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  #1  
Old 06-20-2009, 01:25 PM
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lafayette, California
Posts: 63
Wiring 1999 ML 430 Trailer Lights

Every dealer I checked advised that the factory trailer light wiring harness is no longer available for the 1999 ML 430.

1.) Does anyone know a source for a new or used factory plug-in harness?

There are links to many after market hitches and wiring kits. Here is one that identifies a hitch and harness for the 1999 ML 430: http://www.hitchestogo.com/Mercedes_Hitches.htm

I have printed the instructions for the wiring kit they recommend and the color coding for the wires, etc is all very clear. What's not clear is how to connect to the wiring system of the ML 430. My factory DVD does not have a wiring diagram. Here is the link to their instructions:
http://www.hitchestogo.com/Instructions/N119186.pdf

2) What is the best way to make the wiring connections into the tail lights, brake lights, and turn signal lights of the ML ? I have the cover off in the inside left rear. The plug for the factory harness is right there. What are the correct next steps in making connections?

Thank you very much,
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  #2  
Old 07-15-2009, 11:46 AM
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Sorry, but you'll have to do it the old fashioned way and wire one up, yourself.
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  #3  
Old 07-17-2009, 12:49 PM
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Join Date: Oct 2005
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Jim, this is the very definition of dirty-rotten-shame! It has a connector, in plain view, and you should be able to just plug it in. Not.

For my 1998 ML-320, every wiring diagram I found was slightly different from my connector. I ended up metering it in order to get it right (this is really a simple thing, so don't let it put you off). I ordered an aftermarket hitch, then used a converter to handle the 5 > 4 wiring issue.

It wasn't very hard to do, but coming up with a plan and collecting the parts was a real pain. Let me know if you want the part numbers I used. I did this a few months ago, so the same parts are probably available.


Edit---I went ahead and looked them up:

Link to wiring suggestions:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/36862-electrical-piece-hitch-3.html

I used this power module: (but purchased at a local parts house)
http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/basic_wiring/taillight_converters/power_converters/power_taillight_converter_solid_state.html

Draw Tite hitch: (purchased at a local hitch company)
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-1998_Mercedes-Benz_ML320.htm
Attached Thumbnails
Wiring 1999 ML 430 Trailer Lights-tn_img_5430.jpg   Wiring 1999 ML 430 Trailer Lights-tn_img_5436.jpg  
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Last edited by DonB; 07-17-2009 at 01:34 PM.
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  #4  
Old 07-26-2009, 10:02 PM
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: Lafayette, California
Posts: 63
Here is an update to my own thread:

1. I accidentally found a new OEM replacement trailer wiring harness. It fits an unbelieveably wide range of vehicles, but is supposedly plug 'n play for quite a range of Mercedes, including the 1999 ML 430. http://www.***************/store/?N=11221+4294963846+1668+11921+5641.

2. Could this possibly be a quality replacement part for the extinct OEM MBZ trailer wiring harness??

3. My search of dealers and countless wrecking yards failed to turn up an original new or used trailer wiring harness.

4. I removed the left taillight assembly and tested the wires with a volt/ohm meter. That gave me the answer to my own question about how to hook up the wires. Hookup would be a no brainer, but a good quality plug 'n play would be better.

4. Any comments??
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  #5  
Old 09-12-2009, 05:48 PM
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I also cannot find good oem trailer harness for my ML320, 2002, that connects to factory connector. But I hooked up by directly connecting wires. Following is the color on the factory connector:

Red: +12v (1 thin & 1 thick)
Brown: Ground (1 thin & 1 thick)
Gray: Reverse light.
Pink: Right trun light.
Yellow: probably break signal; i don't know how to test this and confirm.
Orange: Break/Stop light.
Green: Left trun light.
Blue: Running/Tail light.

hope this helps.
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  #6  
Old 10-04-2009, 09:10 AM
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 151
Trailer Wiring

Hey Jim: I had the same issue as you on my ML430. I finally decided to connect the wires you identified to a Drawtite Modulite (can't recall the model but it was the economy one if I recall correctly). That was 8 years ago and it has performed flawlessly over that time with anything I've connected to it (primarily boat trailers and wood chipper rental).
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