2017 Kuga Towbar Electrics

JSG,  there have been numerous posts about problems with Kuga electrics, but I can't find the link. The search processes on this web site are awful, and that's putting it mildly. Perhaps others that have had similar problems, or a better memory than me, can point you in the right direction.

Sorry, no idea about Kuga electrics but a buzzer is not a requirement, you just need to be made aware that a trailer indicator is inoperative & that can be by rapidly flashing remaining indicators in the same way as your car would warn you of a failed indicator bulb when solo.

PS I have no faith in the NTTA lot as when I complained to them that my local NTTA towbar fitter had drilled my car to fit an earth point instead of using a factory earth point 18" away, the person I spoke to couldn't have been any less helpful if he'd tried and couldn't see why drilling my car might have been a problem. 

My son in law, also a caravanner and Ford Kuga driver, has had several Fords as he is a high mileage driver. He has always had tow gear fitted by Ford dealer and they always have to down load an update to the engine management.  Take it to a Ford main dealer, the repeater light should be on the dashboard display.

I tow with a Kuga. I had a local tow bar fitter fit my tow bar. He was recommended by the Ford dealer when I purchased the car. All the lights work OK and I get a buzzer from the indicators. Because it was not factory fitted my reversing sensors sound as soon as I engage reverse and the Ford trailer control function doesn't work. When I had the car serviced at my Ford dealer I asked them to upgrade it all and change the software settings but they said it was not possible. I'm really pleased with the Kuga and don't see any need for the trailer control and I just ignore the reversing sensors. Like most modern SUVs I find the fridge and caravan battery charging is poor. I don't know if the factory fitted electrics would be any better in this respect.

I tow with a 2016 Kuga, with factory fitted towbar. Everything operates as normal when hitched up, except the reversing sensors are deactivated. No buzzer.

A buzzer is not required .. though some would like to think it is .. your car just needs to show you that an indicator isn't working eg by rapid flashing of indicators

It sounds like it has been fitted without using the vehicle specific wiring loom (VSK). They cost £100 so some fitters don’t use but in reality they should 

We tow with a Kuga, not experienced any of the OP's problems but ours was fitted with a Ford wiring loom which I believe sorts out these problems especially the rear sensors. 

If you go aftermarket towbar there are two types of electrics, generally speaking.

Manufacturers and Relay Box.

On today's cars I would avoid the Relay type. Cheapest option mind.

If you can warrant the huge extra expense, get a dealer/manufacturer fit. I know it's a rip off, but everything works as it should, including the cars extra towing functions.

No buzzer in my car (Audi) a second green repeater represents the trailer/caravan.

Cars are so complicated now, breaking into the wiring can have all sorts of hidden consequences.

They are called dedicated wiring harness and made to match the vehicle they are going to be fitted to. This should give all the correct functions required but some vehicles will need a reprogram of the software which a good towbar company will do as part of the price.