Nick.who

Hello guys,

I have 2008 ML 320 CDI, I am getting Tail Light malfunction message in my dash intermittently for past few months,
It comes by itself and goes away, but all my brake lights are not working. sometimes I get the 3rd brake light malfunction, sometimes a Right tail light message appears in the dash.
Checked all fuses in the trunk, no issues there.
I opened both sides to check if bulbs were gone, but they are fine.
Not sure where the problem is.


Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

flybd5

Most likely moisture has gotten inside and maybe the SAM has been affected.

Nick.who

I think you are right, I have noticed few drops in my trunk floor while the car was parked in rain.
Not sure where the water was entering from?

Sorry for my ignorance,
What is SAM?
and how can I fix this issue?

flybd5

The SAM is a control module, there are several of them in the car that interface to various components. It's electronic, so if water gets in there you might get corrosion, but water damage at the least.

If you have LED lights, those are known to leak and go haywire. It's also possible the seal around the light was installed incorrectly at the factory and may have to be replaced. Check other forums messages, search for "leak and seal" and you should be able to find more details.

Allen Sadler

This is definitely an issue putting the rear signal acquisition module in an area prone to moisture! Took the board out and cleaned it with 99% medical grade alcohol then coated the bottom of it with liquid electrical tape. now working again! mercedes recalled the c class for this, why not the rest of them?

bziton

Best to coat with "Conformal Coating"

Allen Sadler

Sold the benz and bought a Honda Passport! Problems are solved!

bziton

Congrats,
I have never owned a car that was more problematic than my ML350

Allen Sadler

Try an ml320 if you want more problems!

S70Houston

Good luck.

My neighbor bought a brand-new Passport,which has nothing but troubles.

Allen Sadler

mine aas built in 2020 and is the touring model! Cuts back to three cylinders cruising and gets 8.9 litres per hundred mileage. Made a good vehicle during covid!

Olsyno

At my 08 ML 320 the water ingress which ruined the SAM came from the furthest back right hand side window. Difficult to see since it’s all covered with trim.

C230 Sport Coup

Remove the bulb holder and bulbs. Use a pencil eraser to clean the contacts and see what happens.
Check your bulbs with an ohm meter and visually.