes functions when hooked up. It will also not do this if a bypass type wiring harness has been fitted and not a genuine factory one. ( This could be your issue)?

  • Trini
    Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
    edited November 2016 #5

    Thanks for the responses. Seems my theory is wide of the mark.

    Jeff, I had the towbar fitted by Kia dealer as otherwise the warranty could be voided.

  • Stevesie
    Stevesie Forum Participant Posts: 73
    edited November 2016 #6

    Just a thought about turning the TSA off.  When I picked up my last company car (Beemer) the salesman was showing me how to turn off the stability support, but suggested that doing so could void my insurance if it was considered to have had an influence
    in any event leading to an accident.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,581 ✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments Photogenic
    edited November 2016 #7

    Just a thought about turning the TSA off.  When I picked up my last company car (Beemer) the salesman was showing me how to turn off the stability support, but suggested that doing so could void my insurance if it was considered to have had an influence in any event leading to an accident.

    I think he was trying to frighten you as there will not be any specific exclusion of this. Policies do require you to take reasonable care but I doubt turning it off would be a breach but it is a point although the premium might take account of it being fitted.

  • Trini
    Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
    edited November 2016 #8

    A possible point to be remembered and most helpful.

    It seems that my theory as to a possible conflict of the 2 safety systems is unfoundered.

    I emailed Witterhoff as we also experienced sharp 'knocking' noises when towing and they kindly sent me a new pair of hitch pads so we will see how things go when we're away again at Christmas.

  • jeffcc
    jeffcc Forum Participant Posts: 430
    edited November 2016 #9

    Bit of a late response, However just because the towbar was fitted at your dealer? ( they usually farm this work out to an independant specialist) Does not mean, (as a lot of people on here have found.) That it was wired correctly. Mine for example was fitted
    by vauxhall when i bought the car and they messed up the wiring!!  Which i put correct myself. (ex Bosch automotive technical instructor) So it may well still be worth getting checked. Good luck and hope you get sorted.

  • Trini
    Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
    edited November 2016 #10

    Thanks Jeffcc The dealer did fit the tow bar however they did wire incorrectly as we found that the reversing lights on the van didnt work when hooked up.

    Im not sure tho (please educate me) how incoorect wiring could effect towing?

  • jeffcc
    jeffcc Forum Participant Posts: 430
    edited November 2016 #11

    The trailer connections can be wired one of two ways either via the vehicles dedicated wiring harness(if fitted) or with what is called a bypass system( which uses a control unit to bypass the canbus system) If the vehicle harness is used then the vehicle
    will either a: recognise that the trailer is coupled and alter the stability programme accordingly or b: it will have to be programmed to tell it to look for the trailer when coupled. If a bypass system is fitted then it is unlikley the vehicle will be able
    to tell that you now have a trailer coupled and therefore not activate the trailer stability system.

    The TSA is generally not a seperate programme but more an adjustment of the vehicles standard stability programme to a ccount for the different forces applied by the trailer. Hope that helps.

  • jeffcc
    jeffcc Forum Participant Posts: 430
    edited November 2016 #12

    My current vehicles wiring was installed by the dealer and as soon as i picked it up i noticed the trailer stability light was not illuminating when coupled to trailer, a quick check revealed they had indeed used a bypass system, so i took it back and told
    them to rewire with the factory harness and then everything functioned correctly.

  • bogwort47
    bogwort47 Forum Participant Posts: 9
    edited December 2016 #13

    Hi 

    UKSorento.com is a Forum dedicated to the UK Kia Sorento from 2002 onwards.  It has a dedicated towing section and I feel that you might get some more focussed responses there.

    The Forum is Free. Just register and ask away...

    OK?

    Regards

Categories