Replacing backup lights
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Replacing backup lights
So I have a new set of LED bulbs to replace the dismally dim ones on the vehicle…… however, the backup lights are located on the liftgate portion of the rear light assembly and so far I have not found a way to get at them!! The owners manual does not reference changing those bulbs….so there is no schematic available. Anybody have a clue??
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Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
I was hoping you had this in mind when you ordered them. I looked at it last week and thought that it looked to be a difficult task. I certainly hope it does not involve special tools. I am still working on my White Night solution, but blew some fuses last night. Off to the auto parts store today. This is one of those situations where you keep pushing ahead and wonder why in the world you're doing it. :-)
Last edited by Steve Maislin; Jan 17, 2014 at 11:26 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
I was hoping you had this in mind when you ordered them. I looked at it last week and thought that it looked to be a difficult task. I certainly hope it does not involve special tools. I am still working on my White Night solution, but blew some fuses last night. Off to the auto parts store today. This is one of those situations where you keep pushing ahead and wonder why in the world you're doing it. :-)
Yeah….. I can see the clips that apparently hold the light assembly in place, BUT they are obviously plastic and I am hesitant to use much force in trying to release them. A reasonable "tug" did not produce results! I have a vehicle inspection appt. Feb.4……I may just wait and check with my mechanic , he will tell me what I need to do.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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GL 350 Bluetec
Back Up Lights
I'll be interested to hear what you come up with. I find the back up situation at night one of the weakest aspects of this vehicle.
BLittle - where in Central PA? I grew up 20 minutes east of State College, nearly the geographic center of the state.
BLittle - where in Central PA? I grew up 20 minutes east of State College, nearly the geographic center of the state.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Junior Member
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From: Raleigh NC
2014 GL350 , 2010 Accord V6, 40' Monaco Dynasty RV, 1971 VW Convertable
Just spoke with head tec he does not recommend replacing bulbs with LED in taillight back up.
Use an LED and stick it in the trailer hitch is a good way to light up the rear area
Use an LED and stick it in the trailer hitch is a good way to light up the rear area
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Thanks…… I'll be talking with my tech next week and see what he says as well. There has to be someway to get better light back there…..
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Tiny Ontario,Guelph Ontario
2022 SL63,2021 GLS63s,2021 GLA45
Back up lights
Maybe the answer to the White Night fuse blowing issue is to replace the 55 watt bulbs (that are drawing too much current for the fuse) with LED's
Just a tho't
JP
Just a tho't
JP
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 65
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From: Tiny Ontario,Guelph Ontario
2022 SL63,2021 GLS63s,2021 GLA45
White Night back up lights
Just heard from my dealer technician--The trailer hitch relay is 15 amps and 2 -55w halogens are about 10 amps so power draw should be ok
JP
JP
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Joined: Jun 2008
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GL
That's good news. Any chance the tech can provide a schematic for the location of an appropriate wire to tap? The "intelligent" hitch is a bizarre thing, not just simple active/ground DC.
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Tiny Ontario,Guelph Ontario
2022 SL63,2021 GLS63s,2021 GLA45
There is a Plug and Go on their website that connects in between the vehicle plug receiver and the trailer plug--a 2 lead tap--Worth the $13.99
Check the website--there are also clear wiring instructions on line.
JP
Check the website--there are also clear wiring instructions on line.
JP
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GL350
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2014 GL350; 2011 E90 M3
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From: Vancouver Canada
BMW Z4, GL350
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post5911713
Thread Starter
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
At the dealership right now......just got through talking with the head tech guy(personal friend)...... Here's the deal on the lights: The backup lights are NOT replaceable.....they are a type of "filament bulb" actually soldered to a circuit board on each side of the liftgate...as are the other ( they ARE LED ) lights in each of the units. They are designed to be "lifetime." Any attempt to change anything there will seriously screw things up! Next..... He is going to look into the White Night application and the vehicle not accepting that......he said he is not surprised.....the GL and the S Class are heavy into "logic processing". The computer rejects what doesn't precisely meet original build specs. Sadly, he also agrees the present light output of the backup bulbs is "useless." More info on the White Night when I get it........
Last edited by blittle; Feb 4, 2014 at 01:06 PM. Reason: incorrect wording!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
Tech will contact me when he gets info on the White Night application…… he is going to check and see if an easy "workaround" can be found that does not compromise the vehicle……. stay tuned! ( not expecting to hear for a day or two )
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Tiny Ontario,Guelph Ontario
2022 SL63,2021 GLS63s,2021 GLA45
Just recd the White Knight for wifes GLK- (my GL is back in Canada -I am currently in the US)-Used the "plug and play" available from the supplier--the switch for constant on works but the integration with backup light circuit does not--either the backup power is a different feed on the 7 feed plug or their is something internal preventing the power draw of the White Knight unit
JP
JP
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2012
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From: Concord, MA
2013 GL450
I posted quite a bit on this and there are a load of problems due to the logic employed in the trailer power. I gave it up. It is all in my previous postings. A $150 investment in frustration.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post5911802
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post5911802
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,653
Likes: 7
From: Central Pa.
2013 GL450 (traded for 2015 Escalade), 2012 Corvette, 2014 Ford Fusion, Previous: 2007 GL450, 2011
I posted quite a bit on this and there are a load of problems due to the logic employed in the trailer power. I gave it up. It is all in my previous postings. A $150 investment in frustration.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post5911802
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post5911802
Yeah you sure gave it a great try…..! I'm waiting to hear back from my tech guy, but I suspect he is simply confirm what you have already found out……."it ain't gonna work!" Thanks for all your efforts, however!
