How to Use the Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights on a 2022 Volkswagen ID.4

Updated 12/09/2022 | Published 12/04/2022

Question:

I believe I have the same problem discussed in the post entitled: Why Will the Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights not Work on a Couple of my Trucks. Ive used Hopkins wireless lights on my Subaru Outback for years with no issues. I recently purchased a VW ID.4 Pro S AWD and installed the necessary pieces to hook up the wireless transmitter Pollak Replacement 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket - Vehicle End Item # PK11893 and Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter Item # PK12716 but when I plug it in and turn on the lights, nothing. The car does not see that anything has been connected to the wiring harness. Using a wiring harness tester, the wiring appears to work as expected and the car sees it since it gives me a message about the back up warnings being turned off. Ive also hooked up the ID.4 to my neighbors trailer that has wired lights and all works as expected. So how do I get the wireless system to work with the ID.4? Adding resistors? Are there instructions for doing so somewhere? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Lawrence R

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are plugging the Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights # C6304 into the 4-way on your 2022 Volkswagen ID.4. There are some vehicles that do not sense the lights because they do not draw enough power. This would explain why everything works with your neighbors trailer connected. The trailer is pulling enough for your vehicle to sense it.

The Hopkins Magnetic Tow Lights # C6304 has a transmitting distance of 65'. The easiest way to correct this would be to connect the transmitter to the vehicle doing the towing, rather than your ID.4. The transmitter would then be powered by the towing vehicle and send the signal to the lights on your ID.4.

expert reply by: Scott S