tensleep80

Driveline exposed

Driveline removed

Bad hanger bearing

Brake message

Last weekend, I had a chance to work on the car. First of all, I named it. My youngest son is named Benjamin, so the car is named, "Ben's"

Then, I reworked the driveline by replacing the flex discs and hanger bearing, all three of which were damaged and worn. The driveline is much smoother now and the transmission shifts better. I also located my outdoor air temperature sensor. It is still there and functioning correctly, even though the fog light and mount are missing. So, on to the next sensor - my AC won't take a charge because the compressor will not come on. I can pull a good vacuum, but that's it. Another enthusiast related a story of how they had success with their compressor, once they installed the correct factory battery. Mine is working, but it is definitely not correct. I think I will get the battery first before pursuing the AC issue.

The driveline could be smoother, so I started looking into wheel bearings, etc. What I think I have are worn bushings - subframe, differential and suspension linkage. After seeing the condition of the driveline soft parts and some of the control arm bushings, I imagine that all of the load bearing soft parts are suspect. Then, I will listen to the wheel bearings. I have not felt any play in them. I think the next big weekend will address the rear end, along with shocks and a fluid change.

Finally, I have a new malfunction. First, I had a brake lamp warning several weeks ago, so I purchased a lamp. Before installing it, I cleaned the carbon deposit off the contact points and the lamp has worked correctly since then. The malfunction message specifically pointed out which lamp needed attention. Three days ago, we began to receive rain and what was at first an intermittent message is now steady today. My old school American made car background would have me checking the brake pedal switch and the relay, but I don't know how this circuit works. I will have to check the service manual when I get the chance. This malfunction affects all the brake lamps, not just one.

So, here are my questions:

1. While I have the driveline down, what else should I look for?
2. What does the SAM acronym stand for?
3. Where would you start troubleshooting the brake circuit?
4. My key doesn't seem to transmit very far, even after replacing the battery - how far does yours reach?

cdk4219

# 4 is your alarm siren fuse that is blown, the alarm siren is also bad.

tensleep80

Excellent information, thx! Now to locate the alarm siren and see what is going on with that circuit....
This does lead to another question - if the alarm siren is bad, how does that stop my brake lights from coming on when I press the pedal? Trying to wrap my head around that one.

EDIT: I had some time to Google before work and that message can also indicate worn brake pads, which makes sense, but again, why would that stop my brake lights from coming on?

Stephen04E55

circuit board in the tail light assembly is a common failure...check FCP Euro for details.

cdk4219

They are very picky about bulb type as well. I chased that problem with my sons c32. The alarm and brake problems aren’t related.

tensleep80

I'm actually using the bulb that was still in there. The contact was the issue. I have no idea what bulb it is. I think that alarm may be hooked up to the same SAM unit. That may be what prompted the earlier reply. If that SAM is compromised and is humidity sensitive, that could be an issue because I think they both connect to the same unit. I'm just thinking out loud here so please correct me if I'm off base. I need to chase this one down and thank you for replying.

cdk4219

Probably not the SAM

tensleep80

Understood. I would feel a lot better if it's not the SAM, that's for sure.

amgen

#4: Do you have problems with your radio listening to FM-stations? If thatīs the case itīs your antenna amplifier thatīs gone.
Itīs connected with the key. Iīve changed mine due to moisture and after that both radio and key where fine (C55).

tensleep80

Well, I haven't been able to get the radio to turn on. The previous owner had put some kind of a subwoofer in the back without securing it. I pulled the fuse as soon as I saw that speaker because I didn't know how carefully he made the electrical connections. I don't know if the radio is running through that fuse or not. The fuse was aftermarket, installed in line with a heavy power wire so I don't know what he's done with this audio system. That's on the list but low priority at the moment. I miss my tunes but I can get by. I'll keep that in mind before I start going too far down a rabbit hole to figure out the key. It's working for now. It's just a fairly short range.