HELP, Front SAM replacement

Dec 18, 2012 | 10:59 PM

turbocobra10

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2004 CLK500

HELP, Front SAM replacement

Hi Guys,

I replaced my front SAM tonight on my 2004 CLK500. I carefully removed all the plugs on the bottom of the SAM and labeled each one (although probably not necessary since each plug is different from one another). I plugged all my bottom connectors in and number 14 and 21 did not have a plug. I traced each wire individualy and could not find any extra plugs so my question is should anything be plugged into 14, 21?

Also, my car would start before the SAM replacement but now it does not. It was a new SAM so i'm wondering if it needs to be recoded, although it seems that it would atleast start.

Thanks in advance for any help I can get!

Last edited by turbocobra10; Dec 18, 2012 at 11:16 PM.

Dec 19, 2012 | 12:02 PM

Rudeney

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It looks like connector #21 is related to Distronic Cruise Control, so if you don't have that feature, it makes sense that there is no connector. I don't see anything for connector #14, but I haven't poured through all the wiring diagrams. My guess is that it's another feature your car doesn't have. As for the new SAM, yes, it MUST be coded with SDS, but I don't see any options in there that would prevent the engine from starting. My guess is that's a loose connection on the SAM, ECU (which you had to remove to get to the SAM) or a relay or fuse.

Dec 20, 2012 | 01:17 AM

turbocobra10

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2004 CLK500

Thanks Rodney! I went ahead and removed the SAM and looked over all the wiring to make sure i did not miss any plugs and I ddnt. No, my car does not have distronic and #14 must be blank. I was hoping I had a loose connection or something and my car would fire up after reinstalling but it didn't. I'm going to take it to the Dealership after the Holidays for reprogramming and I pray that it starts after that. Any ideas besides reprogramming that would prevent it from starting? It doesnt even try to crank as I get no response while turning key.

Dec 20, 2012 | 10:19 AM

Rudeney

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That really sounds like an ECU problem. Are you sure you have it back in place and connected properly? You had to remove that to get to the SAM. Also, make sure you have all the fuses and relays plugged into the SAM correctly. I do not think coding the SAM is the issue - it's not getting a signal to the ECU. Oh, and what about the battery? How old is it? Maybe that's the culprit.

Dec 20, 2012 | 01:51 PM

turbocobra10

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2004 CLK500

The battery is practically brand new and my car does not even attempt to start. As for the ecu. I removed all 5 plugs and put them all back on w/o any resolution to my starting issues. I made sure all relays and fusses were pushed in and made a good connection.

Dec 20, 2012 | 04:45 PM

Rudeney

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Well, it sounds like you are going to have to get someone with SDS to check it out. I will be very surprised if it's just coding needed for the SAM.

Dec 20, 2012 | 09:59 PM

turbocobra10

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2004 CLK500

Rodney,

I unplugged everything from my ecu to make sure the plugs where in good and that when I noticed 53, 54 on the SAM did not have fuses. I looked up what that go to and it is fuse for engine control. I put two 15amp fuses and she fired right up. I can't believe I overlooked them. Anyways, I'm scheduled for re coding on the 2nd at dealership and hopefully it takes care of my other issues.