Oris-matic swiveling tow bar not releasing

[graemesp]

Hi

live in New Zealand and have a 2014 ML350 that is factory fitted with an oris-matic semi electric swiveling tow bar. The problem is that the tow bar will no longer release and remains in the retracted position. I believe the problem is mechanical rather than electrical , probably suffering from internal corrosion possible lack of use has helped this. Removal of a plastic cap did reveal some rusty water. The problem is further complicated because you cannot remove it from the vehicle while it is in the retracted position as one of the securing bolts hits the arm of the tow bar.

I have attempted to contact Oris and their parent company ACPS Automotive asking for some schematics and assistance, despite doing this a number of times I have had no response. The local Mercedes agents only know how to fit them so they aren't much help either. I have searched the web and there is literally no information out there.

I find it particularly annoying that these companies who are ISO accredited hide behind their website and not respond. If somebody out there can assist in anyway it would be appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[MJJ]

I have looked on the Mercedes electronic parts catalogue, and the towbar assembly is not shown in detail on there alas - the whole assembly, including mounting steelwork, is just shown as one part.

I don't know the ML towbar set-up, but usually an electrically deployable towbar will be deployed by an electric motor and gearbox combination, and controlled by a control module fed by microswitches so it knows when the ball is safely stowed, or deployed. If you can hear the mechanism trying to deploy, then I would have thought a little manual pulling/pushing/helping may free it from wherever the corrosion is. If you can hear no efforts to deploy, I would expect the microswitches to be an issue - if the control module cannot determine the start position of the ball, it won't know what action to perform. Liberal spraying of contact cleaner into the switches you can access, and disconnect/reconnect any electrical plugs you can get at to try and remove any pin corrosion.

Another possible route would be an Oris certified/approved towbar supplier. I would expect them to have better access to schematics and technical support from Oris.

Martin.

 

[graemesp]

I have looked on the Mercedes electronic parts catalogue, and the towbar assembly is not shown in detail on there alas - the whole assembly, including mounting steelwork, is just shown as one part.

I don't know the ML towbar set-up, but usually an electrically deployable towbar will be deployed by an electric motor and gearbox combination, and controlled by a control module fed by microswitches so it knows when the ball is safely stowed, or deployed. If you can hear the mechanism trying to deploy, then I would have thought a little manual pulling/pushing/helping may free it from wherever the corrosion is. If you can hear no efforts to deploy, I would expect the microswitches to be an issue - if the control module cannot determine the start position of the ball, it won't know what action to perform. Liberal spraying of contact cleaner into the switches you can access, and disconnect/reconnect any electrical plugs you can get at to try and remove any pin corrosion.

Another possible route would be an Oris certified/approved towbar supplier. I would expect them to have better access to schematics and technical support from Oris.

Martin.

Hi Martin, thank you for your reply. I have pretty much tried what you have suggested. I don't think there is an electric motor involved simply an electrically/magnetic operated pawl as once its released it just drops down and then has to be lifted into place. I would be very surprised if there is an Oris installer in New Zealand. Subsequent to my posting I received an email from ACPS automotive telling me to see my Mercedes dealer - not all helpful.

If and when I find a solution I will repost.

Cheers

Graeme

 

[Connoisseur]

Might be zero help to you, but this auction has photos of the entire assembly off the car...

MERCEDES E CLASS W213 ORIS RETRACTABLE ELECTRIC TOW BAR SWIVEL 2012-2017 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MERCEDES E CLASS W213 ORIS RETRACTABLE ELECTRIC TOW BAR SWIVEL 2012-2017 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Benzowner]

Have you tried the ever faithful WD40?

 

[graemesp]

Might be zero help to you, but this auction has photos of the entire assembly off the car...

MERCEDES E CLASS W213 ORIS RETRACTABLE ELECTRIC TOW BAR SWIVEL 2012-2017 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MERCEDES E CLASS W213 ORIS RETRACTABLE ELECTRIC TOW BAR SWIVEL 2012-2017 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Thank you , the pictured model is very similar to mine, and I suspect would operate on the same principle, if I new how to disassemble the swiveling knuckle I would be half there.

 

[suty455]

Thank you , the pictured model is very similar to mine, and I suspect would operate on the same principle, if I new how to disassemble the swiveling knuckle I would be half there.

My Previous car a Skoda Superb Estate which very heavily plagiarises the E class in its design size and features had exactly the same towball system fitted it was released by a switch in the boot, you may get a bit more information from Skoda or from a Skoda forum

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[clubadria]

Would you not be better trying to remove the bumper, Then it should reveal everything.

 

[graemesp]

My Previous car a Skoda Superb Estate which very heavily plagiarises the E class in its design size and features had exactly the same towball system fitted it was released by a switch in the boot, you may get a bit more information from Skoda or from a Skoda forum

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Thank you, my web searches have uncovered a number of European vehicles - VW, BMW, Porsche, Skoda etc that use these but can't find and exploded view anywhere. I can remove my rear bumper (looks like a horrible job) and then remove the entire assembly but I was hoping not to do that.

 

[Delboy0127]

Hi

live in New Zealand and have a 2014 ML350 that is factory fitted with an oris-matic semi electric swiveling tow bar. The problem is that the tow bar will no longer release and remains in the retracted position. I believe the problem is mechanical rather than electrical , probably suffering from internal corrosion possible lack of use has helped this. Removal of a plastic cap did reveal some rusty water. The problem is further complicated because you cannot remove it from the vehicle while it is in the retracted position as one of the securing bolts hits the arm of the tow bar.

I have attempted to contact Oris and their parent company ACPS Automotive asking for some schematics and assistance, despite doing this a number of times I have had no response. The local Mercedes agents only know how to fit them so they aren't much help either. I have searched the web and there is literally no information out there.

