LED Trailer Lights

[Drummo]

I just bought a new boat and the trailer has LED lights. My car has the genuine Mercedes tow bar kit. The LED lights on the trailer don't work. I took it to an Auto Electrician who tested everything. The trailer lights are fine, the signals for each light are coming out of the car trailer point. Apparently the issue is the LED lights draw such low current the car doesn't send a signal. I've had a dealer say I need to buy a Mercedes LED trailer plug adapter at a cost of $180. Another Mercedes mechanic (non dealer) said they need to plug a computer into the car and change the trailer module setting to 'LED'. Has anyone else had this issue as the advice from each is totally different?

[Bartman4800]

One way to circumvent the LED problem, is to install a ballast resistance in parallel to the LED.
The light then draws the same current as a normal 21W bulb.

You can buy them on Fleabay and at Soopercheep

http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/Produc ... att/287170

Bart

[Drummo]

Thanks Bartman. That option is a darn site cheaper than MB's solution, a LED Adapter for $180

[Bartman4800]

Maybe not, you might need one of these for every LED.

2 off for the blinkers
1 off for the Brake lights
1 off for the Tail lights

But I don't understand why the Autosparkie did not offer you a solution like that....

Bart

[Mercmad]

Mine work Ok but i have the correct amplifier which you will find under that lower plastic cover on the left side ,at the back door. The voltage to the rear is only 5 volts ,hence the need for the amp. Make sure yours is there.