Trailer Hitch Controller Location? 2016 450 GLE AMG
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Joined: Oct 2009
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Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 3
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2016 450 GLE AMG
No this is not an aftermarket component problem. I have the MB hitch and trailer light receptacle installed by MB. It stopped working and no DC voltages are currently detected at the hitch receptacle for any tail light function. I checked the fuses and they are OK. In looking at the list of controllers for this SUV I found:
Since when the hitch receptacle was working, it detected when there was a bad trailer light bulb, I assume it must be a controller. Unfortunately there is no approximate location of this controller in any of the parts diagrams I have been able to find. When I asked the parts counter at my dealer, he played dumb and eventually gave me some fuses to look at and said "if it's not the fuses, make an appointment".
Am I foolish to want to fix this myself? Any help or input is appreciated.
- SKU:246-900-35-18
- Other Names:Cu Complete Trailer-Connect VAR2
- Description:Suv, control modules, trailer hitch. Convertible, control modules, trailer hitch.
- Condition:New
- Replaces:246-900-03-16, 246-900-42-16
Since when the hitch receptacle was working, it detected when there was a bad trailer light bulb, I assume it must be a controller. Unfortunately there is no approximate location of this controller in any of the parts diagrams I have been able to find. When I asked the parts counter at my dealer, he played dumb and eventually gave me some fuses to look at and said "if it's not the fuses, make an appointment".
Am I foolish to want to fix this myself? Any help or input is appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
No this is not an aftermarket component problem. I have the MB hitch and trailer light receptacle installed by MB. It stopped working and no DC voltages are currently detected at the hitch receptacle for any tail light function. I checked the fuses and they are OK. In looking at the list of controllers for this SUV I found:
Since when the hitch receptacle was working, it detected when there was a bad trailer light bulb, I assume it must be a controller. Unfortunately there is no approximate location of this controller in any of the parts diagrams I have been able to find. When I asked the parts counter at my dealer, he played dumb and eventually gave me some fuses to look at and said "if it's not the fuses, make an appointment".
Am I foolish to want to fix this myself? Any help or input is appreciated.
- SKU:246-900-35-18
- Other Names:Cu Complete Trailer-Connect VAR2
- Description:Suv, control modules, trailer hitch. Convertible, control modules, trailer hitch.
- Condition:New
- Replaces:246-900-03-16, 246-900-42-16
Since when the hitch receptacle was working, it detected when there was a bad trailer light bulb, I assume it must be a controller. Unfortunately there is no approximate location of this controller in any of the parts diagrams I have been able to find. When I asked the parts counter at my dealer, he played dumb and eventually gave me some fuses to look at and said "if it's not the fuses, make an appointment".
Am I foolish to want to fix this myself? Any help or input is appreciated.
Is your car a 2016 like the thread title and your info shows?
If so, you are in the wrong forum.
If it's a 2016, there's a "rear SAM" (Signal Acquisition Module) in the right rear, that's part of the factory tow package.
If they are replaced, they need to be flashed by the dealer before they will work.
I'm not sure what your problem is, but it's very possible that all it needs is a reflash.
The physical installation isn't that difficult, I don't think, because I could see it on mine, but I think you'd have to remove some interior panels to get access.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2016 450 GLE AMG
Trailer hitch
A couple of questions.
Is your car a 2016 like the thread title and your info shows?
If so, you are in the wrong forum.
If it's a 2016, there's a "rear SAM" (Signal Acquisition Module) in the right rear, that's part of the factory tow package.
If they are replaced, they need to be flashed by the dealer before they will work.
I'm not sure what your problem is, but it's very possible that all it needs is a reflash.
The physical installation isn't that difficult, I don't think, because I could see it on mine, but I think you'd have to remove some interior panels to get access.
Is your car a 2016 like the thread title and your info shows?
If so, you are in the wrong forum.
If it's a 2016, there's a "rear SAM" (Signal Acquisition Module) in the right rear, that's part of the factory tow package.
If they are replaced, they need to be flashed by the dealer before they will work.
I'm not sure what your problem is, but it's very possible that all it needs is a reflash.
The physical installation isn't that difficult, I don't think, because I could see it on mine, but I think you'd have to remove some interior panels to get access.
Yes it is the 2016 450 GLE coup AMG. My thread was transferred to this forum by the site moderator.
Thanks for the response. So is the “flash” you mention. some sort of computer reboot that only the dealer can do?
After further searching, I have found pictures of the module and used modules for sale which will help in locating it but if I have to take it to the dealer anyway I maybe stuck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 7,008
Likes: 2,198
From: Colorado
'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Yes it is the 2016 450 GLE coup AMG. My thread was transferred to this forum by the site moderator.
Thanks for the response. So is the “flash” you mention. some sort of computer reboot that only the dealer can do?
After further searching, I have found pictures of the module and used modules for sale which will help in locating it but if I have to take it to the dealer anyway I maybe stuck.
Thanks for the response. So is the “flash” you mention. some sort of computer reboot that only the dealer can do?
After further searching, I have found pictures of the module and used modules for sale which will help in locating it but if I have to take it to the dealer anyway I maybe stuck.
BTW the "kit" cost about $2500 installed (instead of $750 when OE), but much of it was dismantling the rear end and installing the chassis reinforcement that was included during manufacture.
I actually did the same, for about the same money, on a CPO diesel Cayenne. I still have the take-off rear cross member they removed. Then I got Diesel-gated out of my car, and the previous owner got the Settlement.
(The bright spot there, was that I left a CD in the CD player, and it was returned six months later, mailed direct from Germany. How about that?)
