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I took this opportunity to upgrade my cracked grille to the black and chrome version (at bottom) Part A204 88 000 23 9040
The W204 center start does not turn, instead gently press at the two bottom areas (shown) to remove.
Illuminated star test before install
Illuminated star test before install
The grille has been removed. The harness will be routed at the top right side (from front).
There is a rubber barrier on the top right that can be flexed to allow the harness to pass.
I used a coat hanger to guide the harness through.
Tape the harness connector horizontally to allow easy routing.
NOTE: I opted to put the connector behind the grille for easy connect/disconnect.
You may prefer to have it inside the engine compartment, however the wire on the star is very short. Wrap the connecters in enough electrical tape to provide additional protection from water.
Route the harness through the grommet shown.
Don't drop yours into the engine compartment. It only costs $1, but has to be ordered from Germany. 10 days. :/
grommet hole sans grommet. :/
top part of grommet.
remove the 4 T-20 screws holding the SAM in place.
NOTE: Any off center movement will break the plastic screw retainers that surround the screws. Oh WELL.
You will need a 1/4" COMPACT ratcheting wrench and a 2 inch t-20 bit.
Buy a few in case you drop them down the engine compartment like I did. :/
THOSE BACKS SCREWS ARE HELL!! See you in 2 Hours.
PRO Tools.
You may have a better solution but that's all I could find at Home Depot.
Put some tape at both ends of the bit to prevent it from slipping out of the wrench.
After the screws are removed, lift the SAM up and to the left to partially gain access to the connectors on the bottom.
Remove the gray and yellow connectors.
Gray connector removed
The yellow connector is numbered and you want pin slot #13.
Use two tiny screw drivers to remove the pink/yellow 2-pin connector from slot #13. GENTLY!
The Y electrical harness.
Basically you remove the pink/yellow wire @ #13 on the yellow adapter and 2-pin connecter #1 takes its place, then the pink/yellow goes into #2 (should be same cavity as yellow/red wire on the Y harness).
The 2-pin connecter on star wire harness from the grille, goes into #3. The 2-pin connectors should click when locked.
NOTE: Before inserting the pink/yellow 2-pin connector into the Y harness please make sure your wires are routed correctly under those wires that sit on top of the SAM box. LOL.
Disconnect and remove the top square rubber stopper. That's the wiper motor harness. There is another rubber stopper on the bottom. Remove that also.
Place the square rubber stopper from the Y harness into the side wall of the SAM box. NOTE: Makes sure you insert it the right way. The rubber stopper for the wiper motor needs to sit on top of it.
Test the star before reinstalling the SAM box. Position the Y harness fuse (as shown) for easy future access.
Woot!
Double Woot!
New Hotness!
OK now , the good news is, You have an illuminated Star that lights up when the ignition is ON
...and the BAD news is, You have an illuminated Star that ONLY lights up when the ignition is ON
It does not light when you lock/unlock the doors.
...COMING SOON!
Last edited by benzdude; Feb 10, 2015 at 12:59 PM.
Thank you for the DYI, I have just done mine. When connected to fuse 23 my star stays on about 40 seconds after I leave the car. Do you know if there is a way to make the star switch off at the same time with the low beam/drls/parking lights? Maybe connect it to different fuse?
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Jun 8, 2015, 03:34 PM
It only costs $1, but has to be ordered from Germany. 10 days. :/
