Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Owners Manual: Mechanically positioned ball coupling

Fig. 107 Swivelling out the ball coupling

First read and observe the introductory information and safety warnings 

In the rear bumper there is a ball coupling for the towing bracket which can be swivelled out when needed. The ball coupling cannot be removed.

Swivelling out the ball coupling

• Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake   .

• Switch off the engine.

• Open the tailgate.

• Ensure that nobody is located in the path of the moving ball coupling  , and pull the handle ① until the ball coupling begins to move.

• Once the ball coupling has been rotated into position, allow the handle to return slowly to its initial position.

• When the ball coupling has been swivelled into position but has not clicked into place, the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle flashes red.

• Keep swivelling the ball coupling until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle lights up green.

• Close the tailgate.

• If a dust cap has been fitted to the ball coupling, remove it and stow it in a safe place before attaching a trailer.

The trailer socket is located on the left of the mechanically positioned ball coupling.

The indicator lamp ③ will light up only when the tailgate is open.

Swivelling in the ball coupling

• Bring the vehicle to a standstill and apply the electronic parking brake   .

• Switch off the engine.

• Put the dust cap (if there is one) on the ball coupling.

• If used, remove the adapter from the trailer socket.

• Open the tailgate.

• Ensure that nobody is located in the path of the moving ball coupling  , and pull the handle ① until the ball coupling begins to move.

• Allow the handle to return slowly to its initial position.

• When the ball coupling has been swivelled into position but has not clicked into place, the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle flashes red.

• Swivel the ball coupling into the bumper until you hear and feel it click into place and the indicator lamp ③ next to the handle lights up green.

• Close the tailgate.

WARNING

Improper use of the towing bracket can cause injury and accidents.

• Make sure that no people, animals or items are in the path of the ball coupling.

• Never interrupt the ball coupling, for example with tools, when it is swivelling.

• Do not use the towing bracket if the indicator lamp   is not lit up green.

• If the ball coupling will not engage properly, do not use the towing bracket. Have it checked by a qualified workshop.

• Never operate the handle   if there is a load on the ball coupling.

• If the smallest diameter on the ball coupling is smaller than 49 mm, do not use the towing bracket.

NOTICE

Do not aim a high-pressure cleaner or steam cleaner directly at the mechanically positioned ball coupling or the fitted trailer socket. This can damage seals or wash off the grease required for lubrication.

Questions & answers

Mechanically positioned ball coupling — Volkswagen Golf Mk7

How do I swivel out the Golf Mk7 tow ball?

The ball coupling is stored in the rear bumper. To deploy it, release the catch, swing the coupling out until it locks in the towing position, and verify it is fully engaged.

Can the Golf Mk7 tow ball be removed completely?

No. The mechanically positioned ball coupling swivels in and out of the bumper but cannot be detached from the vehicle.

Is the Golf Mk7 tow ball visible when stored?

When swivelled back into the bumper, the ball coupling sits behind a cover and is largely hidden, maintaining the clean rear-end appearance.