Before the journey
Mechanically positioned ball coupling
In this manual: Before the journey
~3min read

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.
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.Test yourself
A quick Volkswagen Golf quiz: every answer comes with an explanation and a link to the manual page.
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