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Trailer Recognition Control Unit, Component Description - GF31.19-P-4050CE

MODEL 204.0/2 with CODE (550) Trailer hitch as of Model Year 2009/modification year 08 

MODEL 204.3 with CODE (550) Trailer hitch 

MODEL 204.9 with CODE (550) Trailer hitch 

Shown on model 204.0 

Fig 1: Identifying Trailer Recognition Control Unit - Shown On Model 204.0
G10084430Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Location 

The trailer recognition control unit is located in the trunk behind the right luggage compartment lining.

Task 

The trailer recognition control unit has the following tasks:

Reading in of sensors, pickups and signals 

The input factors are read in via the following connections:

Direct line 

The signals from the following components are read via a direct line:

Interior CAN 

The signals are read in by the trailer recognition control unit via the interior CAN.

The functions that use these signals are described in the individual function descriptions (see block diagram or function schematic).

Evaluation of input factors 

The input factors that have been read in are evaluated by the integrated microprocessor and the relevant components are then actuated.

Trailer recognition 

The trailer recognition control unit briefly energizes the outputs for "left turn signal" and "right turn signal" and uses the voltage level to determine whether the trailer's supply line is connected or not. If one of the two loads is detected, the trailer is deemed to have been recognized. This status is sent via the interior CAN.

Monitoring the ball neck lock 

The trailer recognition control unit monitors the correct seating of the mechanically-hinged ball neck.

To this end, the status of the trailer hitch lock switch is read-in directly. A ball neck that is not in a correct position is indicated by a flashing light-emitting diode in the trailer hitch release in the left of the luggage compartment.

At circuit 15 ON a corresponding signal is also sent over the interior CAN to the instrument cluster (A1) by the trailer recognition control unit.

An appropriate warning message appears in the travel distance display (A1p7) (without code (442) Comfort multifunction steering wheel) or in the multifunction display (A1p13) (with code (442) Comfort multifunction steering wheel) of the instrument cluster.

Actuation of the trailer lighting 

The trailer recognition control unit actuates the following components for the trailer's lighting system over the trailer socket (X58):

IMPORTANT For vehicles with code (494) USA version, the turn signal lights and brake lights function are actuated over the same output. At simultaneous actuation the turn signal lights takes priority.

IMPORTANT As of 1.6.09 the trailer recognition control unit can actuate the light-emitting diode (LED) version trailer lighting.

Trailer monitor 

(with code (551) Antitheft alarm system (ATA [EDW])) 

The trailer recognition control unit monitors the trailer socket. As soon as a status change from "trailer recognized" to "trailer not recognized" occurs, the trailer recognition control unit transmits a corresponding signal via the interior CAN to the rear SAM control unit with fuse and relay module (N10/2) which as a result of this outputs an antitheft alarm system alarm.

Lamp failure indicator 

The trailer recognition control unit monitors the function of the trailer lamps. However, only faults in the general lamp path are recognized. If a failure is detected the trailer recognition control unit sends a corresponding signal over the interior CAN.

IMPORTANT Trailer lighting in LED version:

The minimum current for each lamp path must be I = 50 mA for reliable lamp failure detection. When this minimum current is dropped below a fault message appears in the travel distance display or the instrument cluster's multifunction display although the function of the trailer lighting is OK.

Emergency light function 

If the trailer recognition control unit fails or if there is a corresponding request placed via the interior CAN, the trailer's taillights are actuated.

Consumer shutoff: 

When accordingly requested by the rear SAM control unit circuit 30 to the trailer socket is switched off.

REFER TO SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS Trailer recognition control unit wiring diagram   PE31.19-P-2101-97FAA