I find it particularly annoying that these companies who are ISO accredited hide behind their website and not respond. If somebody out there can assist in anyway it would be appreciated.

Thank you.

S 213 E220d estate 2017 with factory fit Retractable Tow Ball fitted Collected caravan out of storage Tow ball deployed and returned no problem Took caravan off car onto drive at home Tow ball retracted no problem. Just come out side to connect caravan to car Towball will not deploy Tried assisting with hand nothing Red light on switch in tali gate lighting red When operating switch noise inside tow br but not deploying. Have same problem did you resolve ?

 

[Smiley]

He was last seen on here April 2021 so unlikely to respond to you. You may be better starting a new thread.
I have the same oris electric towbar and have thought that it's exposure to the elements makes it a candidate for an electrical failure - an old fashioned manually removeable bar would be infinitely more reliable and preferable.
If you have not tried already I would have a look at the retracted bar under the car and try spraying penetrating oil around it - maybe give it a couple of taps with a mallet. Once it is out don't put it back without giving it a good clean and lube.

 

[Delboy0127]

He was last seen on here April 2021 so unlikely to respond to you. You may be better starting a new thread.
I have the same oris electric towbar and have thought that it's exposure to the elements makes it a candidate for an electrical failure - an old fashioned manually removeable bar would be infinitely more reliable and preferable.
If you have not tried already I would have a look at the retracted bar under the car and try spraying penetrating oil around it - maybe give it a couple of taps with a mallet. Once it is out don't put it back without giving it a good clean and lube.

Hi removed bumper lubricated every part visible
Advised by other members no serviceable parts or repair available, factory fit bar removed and Swan-neck detachable fitted problem resolved. No other answer I am afraid .

 

[Smiley]

That's terrible. Out of interest how did you deal with the electrics? Did you splice into the wiring and add a new socket?

 

[Delboy0127]

That's terrible. Out of interest how did you deal with the electrics? Did you splice into the wiring and add a new socket?

Hi
I am sorry a professional company did it I have no idea We are Away with the car now towing very good in fact excellent
I have a tow ball check lock warning on the dash that comes on each time together with a small tow ball picture that is on all the time Also the tow ball operating switches one on drivers door and one on tailgate have very small red lights that keep flashing even with ignition off and door locked Any one any ideas how to correct this problem ?
My major concern is had this happened on site abroad it would have been much more to difficult to resolve I had no prior warning of failure at all

 

[Delboy0127]

Detachable Tow bar fitted excellent problem solved.
Dash warning message now comes on each time start car TRAILER COUPLING CHECK LOCK also operating Switches from previous factory fit retractable on drivers door and tailgate have small red flashing light on all the time Ignition on or off. Any suggestions how these are removed please.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Detachable Tow bar fitted excellent problem solved.
Dash warning message now comes on each time start car TRAILER COUPLING CHECK LOCK also operating Switches from previous factory fit retractable on drivers door and tailgate have small red flashing light on all the time Ignition on or off. Any suggestions how these are removed please.

It sounds like the car needs to be updated or “coded” using STAR, to make it forget that the swivel towbar was installed, and know that it has a removable towbar fitted.

Reputable tow bar specialists can usually do this type of coding, so it’s worth asking the fitter to take a look, or if you did it yourself then call a few fitters.

Failing that then a Mercedes main dealer or Mercedes marque specialist should be able to do it; but it may take them a while as they don’t do it every day like fitters do.

 

[Delboy0127]

It sounds like the car needs to be updated or “coded” using STAR, to make it forget that the swivel towbar was installed, and know that it has a removable towbar fitted.

Reputable tow bar specialists can usually do this type of coding, so it’s worth asking the fitter to take a look, or if you did it yourself then call a few fitters.

Failing that then a Mercedes main dealer or Mercedes marque specialist should be able to do it; but it may take them a while as they don’t do it every day like fitters do.

Yes that is how I am thinking that you for reply

 

[Overoe]

Hi

live in New Zealand and have a 2014 ML350 that is factory fitted with an oris-matic semi electric swiveling tow bar. The problem is that the tow bar will no longer release and remains in the retracted position. I believe the problem is mechanical rather than electrical , probably suffering from internal corrosion possible lack of use has helped this. Removal of a plastic cap did reveal some rusty water. The problem is further complicated because you cannot remove it from the vehicle while it is in the retracted position as one of the securing bolts hits the arm of the tow bar.

I have attempted to contact Oris and their parent company ACPS Automotive asking for some schematics and assistance, despite doing this a number of times I have had no response. The local Mercedes agents only know how to fit them so they aren't much help either. I have searched the web and there is literally no information out there.

I find it particularly annoying that these companies who are ISO accredited hide behind their website and not respond. If somebody out there can assist in anyway it would be appreciated.

Thank you.

Hello Sir. I have 2015 M class with a very similar problem with my towbar. How did this story end?

Regards Overoe from Norway

 

[Delboy0127]

Hello Sir. I have 2015 M class with a very similar problem with my towbar. How did this story end?

Regards Overoe from Norway

Hi
Advised no maintenance required no serviceable parts available Advised by Mercedes replace tow bar with same Yes did that threw Mercedes deployable towbar away Had swan neck detachable fitted Wiring was removed from existing 13 pin plug and wired direct into new 13 pin socket Job done
Have message on dash each time ignition is turned on Been into Mercedes onto star they were unable to remove message Still have message anyone any ideas how to remove Main dealership couldn’t remove it

 

[Overoe]

Thanks for info.
Sad story!
I will see what I can do and post it here, maybe to help others with same issue.
Have a nice dag!!

Regards Overoe