GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Break controller installation

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Old Apr 10, 2013 | 09:38 PM
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Break controller installation

Hi all,

Do you know of any MB dealer in PA/NJ/NY/DC/MD that would install a break controller (Tekonsha Prodigy)? My local dealer would not install it. I have also tried Pep Boys, UHaul and a couple of other local shops with no success

Thanks for your help.

Best,
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Old Apr 10, 2013 | 10:42 PM
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You can do it your self, you can get a wireless break controller, wiring where you connect is in the rear SAM unit, look for the loose female small plug (female) green wires, you connect your devise right there...
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 08:12 AM
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Isn't the plug up under the dash after late 06 builds?

If you don't want to do it yourself, then ask a few MB dealers where they send their customers.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 07:13 PM
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Thanks guys, I want to install a non-wireless break controller. I will give MB dealers a call to see which one would do this. Its a bit frustrating when they refuse to do a simple task. Last resort would be I install it myself.
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Old Apr 11, 2013 | 10:06 PM
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I am doing mine the first warm day I get in the garage.
Already have the pins, just have to find the connector and decide where I want to mount it.
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 04:23 PM
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Easy install of controller

I installed the Prodigy up under the dash, up against the center stack just below the knee air-bag. The panel you have to remove to gain access to the wiring harness, makes for a great location that is still reachable when driving and doesn’t interfere with my knees or the looks of the dash.
Didn’t spend the extra for the MB plug and pins, was able to splice it in neatly. You may also want to consider the need to replace the stock fuse located in the rear of the car for the break controller with a self resetting type. I found one at the local auto-parts store with long bladed legs that slid in replacing the fuse. I just had to slightly modify the removable fuse body to allow it to clip in.

David
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 05:16 PM
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That is what I was thinking. If I put the bracket on that panel, I don't actually drill into the dash.

I will have to see if I like it that far down. I really like it where I can get to it from the passenger seat for when my wife is driving.

I forgot about the breakers. I have them, and will just have to make a set of pigtails.
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Old Apr 12, 2013 | 09:31 PM
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Advise I have for (RostamDastan) regarding who will install the breakcontroller. I had the RV dealership install the controller in my last car (2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel). They did an ok job but was not as neat and tidy as it could have been, that is why I did it my self this time. Also you could try Camping world they should install it for a little over $100.

David
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Old Apr 13, 2013 | 10:25 AM
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If you do have someone else install it, spend the time to discuss exactly where it will go, and how the wires will be routed.

I like the ide if using the factory plug. I can almost guaranty you that an RV place will cut and splice the wires, unless you get the connector for them and ask them to use it.
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Old Apr 16, 2013 | 09:48 AM
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Originally Posted by MBfanSuperDavid
Advise I have for (RostamDastan) regarding who will install the breakcontroller. I had the RV dealership install the controller in my last car (2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel). They did an ok job but was not as neat and tidy as it could have been, that is why I did it my self this time. Also you could try Camping world they should install it for a little over $100.

David
Thanks for the advice. I will check them out.
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Old May 16, 2013 | 10:49 PM
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Update: I found a dealer in Arlington, VA that would do the install! (well, partial install at the least). I could not install the controller under the dash due to the knee airbag, and installing it on the dash was a big no-no with my wife (she drives the car daily). So I decided to install it where the cup holders are.

I asked the dealer to extend the wiring to under the dash (see the green connector under the dash in the image attached). I then asked a local metal shop to build me an aluminum plate with notches for velcro straps to fasten the plate to the bars on the sides of the cup holders (see the other images attached). Then I attached the controller's metal bracket to the aluminum plate with nus and bolts, and attached the controller to the bracket. Lastly, I had to plug in the controller's connector to the connector under the dash.

The good thing with this set up is that everything can be removed when the break controller is not in use (except for the green connector under the dash), and there is no drilling the dash.
Attached Thumbnails Break controller installation-photo.jpg   Break controller installation-photo-1-.jpg   Break controller installation-photo-2-.jpg   Break controller installation-photo-3-.jpg   Break controller installation-photo-4-.jpg  

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Old May 16, 2013 | 10:51 PM
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Forgot to mention the controller is Prodigy P3.
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