GL Class (X166) 2013-2015 after facelift became GLS (X166)

No Turn Signals + Blind Spot & Lane Keep Assist Unavailable

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Old May 3, 2021 | 06:52 PM
  #1  
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2013 GL550
No Turn Signals + Active Blind Spot & Lane Keep Assist Inoperative

SYMPTOMS:
  • Periodic "Active Blind Spot Assist Inoperative" and "Active Lane Keep Assist Inoperative" warning messages.
  • Periodic loss of turn signals

REMEDIATIONS (already tried):
  • Cleaning front and rear parking sensors
  • Cleaning front-facing camera
  • Replacing broken front star emblem (part #164-888-04-11)

RESULT: original symptoms persist.

DISCUSSION: I've read anecdotal reports of this combination of symptoms indicating a problem with the blind spot radar sensors in the rear bumper (water damage from broken casing). See this MercedesMedic link.

QUESTION: Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what was the cause and your solution?

EDIT: I'm pretty sure this is a turn signal module problem (described here).

Last edited by Jason Stewart; Mar 20, 2022 at 07:39 AM.
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Old May 4, 2021 | 10:17 AM
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gl450
Take a look at this thread - same symptoms, required replacement of the combination switch.

https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...acting-up.html
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Old May 7, 2021 | 06:22 AM
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GL450
Replace your SAM (Signal Acquistion Module)

I had the same symptoms on my 2012 GL450. Turn signals, blind spot and fuel gauge inoperative. I found the reason as to why it failed as well. If the rear windows are left opened and it rains, water will enter the vehicle and soak the SAM that resides at the rear right tail light. Always make sure the windows are closed (lowest switch on the driver window switch panel) when exiting the vehicle. The switch is easily bumped when driving. The new module will have to be programmed by MB for all systems controlled by the module.
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Old May 7, 2021 | 08:21 AM
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The rear taillights are a known water entry point. Yes, most likely SAM is sitting in water or it's been exposed to water and is now corroded.
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Old May 7, 2021 | 11:45 AM
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'21 AMG53 wDPP & ARC, 19 GLC300 - Former-03 C240,2 ML BlueTecs,20 GLE450 E-ABC,15 Cayenne D,17 Macan
Originally Posted by BlownV8
The rear taillights are a known water entry point. Yes, most likely SAM is sitting in water or it's been exposed to water and is now corroded.
In order for the rear SAM to be under water, it would take about 5 gallons of water, sloshing around in the rear quarter panel. And it would have filled the spare tire well and soaked the carpets throughout the car. Now, that's a bunch of water to enter through a taillight! Unbelievable!!!
So the lesson is - if your feet get wet every time you get in your car, be sure to check your taillight - just sayin'.
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Old May 7, 2021 | 03:00 PM
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There is a difference between sitting in water, what I said, and being immersed in water. With that said, I have had a SAM almost covered in water and, yes, it was gallons but was from leaving the window open. Very expensive mistake.
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Old May 8, 2021 | 12:21 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
There is a difference between sitting in water, what I said, and being immersed in water. With that said, I have had a SAM almost covered in water and, yes, it was gallons but was from leaving the window open. Very expensive mistake.
Sorry about my flippant response.
In this case I am having trouble visualizing the waterway from door to rear quarter, where the SAM resides. Is the rear quarter window operable (I don't have a GLS)?
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Old May 8, 2021 | 11:04 PM
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Had it in the beginning. There is a steering wheel control module which cause turn signals to disappear...
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Old May 8, 2021 | 11:06 PM
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Had it in the beginning. There is a steering wheel control module which cause turn signals to disappear...
Similar case
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...noperable.html
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Old May 9, 2021 | 09:14 PM
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Originally Posted by mikapen
Sorry about my flippant response.
In this case I am having trouble visualizing the waterway from door to rear quarter, where the SAM resides. Is the rear quarter window operable (I don't have a GLS)?
Yes, the rear quarter window does pop out.
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Old May 13, 2021 | 09:55 AM
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2013 GL550
Originally Posted by Jet Wrench
If the rear windows are left opened and it rains, water will enter the vehicle and soak the SAM that resides at the rear right tail light.
How do you access the SAM module? Sounds like something I could easily check... thanks for the tip!
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Old May 17, 2021 | 07:58 AM
  #12  
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2013 GL550
Fixed?

This is strange, but I found that when I get the “Active Blindspot assist inoperative“ or “Active Lane keeping assist in operative” messages (and those systems stop working) that they will immediately start working again if I just turn on the right turn signal then the left turn signal (in quick succession) while the vehicle is in Drive (D).

I’m still not sure what the root cause of this problem is, but this interim fix is unobtrusive enough that I think I can stretch out my next dealer appointment.
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Old Mar 24, 2024 | 11:45 PM
  #13  
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ml500
Originally Posted by Jason Stewart
This is strange, but I found that when I get the “Active Blindspot assist inoperative“ or “Active Lane keeping assist in operative” messages (and those systems stop working) that they will immediately start working again if I just turn on the right turn signal then the left turn signal (in quick succession) while the vehicle is in Drive (D).

I’m still not sure what the root cause of this problem is, but this interim fix is unobtrusive enough that I think I can stretch out my next dealer appointment.
I can't believe it. Sitting in a carpark with this problem. Tried your fix and it worked! Ta heaps
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