Bigoz

I've looked through the threads maybe I missed it, but can't drive the car without any rear turn signals. Front signals work side mirror signals work. Rear signals won't illuminate. Third break light and right brake light work but left won't come on. I changed all the Bulbs and switched out the boards on the light panel. Both boards worked on right side, but neither won't when plugged on driver side. Please help Thanks

Rudeney

You may have a bad rear SAM. have you recently had a dead battery and/or jump-started the car? Voltage spikes and improper jump starting can fry the SAMs.

Bigoz

I just bought the car. It was like this when I got it, but I did notice there's a fairly new bat in the car. Can part of the sam go bad? The top rear right brak light works but left doesn't nor does turn signals and soft top convertible won't go up or down. It's looking more and more like the Rear Sam from what I read. Can it be fixed or is it best to just buy a used one. I have the 545 23 01 rear Sam which seems to be really rare to find.

Rudeney

I'd get a proper diagnosis. SDS can pull codes from the SAM and test it.

Bigoz

if your rear sam is not working properly but the only issue is one brake light working. Here's a easy cheap fix. I took speaker wire due to it being flexible and connected it to the silver line on the rear light fixture that was working and jump connected it to the same line on the side that wasn't working and wham it works. Now I haven't been able to figure out how to get the turn signals to work. If anyone has a has a hack on how to get the rear turn signals to work it would much appreciated

Eric Kettunen

Hi Rodney,

I'm new to this forum so apologies if I'm not following protocol. I have a 2005 CLK 320 Convertible and keep getting a variety of error messages regarding the back lights (reverse lights not working, brake lights not working rear left signal not working, license plate light out) but when I check, the bulbs are fine) and then the error messages go away. Someone suggested it was likely the brake light switch. I was able to buy one for about $15 online, however, when I removed the panel under the steering column I did not find the location for the switch. Also I saw someone with a 2004 CLK 500 asking about this and he was advised that his car did not have a brake light switch at all. Do you know if a 2005 CLK 320 convertible has a brake light switch and where it is? Also do my symptoms suggest that the switch is the problem or something else?

Rudeney

Welcome, Eric! First of all, there is no mechanical switch on the brake pedal. The switch that detects brake pedal pressure is integrated into the ESP system under the hood. In your case, I would stare by replacing ALL of the rear bulbs. The way the rear SAM detects bulb outages, large differences in resistance between bulbs can trigger false errors. If that doesn't do it, you may have bad rear SAM. You can replace it with a used one from an identical car with no coding needed.

Eric Kettunen

Thanks Rodney, this is very helpful. Does the fact that ALL of the back left lights work fine while ALL of the back right lights don't work at all still suggest the SAM could be the culprit? Some of the back right lights were working before I unplugged the assembly to clean off the contacts. I decided to try this because the right blinker would work for awhile and then stop, then star working again. Same with the brake and reverse lights. Once I reconnected it, however, NONE of the back right lights worked. I wonder if the assembly (bulb holder) could be shot? If replacing the bulbs doesn't work, do you think I should try replacing the assembly before trying to replace the SAM. And if I do try to replace the SAM myself, does it have to come from exactly the same model (2005 CLK 320 convertible) or could it come from any 2005 CLK 320, or even a 2005 CLK 500?

Thanks again.

Eric

Rudeney

I would check the wiring and bulb holder first. Since none are working, you have a bad ground. If it does end up being the SAM, it's best to get one from the same year, model and engine to avoid programming. Of course if you have access to SDS (or someone who has it), then any used same from a MY2005+ W209 would be fine as it can be re-coded for you if there were any issues.

Eric Kettunen

Rodney,

Thanks again. I went ahead and ordered a bulb holder from another 2005 CLK convertible on eBay so I will give that a shot. I'm not clear on what caused the 'bad ground,' but as I mentioned previously, a couple of the lights on the back right unit were still working until I unplugged the bulb holder and tried cleaning the connecting pins. Once I plugged it back in NONE of the lights on the right side worked. Could I have shorted it/created the bad ground when I did this? I want to be sure that I don't mistakenly short the replacement bulb holder when I put it in! Also, what is an SDS?

Thanks,

Eric

Rudeney

You can't really short the holder - it has no electronics. But do check the wiring connector that plugs into it for any loose wires or other signs of problems.