Tow bar requires programming???

[LemmingRush]

I told my dad I'd install the factory trailering package (tow bar) on his new GMC Terrain. I've noticed all the places that sell the OEM towing package say that "Programming is Required".

This sounds really weird, I've installed a number of these things on vehicles and usually I'm just splicing a few wires and bolting it onto the rig. Does anyone know if that means I've gotta pay GM to press some buttons and if that's true what does the programming actually do?

[The IOM Ninja]

Originally Posted by LemmingRush

I told my dad I'd install the factory trailering package (tow bar) on his new GMC Terrain. I've noticed all the places that sell the OEM towing package say that "Programming is Required".

This sounds really weird, I've installed a number of these things on vehicles and usually I'm just splicing a few wires and bolting it onto the rig. Does anyone know if that means I've gotta pay GM to press some buttons and if that's true what does the programming actually do?

I would say control stuff like the turn signals, transmission, brakes, etc but that's just a guess...

or do you mean a hitch? in which case i assume it would be BCM Programming

[GretchenGotGrowl]

Originally Posted by LemmingRush

I told my dad I'd install the factory trailering package (tow bar) on his new GMC Terrain. I've noticed all the places that sell the OEM towing package say that "Programming is Required".

This sounds really weird, I've installed a number of these things on vehicles and usually I'm just splicing a few wires and bolting it onto the rig. Does anyone know if that means I've gotta pay GM to press some buttons and if that's true what does the programming actually do?

If it is like the F150, then you have to program it to integrate with the on-board computer. This allows you to save different trailers with different gain settings, transmission cooling settings and monitor them on the screens. You can still use an aftermarket setup, you just don't get all the bells and whistles.