How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500

Question:

My 2016 Mercedes Sprinter 2500 4x4 has the X22 Trailer Hitch Package which does not seem to include the green connector under the drivers seat where a brake controllers wiring would normally be spliced in. My factory 7 pin has power, actives lights and all that so theres definitely connections but Im unclear what I need to do to add the brake controller as the normal connection through the green connector isnt there. Thanks!

asked by: Colin

Expert Reply:

If your 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2500 came with a factory 7-way trailer connector then there should be a green connector located under the driver's seat. This green connector would then be plugged into a Mercedes-Benz speciality harness and attached to a brake controller. However, if you do not have this connection or cannot find it then you will want to proceed with the hardwire option.

In order to hardwire a brake controller such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195 on your Sprinter, you are going to need to use the stop light switch part # RM-751475 and the wirirng kit part # 5506. Once you have these parts you are going to want to take the jacketed wires and attach one of them to the brake output pin on the vehicles 7-way and then run the wire through the vehicle into the cab while attaching it to the blue wire on the brake controller harness.

Once the brake output wire has been ran you will need to make the connections for the brake controller. Since the brake light circuit on the vehicle is not sufficient for use with a brake controller, a stop light switch like the one listed above will be required. You will also need to modify the bracket to make this work which can be seen in the attached install video. The rest of the wires can be connected as follows. The wiring kit provides you with everything you need to make these connections.

Red: Stop Light Switch
Black: 12 Volt Power
White: Ground
Blue: Brake Output

expert reply by: Conner L

James T.

4/24/2020

Great suggestion, most helpful, thank you. This will be our next item to t??

Chris R.

4/24/2020

No problem!

James T.

4/23/2020

Hi, I had a Draw Tite brake controller installed. I believe the installer is competent. I purchased 2 sets of MB/Sprinter female harness and 2 sets of pins. The installer found no power at pin 3 from the factory installed 7 pin at hitch rear bumper . When they tested, they tested all 4 posts in case they were looking at the wrong one and found no power. Can you provide any suggestions? thank you in advance for your help.

Chris R.

4/24/2020

Are you referring to the brake output pin on the 7-Way connector? If so, this circuit wouldn't receive power until the brake controller's actually installed and utilized (applying its manual override or hitting the brake pedal during travel). If this isn't what you mean please let me know and we'll go from there.