Deleting the fault code would be my first thing as logically it would be considered a safety critical fault and they normally require such action.
From there if the fault persists then follow with whatever the actual fault code directs you to.

 

I assumed that but wanted another opinion, I'll ask to borrow my mates snap on diagnostic machine. Thanks for the reply

 

There's a basic setting that runs a test sequence/ calibration. You may need to run that if clearing the error code doesn't help.
I assume you've extended and retracted the tow ball a few times since fitting the replacement?

As you'll see a few posts down from yours, I have the same problem but since I have extended warranty I'm waiting for the dealer to look at it in a few weeks. In case they say the warranty doesn't cover a replacement tow bar, I'd be interested to know where you got yours from and how much you've paid for it?

 

Ahh thank you I shall give it ago!

It won’t extend or retract once fitted but I can hear it trying to do something, I know it works as I have seen it working.

I was lucky enough to find one on eBay for £370 I priced one up at vw and they wanted just less than £2k

 

Let us know how it goes.
I can still hear my mine trying to do something. There's always the possibility it's an electrical fault, bad connection or the control unit that lives in the boot..

 

Will do.. my mate is going to help me have a good look at it this weekend hopefully

 

So how've you got on?

 

Sorry, we tried his snap on then vcds and couldn’t get it to work he said it may need re calibrating with Odis which he doesn’t have

 

Has he tried disconnecting the tow hitch from the control unit, clearing the fault code and seeing if it remains clear with the hitch disconnected? You should still be able to address the control unit with nothing connected to it. It may complain that nothing's connected but it shouldn't complain there's a hitch lock failure.
If the error does clear with the hitch disconnected and returns when you reconnect, it would point to the replacement bar you have being faulty too. VCDS, in theory, should be able to calibrate it.
Otherwise, hopefully you can find someone with ODIS

 

I haven’t tried that but it may be worth a try to rule it out thanks. I’ll have a look at finding the module at some point

 

It's address 69, control unit J345 as below

Address 69: Trailer (J345) Labels:| 5Q0-907-383.clb
Part No SW: 4M0 907 383 F HW: 4M0 907 383 B
Component: Anhaenger H27 0253
Revision: 9A001003 Serial number: 0491348351 Dataset Number: V03935278YR 0001
Coding: 0110000202000000
Shop #: WSC 31414 030 00001
ASAM Dataset: EV_TrailFunctGener2Hella 001008
ROD: EV_TrailFunctGener2Hella_VW27.rod
VCID: 35373178E5CDB052CC5-8060

No fault code found.

 

Any joy yet mate?