brake controller
Newbie
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 5
GLE 350
We got a new 2022 GLE and wanted to tow our camper. We got the tow package (550) and wanted to add a brake controller to accommodate our camper's electric brakes. We had a Tekonsha Primus from our last car and we bought the Tekonsha cable for Mercedes on Amazon.
It's plug and play but holy smokes is it tough to find the elusive green plug to connect the brake controller.
FYI - it's way up under the dash above the brake pedal and to the left. You have to remove the dash panel above the driver's foot well. Two screws, a push clip, unplug the speaker, pop out the light, unscrew the hood release and slide it through, slide the clip on the back of the obd connector to remove. You'll see the green plug up above where old cars had their parking brake.
We went nuts removing the sill plate and pulling the carpet back looking for the connector under the carpet. It wasn't until I'd fully removed the bottom of the dash that the green plug became visible. I imagine you could feel around for it once the panel was loose but honestly it was hard to see even when with the panel out. It was nested in the vertical cable runs on the far left (driver's) side.
The plug was bare just floating around up there. No black cloth wrap or masking tape as I've seen in earlier model posts.
Apparently this connector is only present if you have the factory tow package. Good luck!!!
Edit Quote
It's plug and play but holy smokes is it tough to find the elusive green plug to connect the brake controller.
FYI - it's way up under the dash above the brake pedal and to the left. You have to remove the dash panel above the driver's foot well. Two screws, a push clip, unplug the speaker, pop out the light, unscrew the hood release and slide it through, slide the clip on the back of the obd connector to remove. You'll see the green plug up above where old cars had their parking brake.
We went nuts removing the sill plate and pulling the carpet back looking for the connector under the carpet. It wasn't until I'd fully removed the bottom of the dash that the green plug became visible. I imagine you could feel around for it once the panel was loose but honestly it was hard to see even when with the panel out. It was nested in the vertical cable runs on the far left (driver's) side.
The plug was bare just floating around up there. No black cloth wrap or masking tape as I've seen in earlier model posts.
Apparently this connector is only present if you have the factory tow package. Good luck!!!
Edit Quote
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 3
Likes: 1
2022 GLE450
Still not very clear where is the green plug
We got a new 2022 GLE and wanted to tow our camper. We got the tow package (550) and wanted to add a brake controller to accommodate our camper's electric brakes. We had a Tekonsha Primus from our last car and we bought the Tekonsha cable for Mercedes on Amazon.
It's plug and play but holy smokes is it tough to find the elusive green plug to connect the brake controller.
FYI - it's way up under the dash above the brake pedal and to the left. You have to remove the dash panel above the driver's foot well. Two screws, a push clip, unplug the speaker, pop out the light, unscrew the hood release and slide it through, slide the clip on the back of the obd connector to remove. You'll see the green plug up above where old cars had their parking brake.
We went nuts removing the sill plate and pulling the carpet back looking for the connector under the carpet. It wasn't until I'd fully removed the bottom of the dash that the green plug became visible. I imagine you could feel around for it once the panel was loose but honestly it was hard to see even when with the panel out. It was nested in the vertical cable runs on the far left (driver's) side.
The plug was bare just floating around up there. No black cloth wrap or masking tape as I've seen in earlier model posts.
Apparently this connector is only present if you have the factory tow package. Good luck!!!
Edit Quote
It's plug and play but holy smokes is it tough to find the elusive green plug to connect the brake controller.
FYI - it's way up under the dash above the brake pedal and to the left. You have to remove the dash panel above the driver's foot well. Two screws, a push clip, unplug the speaker, pop out the light, unscrew the hood release and slide it through, slide the clip on the back of the obd connector to remove. You'll see the green plug up above where old cars had their parking brake.
We went nuts removing the sill plate and pulling the carpet back looking for the connector under the carpet. It wasn't until I'd fully removed the bottom of the dash that the green plug became visible. I imagine you could feel around for it once the panel was loose but honestly it was hard to see even when with the panel out. It was nested in the vertical cable runs on the far left (driver's) side.
The plug was bare just floating around up there. No black cloth wrap or masking tape as I've seen in earlier model posts.
Apparently this connector is only present if you have the factory tow package. Good luck!!!
