LED Trailer Lights
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- B Class
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Fri 23 Sep, 2016 5:27 pm
- Model you own: w164
- Location: Sydney NSW
LED Trailer Lights
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?
Last edited by Drummo on Wed 07 Feb, 2018 2:22 pm, edited 2 times in total.
- Bartman4800
- 300 SLR
- Posts: 1792
- Joined: Fri 10 Oct, 2008 12:10 am
- Model you own: w111
- Location: Perth WA
Re: LED Trailer Lights
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
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
1963 220 Sb Sedan "Kermit" (Australian Assembly)
1960 220 Sb Sedan "Zum Schlachten" (Early German Assembly, with a torsion bar spring for the bonnet) - Stored in Country WA
1981 Subaru Brumby 1.8 with Weber and 5-speed box "little utie" - Sold to another enthusiast!
2006 Ford Focus "daily driver"
2002 VW Passat V6 30V Station Wagon (SOLD - This car into a money pit)
2011 Kia Sportage "Missus commuter Bus"
2002 Mitsubishi Rosa Bus (converting it to a motor home)
1960 220 Sb Sedan "Zum Schlachten" (Early German Assembly, with a torsion bar spring for the bonnet) - Stored in Country WA
1981 Subaru Brumby 1.8 with Weber and 5-speed box "little utie" - Sold to another enthusiast!
2006 Ford Focus "daily driver"
2002 VW Passat V6 30V Station Wagon (SOLD - This car into a money pit)
2011 Kia Sportage "Missus commuter Bus"
2002 Mitsubishi Rosa Bus (converting it to a motor home)
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- B Class
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Fri 23 Sep, 2016 5:27 pm
- Model you own: w164
- Location: Sydney NSW
Re: LED Trailer Lights
Thanks Bartman. That option is a darn site cheaper than MB's solution, a LED Adapter for $180
- Bartman4800
- 300 SLR
- Posts: 1792
- Joined: Fri 10 Oct, 2008 12:10 am
- Model you own: w111
- Location: Perth WA
Re: LED Trailer Lights
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
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
1963 220 Sb Sedan "Kermit" (Australian Assembly)
1960 220 Sb Sedan "Zum Schlachten" (Early German Assembly, with a torsion bar spring for the bonnet) - Stored in Country WA
1981 Subaru Brumby 1.8 with Weber and 5-speed box "little utie" - Sold to another enthusiast!
2006 Ford Focus "daily driver"
2002 VW Passat V6 30V Station Wagon (SOLD - This car into a money pit)
2011 Kia Sportage "Missus commuter Bus"
2002 Mitsubishi Rosa Bus (converting it to a motor home)
1960 220 Sb Sedan "Zum Schlachten" (Early German Assembly, with a torsion bar spring for the bonnet) - Stored in Country WA
1981 Subaru Brumby 1.8 with Weber and 5-speed box "little utie" - Sold to another enthusiast!
2006 Ford Focus "daily driver"
2002 VW Passat V6 30V Station Wagon (SOLD - This car into a money pit)
2011 Kia Sportage "Missus commuter Bus"
2002 Mitsubishi Rosa Bus (converting it to a motor home)
- Mercmad
- Mercedes Demigod
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- Model you own: w109
- Location: Brissy
- Contact:
Re: LED Trailer Lights
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.