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Component Description For Trailer Recognition Control Unit - GF31.19-P-4050FG

Model 213 

up to model year 2021 

with code 550 (Trailer coupling) 

Fig 1: Trailer Recognition Control Unit Component Location - Model 213 Up To Model Year 2021 With Code 550
G13771684Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Shown on model 213.0 

Location 

The trailer recognition control unit is located at the side behind the cover in the trunk.

Task 

The trailer recognition control unit has the following tasks:

Reading in of sensors and signals 

The input factors are read in over the following connections:

Direct line 

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

Interior CAN 

The trailer recognition control unit reads in requests and status information over the interior CAN.

Evaluation of input factors 

The input factors are evaluated by the microprocessor and the corresponding components are actuated.

Release, swivel and lock trailer hitch 

The trailer hitch consists of an electromechanical swiveling unit, which can swivel the ball neck along with the trailer socket (X58). The ball neck can be swiveled in and out using the trailer hitch release switch.

The trailer recognition control unit detects the position of the ball neck at any given time using a Hall sensor located in the trailer hitch release.

The following components are integrated into the trailer hitch release:

Monitoring of ball neck lock 

The trailer recognition control unit monitors the correct seating of the electrically swiveling ball neck. To this end, the status of the locking finger sensor in the trailer hitch release is read in directly. A ball neck that is not in a correct position is indicated by an LED in the trailer hitch release switch flashing on and off. At circuit 15 ON a corresponding signal is also sent via interior CAN, electronic ignition lock control unit (N73) and the user interface CAN (CAN HMI) to the instrument cluster (A1). A warning message appears in the instrument cluster.

Trailer recognition 

The trailer recognition control unit monitors the current of the "left turn signal" and "brake lights" output, to determine whether trailer hitch supply line is plugged in or not. When one of the two loads is recognized, the trailer is deemed to be recognized. This status is sent via the interior CAN.

Trailer consumer actuation 

The trailer recognition control unit actuates the following trailer components via the trailer socket:

Lamp failure indicator 

The trailer recognition control unit monitors the function of the light sources on the trailer. Only faults in the complete path however are detected. If a failure is detected, a corresponding signal is sent over the interior CAN.

IMPORTANT LED version trailer lighting: The minimum current for each lamp path must be I = 50 mA for reliable lamp failure detection. If this minimum current is not reached, a fault message appears in the instrument cluster 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 

If requested by the rear SAM control unit (N10/8), circuit 30g to the trailer socket is switched off. The lighting system of the trailer is not actuated.

Sending signals 

The trailer recognition control unit sends status information on the interior CAN to the control units for various systems.

Trailer recognition control unit wiring diagram PE31.19-P-2101-97DBA