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M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

towing question

     
Old Apr 10, 2016 | 04:48 PM
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njlarry
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ML 350
towing question
I look forward to using my 2010 ML 350 for towing and have purchased a 7 to 4 pin connector. When I test it with a led test plug the lights on the tester just flash in what appears to be an alternating sequence. So it does not look like I should expect the trailer lights to work properly.
What could be wrong??
Thank you for any insight.
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 05:35 PM
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marc hanna
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2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
Do you have the factory wiring harness installed or an aftermarket?
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 09:43 PM
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ML 350
Originally Posted by marc hanna
Do you have the factory wiring harness installed or an aftermarket?
I have the factory-installed towing package.
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Old Apr 10, 2016 | 09:55 PM
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marc hanna
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2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
I wonder if it's not drawing enough current. Try rigging up some incandescent bulbs to see if works properly then.
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 01:29 PM
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ml350
I have been advised 2 different solutions....one is that the ML does not work with LED without the proper adapter.........the other is that you need to have the headlights switched on for the plugged lights to work.
My '11 Ml 350 works fine with incandescent trailer lights.
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Old Apr 11, 2016 | 01:34 PM
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marc hanna
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2023 GLK250, 1987 560SL
It's probably the LEDs tripping you up.
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Old Apr 12, 2016 | 12:50 PM
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ML 350
Thank you both. I will try your suggestions and report the back on the result.
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Old May 4, 2016 | 09:55 PM
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Penn
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GLE 350D GLC 250D, Previous vehicles W204, W164, W163, W210 & W202
Mercedes sell a resistor pack which allows you to run LED's without any problems.
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Old May 17, 2016 | 10:54 AM
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2010 ML350 BlueTec, 2011 BMW 335D
I purchased this for my 2010 ML350 BlueTec, and the LED trailer lights work great!
http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/TR20141.html

Jim
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Old May 17, 2016 | 10:56 AM
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owengrad
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2010 ML350 BlueTec, 2011 BMW 335D
I purchased this adapter for my 2010 ML350 Bluetec, and my LED trailer lights work great.
http://www.etrailer.com/Wiring/Tow-Ready/TR20141.html

Jim
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