Hey guys, I recently picked up a non running 2002 Mercedes C32 and I could use some help identifying what exactly is wrong. So according to the last owner the car was running and then devolved a crank no start issue (I have replaced the CPS as a precaution). however I haven't been able to get it to turn over at all, the owner did try jumping it before i arrived and I'm wondering if he may have fried either the front or rear SAM. the car powers on normally and no malfunctions are shown, however turning the key to the start position does nothing, the past owner also had a bypass starter switch installed which also does nothing though supposedly they used it to start the car for awhile. There are a couple other issues which may be related. 1st none of the electric seats work at all, neither do the electric mirrors. 2nd none of the top buttons on the center counsel work. 3rd the brake lights stay on whenever the key is on. and 4th the gauge cluster is not recognizing gear position. any thoughts on where to start looking? my best guess is a fried SAM but there are 2 so I'm not sure which one to dig into. Any input would be appreciated.

 

Diagnostic codes? That’s where I would start

 

Unfortunately its not showing any code/malfunctions and for some reason my ob2 says it can't connect unless engine is running.

 

Knowing nearly nothing about these cars I would attempt to remove the center console shifter enough to get to the shifter assembly and unplug and plug back in the connector for the gear indicator a few times to see if you can atleast get it to show park. Maybe not starting because it doesn't know what gear the trans is in.

 

Thanks for the input, I was thinking along the same lines but I was able to get it to read gear position again by swapping out the starter relay but still no crank. I have a used front Sam from a 2004 c32 coming so I'll see if that works

 

what sort of diagnostic tool are you using?

 

I'm running a BlueDriver BT ob2 scanner, and it's not showing any codes for the car. do I need one of the special Mercedes scanners?

 

So I've replaced the front SAM and still no changes, still no crank issues. all fuses are good. Also my heated seats, mirror adjustment, seat controls, and wipers are still not working. Which kinda surprised me since they are all controlled by the front SAM

 

Another update, Replaced fuse #52 again just to make sure, turned on the car, went to crank, but then there was a small pop and now no power to the car at all. thoughts? I'm not sure where to start

 

by connecting this other end the the negative on the battery it should override the key switch right? nothing is happening so I'm wondering if its connected wrong.

 

I have bluedriver ob2 and it's great for my GM but it won't show half the codes Mercedes puts out. Spend the money and get yourself Altel, Launch, or if you're into old laptops the Star setup.

If you enjoy working on your Mercedes it's a must have IMHO

 

Maybe that's why there's no codes showing up. I just ordered the iCarsoft CR Pro so hopefully I can get power back to the car before that shows up. Thanks for the advice!

 

Update, the car is running now using the 2004 C32 Front SAM, the EIS module is faulty as it wont start with the key. the Dash keeps flashing saying the gauge cluster is faulty even though everything on there seems to function. I keep getting a battery/alternator warning that comes on and off even though its charging consistently at around 14V, I've noticed if the front seat control modules are plugged in it comes on and off every few seconds, but with them unplugged that is maybe once every few minutes.

Historic codes
B1108 (interior CAN bus: CAN bus OFF
B110A (Fault in CAN communication with control module N10/8 Rear SAM Control Module)
B110B (Fault in CAN communication with control module SAM-F)
B119C (Fault in CAN communication with control module RCP (roof control panel)
B110D (Fault in CAN communication with control module N22 (ACC pushbutton control module))
B110E (Fault in CAN communication with control module A35/8 TELE aid control module)
B1095 (Fault in CAN communication with control module N10/1 front SAM control module with fuse and relay module)
B1089 (Fault in CAN communication with control module A1 instrument cluster
B1091 (Fault in CAN communication with control module N22/7 Comfort ACC pushbutton control module)
B1096 (Fault in CAN communication with control module N72/1 upper control panel control module)
B1088 (Fault in CAN communication with control module N73 EIS control module)
B1090 (Fault in CAN communication with control module N70 Overhead control panel module)
Now weirdly I've cleared all the modules several time and these still show up as historic rather then current, shouldn't they be current if they keep showing up?

Current codes
B1078 (Fault in communication with component H3/1)
B1050 (Circuit 30 has an under-voltage of below 8V)
B1051 (Circuit 30 has an under-voltage of below 10.5V)
Also I've noticed my scanner (iCarsoft CR Pro) can't communicate with the front SAM while the car is running, I have to shut it down before it will read anything on it but I can read the rear SAM either way.
Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated, I'm not sure where to starting digging next.