Where does the parktronic cable harness pick up its power from in the E500? I installed an aftermarket backup sensor and tapped into the backup light in the taillight lamp support. It occurs to me that there may be an existing parktronic cable connector that is included in all E500s even if they are not equipped with this option. There are a few unused connectors on the left side of the trunk behind the trunk liner near the fuse block. I assumed these were for the NAV system or trunk closer. Any insight would be appreciated.

I doubt there is a PTS harness in your car or connector. The PTS system for the w211 gets power from the rear sam. Unused connecetors may be for the NAV drive, phone system, etc.. Trunk closer harness is also NOT included with your car.

If the appropriate fuse is in place, will the socket in the Rear SAM provide power when the transmission is in reverse. Or is power to the PTS socket dependent upon the Parktronic switch setting on the dash?

Which socket in the Rear SAM is designated for the PTS connector?

No, the system is CANBUS controlled so it gets power constantly no matter what position the switch is in.

Perhaps I am asking too many questions at once. It seems from your answer that the dashboard switch just controls the internal warning buzzer rather than the power to the PTS unit. I am trying to determine if there is a suitable existing power connection on the Rear SAM to power an aftermarket backup sensor. When you say the power is constant I am assuming that you mean constant after the transmission is in reverse.

When I mean constant, I mean anytime. Even with the car off. THe power is there "CONSTANT" The switch controls the system. If you press the switch, it turns the system off. Buzzer and displays but the power to the control unit remains still. I am not sure which power you can tap off of. I would suggest a factory PTS kit though. Please ask steve@mbenznl.com for a suitable kit for your car. He has kits for both front and rear and rear only. It's a much nicer kit than any aftermarket kit.

as sunman replied...the MB PTS systems have constant power (fuse 13) and use an additional relay that fits in the rear SAM...the power connector is a 2pin blue connector in the back of the rear SAM.

PTS gets its inputs through CANBUS...it will activate the rear display once it gets the reverse signal through CANBUS...no aftermarket kit will hook into that.

The dash switch sends a CANBUS signal to the PTS control module to switch it on/off.

greetingz,

Does someone know which wiring harness connects to the Parktronic switch? Car is a 2006 E320CDI

Thanks