Edit Quote
After taking off the whole panel, and looking up, still cannot see green plug.
Last edited by GLE22User; Jun 5, 2022 at 04:28 PM. Reason: add pic
Newbie
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 5
GLE 350
Green plug is hard to find
Hi,
Mine was high and to the left. I couldn't see it at first. It was obscured by wire runs. I first spotted it using a fiber optic camera. Maybe take some pictures with your phone and see if you can spot it?
There are people who say it's near the bottom of the gas pedal under the carpet. I spent 2 hours looking there and elsewhere. It wasn't until I removed the entire bottom dash panel in the driver foot well that I could see it and get to it.
I had removed the left side panel as well so that may have been a factor too. It's a pain to remove and replace that left side panel so look well before teasing that panel out.
Good luck!
Mine was high and to the left. I couldn't see it at first. It was obscured by wire runs. I first spotted it using a fiber optic camera. Maybe take some pictures with your phone and see if you can spot it?
There are people who say it's near the bottom of the gas pedal under the carpet. I spent 2 hours looking there and elsewhere. It wasn't until I removed the entire bottom dash panel in the driver foot well that I could see it and get to it.
I had removed the left side panel as well so that may have been a factor too. It's a pain to remove and replace that left side panel so look well before teasing that panel out.
Good luck!
Newbie
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 5
GLE 350
GLE 350 Brake Controller Cable
Glad you found it!!!
I got theTekonsha cable at Amazon:
Tekonsha Trailer Brake Controller Harness, Compatible with Select Mercedes-Benz GL350, GL450, GL550, GLE350, GLE43 AMG, GLE550, GLE63 AMG, GLS450, GLS550, GLS63 AMG, ML250, ML350, ML400 https://a.co/d/5xc5JgK
I use it with a Tekonsha Primus IQ and it rocks. Happy towing!!!
I got theTekonsha cable at Amazon:
Tekonsha Trailer Brake Controller Harness, Compatible with Select Mercedes-Benz GL350, GL450, GL550, GLE350, GLE43 AMG, GLE550, GLE63 AMG, GLS450, GLS550, GLS63 AMG, ML250, ML350, ML400 https://a.co/d/5xc5JgK
I use it with a Tekonsha Primus IQ and it rocks. Happy towing!!!
Last edited by KenTen; Jun 9, 2022 at 01:25 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2020 GLE 350
Ken, thanks for the detailed info on the brake controller connector. My trailer was made with the Tekonsha Prodigy RF controller
I have been racking my brain as why the trailer brakes didn't apply and the hazard flashers turned on the trailer when I turned on the turn signals.
I will get to connector today. My only question is where does the connector plug?
Bill
I have been racking my brain as why the trailer brakes didn't apply and the hazard flashers turned on the trailer when I turned on the turn signals.
I will get to connector today. My only question is where does the connector plug?
Bill
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Newbie
Joined: May 2022
Posts: 9
Likes: 5
GLE 350
Hi Bill,
Glad this info helped you. That light situation sounds weird. If the trailer is new then maybe the coupler is incorrectly wired. That would cause problems with the brakes as well.
I know nothing about the RF controller. Try calling Tekonsha. They were very knowledgeable and helpful when I added a brake controller to our Outback some years ago. They can likely tell you how that controller best integrates into your situation.
Happy towing! We love the GLE350 with our 19' 3800lb Sonic 190VRB camper. It pulls easily and tracks well utilizing a 6000lb weight distribution hitch. We had some sway initially but we lowered our tongue a bit and it's great now
Ken
Glad this info helped you. That light situation sounds weird. If the trailer is new then maybe the coupler is incorrectly wired. That would cause problems with the brakes as well.
I know nothing about the RF controller. Try calling Tekonsha. They were very knowledgeable and helpful when I added a brake controller to our Outback some years ago. They can likely tell you how that controller best integrates into your situation.
Happy towing! We love the GLE350 with our 19' 3800lb Sonic 190VRB camper. It pulls easily and tracks well utilizing a 6000lb weight distribution hitch. We had some sway initially but we lowered our tongue a bit and it's great now
Ken
Last edited by KenTen; Jun 22, 2023 at 12:27 AM.
