Towball cannot be installed

Constantinos · Mar 10th, 2022, 00:14

Hi everyone.
I'm faced with a peculiar problem.
I can't seem to attach the towball to the towbar.
They are both original and of the same make from Volvo however, I just can't figure it out.
I have tried with the owner's manual, with the instructions on the removable floorpad, but still, to no avail.
Someone, please help me!

SwissXC90 · Mar 10th, 2022, 06:32

I have a 2009 XC90 with the original detachable tow ball.

Make sure the tow bar receptible on the vehicle is clean and free from dirt and rust, so that the tow ball slides in easily.

Make sure the moving parts of the tow ball are clean and free of dirt. A spray and wipe over with CRC or WD40 works well.

When you insert it, you have to give a good solid push and then you will hear it click as the locking mechanism engages. The indicator changes from red to green. If it stays red, the locking mechanism has not engaged.

Constantinos · Mar 10th, 2022, 20:42

Hi there.
Thanks for your response.
The actual towbar is a little rusty since the guard plug was stolen many years ago.
However, when inserting the towball, it seems to angle down a bit when looking from the bottom.
Is this normal?

reggit · Mar 11th, 2022, 18:57

Sounds like the same tow ball as on my V70. I found the unused for 10 years receptacle had a layer of rust that prevented the tow ball locking in place.
I took the receptacle off the car and gave it a good de-rusting with a wire brush, works perfectly now.

Constantinos · Mar 14th, 2022, 22:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by reggit

Sounds like the same tow ball as on my V70. I found the unused for 10 years receptacle had a layer of rust that prevented the tow ball locking in place.
I took the receptacle off the car and gave it a good de-rusting with a wire brush, works perfectly now.

So, do I need to take off the whole towbar?

SwissXC90 · Mar 15th, 2022, 06:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Constantinos

So, do I need to take off the whole towbar?

No. Just wire-brush the inside surfaces where the the tow ball goes it.
Once clean and dry, a spray of WD40 will help to ensure everything moves smoothly.

The tow ball should slide in easily.

wynnj · Mar 15th, 2022, 11:25

Have you made sure that the locking mechanism on the detachable part is working correctly and not corroded internally?

Constantinos · Mar 15th, 2022, 16:39

Do you mean the tow ball
If so, I should tell you that it has never been used and has never been put on the car in 16 years
It even still has the blue bag

wynnj · Mar 15th, 2022, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Constantinos

Do you mean the tow ball
If so, I should tell you that it has never been used and has never been put on the car in 16 years
It even still has the blue bag

Yes. Can you upload some photos of your particular towbar, in particular the locking/ release mechanism? They might help members give help for your specific model.

allplayandnowork · Mar 24th, 2022, 10:29

I have a similar issue with mine, I only use it a couple of times a year and each time it seems impossible to get it to fit, I know that I must have figured it out last time but each time I do it I have forgotten the knack and it just sits there limply!.

'Priming' the ball bit is key and the instructions don't make any sense to me, I end up trying the key in both positions, push the switch in hard (against the floor) and twist until it clicks.

Once it is 'primed' it needs jamming in the car, that triggers a spring and it clicks in place, you don't need to twist the lever or use the key to get it to engage.

Hope that makes sense

Mar 10th, 2022, 00:14	#1
Constantinos Member Last Online: Yesterday 11:40 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: London	Towball cannot be installed Hi everyone. I'm faced with a peculiar problem. I can't seem to attach the towball to the towbar. They are both original and of the same make from Volvo however, I just can't figure it out. I have tried with the owner's manual, with the instructions on the removable floorpad, but still, to no avail. Someone, please help me!

Mar 10th, 2022, 06:32	#2
SwissXC90 Premier Member Last Online: Mar 20th, 2024 18:26 Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Cross Country	I have a 2009 XC90 with the original detachable tow ball. Make sure the tow bar receptible on the vehicle is clean and free from dirt and rust, so that the tow ball slides in easily. Make sure the moving parts of the tow ball are clean and free of dirt. A spray and wipe over with CRC or WD40 works well. When you insert it, you have to give a good solid push and then you will hear it click as the locking mechanism engages. The indicator changes from red to green. If it stays red, the locking mechanism has not engaged. __________________ XC90 R-Design MY2009, Black Sapphire Metallic. HP-Sound, RSE, Nav, Tel, ParkingCam, BLIS, ParkingHeater, RestHeat, Removable Towbar, Summer: CRATUS 20x8 on Pirelli Scorpion Zeros 255/45, Winter: NEPTUNE 17x7 on Continental WinterContact 4x4 235/65.

Mar 11th, 2022, 18:57	#4
reggit Premier Member Last Online: May 3rd, 2024 15:57 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Preston	Sounds like the same tow ball as on my V70. I found the unused for 10 years receptacle had a layer of rust that prevented the tow ball locking in place. I took the receptacle off the car and gave it a good de-rusting with a wire brush, works perfectly now. __________________ 2009 Volvo V70 D5 (Polestar 225bhp) r-design 180,000 miles

Mar 10th, 2022, 20:42	#3
Constantinos Member Last Online: Yesterday 11:40 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: London	Hi there. Thanks for your response. The actual towbar is a little rusty since the guard plug was stolen many years ago. However, when inserting the towball, it seems to angle down a bit when looking from the bottom. Is this normal?

Mar 15th, 2022, 11:25	#7
wynnj Master Member Last Online: May 3rd, 2024 22:56 Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Sandhurst	Have you made sure that the locking mechanism on the detachable part is working correctly and not corroded internally?

Mar 15th, 2022, 16:39	#8
Constantinos Member Last Online: Yesterday 11:40 Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: London	Do you mean the tow ball If so, I should tell you that it has never been used and has never been put on the car in 16 years It even still has the blue bag

Mar 24th, 2022, 10:29	#10
allplayandnowork Junior Member Last Online: Jul 15th, 2023 23:32 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Thanet	I have a similar issue with mine, I only use it a couple of times a year and each time it seems impossible to get it to fit, I know that I must have figured it out last time but each time I do it I have forgotten the knack and it just sits there limply!. 'Priming' the ball bit is key and the instructions don't make any sense to me, I end up trying the key in both positions, push the switch in hard (against the floor) and twist until it clicks. Once it is 'primed' it needs jamming in the car, that triggers a spring and it clicks in place, you don't need to twist the lever or use the key to get it to engage. Hope that makes sense

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)