chopperpilot

Can anybody tell me what functions the rear SAM controls? A diagram would be awesome.

Thanks

Maj. Dundee

Here it is.

chopperpilot

Thanks, Major. I really appreciate it! I have to replace my rear SAM for a few of those things but one thing I didn't see but I'm having and issue with is the interior lights don't come on when I open the doors. Everything is illuminated as far as controls and switches but no interior light illumination. Any ideas?

Maj. Dundee

One thing at a time. Have you removed everything in the spare tire area and checked for water intrusion, which is caused by faulty tail lamp seals?

Remove the SAM and remove the plastic covers and see if there is corrosion. If there is, remove the covers and the black towers, a must, and clean the circuit board with Electronic Contact Spray and a toothbrush.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post7352393

chopperpilot

Hi Major. Yes, I have checked for water and it was indeed wet back there. The SAM shows signs of corrosion. I cleaned it as you said and everything is working except the fuel gauge. It reads full all the time. I was having lots of messages for trailer lights not working, no turn signals, key fob not working properly etc. I have ordered new factory seals. I found out why the interior lights weren't working, just a switch in the wrong position. Thanks for the help.

Maj. Dundee

When you get the new seals, make sure that you remove all traces of the old seal which was stuck to the tail lamp (assembly line morons). Then carefully place the seals on the body opening and then install the lamp.

As for the fuel level problem, did you remove the black plastic towers when you disassembled the rear SAM? Because there is always corrosion underneath them.

Go back to the SAM and find connector "C" and locate wire #27 Blue/Blk. Pos., #33 Brn/Blk Ground & #40 Grn?Blk Pos. Turn the key to pos. #2 and test the wires.

chopperpilot

Thanks for the great info. I did not take the towers off as I couldn't figure out a way to do it without damaging it. Any advice on how to do this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

chopperpilot

Maj. Dundee

Look at these two videos. One shows the towers removed but he doesn't say how he removed them. Look on the opposite side of the board and see if there are round black dots that can be pushed through. If not, wiggle them from side to side and pulling upwards. If he figured it out, you can too.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post7373967

chopperpilot

Appreciate it. I will try it again. Nothing to lose but a few days waiting for a replacement if I do break it.

Maj. Dundee

If you are getting a virgin SAM, it has to be programmed.

chopperpilot

Yeah, that's what I figured. Is a trip to the dealer involved?

Maj. Dundee

Yes, but since the SAM controls so many things, you will not be able to drive it.

mwolf5682

A question for the Major. If a used SAM is installed can it work without reprogramming? I talked with a local shop and he said that he does not reprogram, rather buys used ones and that they are usually close enough.

This seems problematic if key recognition is a part of its function, but I know very little about this. The MBUSA dealer said they would reprogram for me, and he thought the car would drive but lights etc. may not function.

One strategy is to replace and drive in for reprogramming, but if it won't drive, its a new can of worms.

PS. The Major was my hero when I owned my W124. Many thanks for his wisdom and insight.

Tinodea

I did not have to reprogram anything after replacing my rear SAM on my ‘07 ML320 (severe water damage) with a new one. It 100% was “plug and play”. I even took it to a mechanic thinking there was something I was missing because I kept reading that It needed to be reprogrammed- even though all seemed to be working. When I got there though the mechanic said he’d never done it either, and just sent me on my way. I’ve been drinking it for >6000 miles now with no issue.

Maj. Dundee

A used SAM with the same part # is the way to go. The only drawback is the used SAM must have the same features as your vehicle.

For example, if your veh. has automatic tailgate opening & closing and the used SAM does not, then that feature must be programmed.

mwolf5682

Tinodea, spot on in my case also. New SAM, plugged it in, and everything worked. Rear hatch works, back up lights out. All tail light functions are good. Talk about a happy owner.

scourchaine

Hello All,

2006 ML500 #4JGBB75E46A047014 with these rear options: parktronic, auto tailgate, trailer package, keyless go
I'm in rural VT so my options for knowledgeable experienced Mercedes service are limited and the dealer is over an hour away.
I have to replace my rear SAM it's soaking wet and corroded. I sent SAM to G7 Computers in NY for rebuilding, but they returned my unit this weekend stating: "the computer you sent here was unable to be repaired. A pin-out test was performed, and it was determined that the damage is too extensive for repair, as the fault was traced back to the main chip, which can not be repaired or replaced". So that option is gone. I have a new seal for auto tailgate actuator arm and the new thicker seal for taillight that was specially developed for the recalled 2009 ML models that had major leaks, campaign #2009030003.

So far I have been unable to find an USED unit with my exact part number as mine A164540-89-45, the label also provides the additional HW1645457632, SW1644421200 and HW45/04, SW26/05 and SNO 0715. I assume these are the firmware version and dates that its programmed too. I find many used SAM's for the 2006 & 2007 ML350 & ML500's but slightly different part numbers such as: 164540-92-45, 164540-29-62, 164540-92-62 etc.. Are these close enough? I found a Canadian 164540-89-62 from a 2006 ML350 for $100. Can any of these be reprogrammed by the dealer if they don't have all the functions that my ML500 actually has?

The dealer tells me the original part number ZB: A164540-89-45 has been superseded by this new part A164-900-5401-80. Dealer tells me that this REMAN unit sells for $550 and will require programming from them, which costs another $125-$200. I see other's comments that there NEW SAM didn't need programming when purchased, for you guys was the NEW SAM actually brand new or was it a REMAN unit like my dealer is offering?

Any wisdom, guidance from your experience is appreciated. Thanks Scott

Maj. Dundee

According to your vin#, your old SAM has been superseded by 164 540 91 62. Buy one from a junk yard as they will replace it immediately if it is faulty. Find one that came from an ML500 as they have the most options.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...62&_sacat=6030

scourchaine

Thanks for the proven confirmation on the correct part number. I have read a bunch of your replies over the years and was hoping you were available to assist.
In concept can the 1645409162 SAM be reprogrammed if the used one I buy does NOT have all the same options as my existing ml500? i.e. power tailgate, trailer package, parking sensors...

Maj. Dundee

Yes it can be programmed to fit your features, but it must be done with a scanner capable of doing so or a M/B SDS.

Here is a copy of your DATA Card.

justinwrock

In reality, almost any used SAM can be installed if coded correctly... Two exceptions - if you have LED tail lights, these cannot be used on an early SAM due to different hardware for the lower resistance lights and if you have a trailer hitch, as some early model SAM units don't have the correct HW to support it.

A1649005401 is the latest revision of the rear SAM and should be compatible with any US configuration W164. Check with your local garages, if they have an SD3 or SD4, they can do the initialization of a used module and program it to your car. If not, I might be able to program it here using my W164 and SDS and send it your way.

Be weary of the chinese clone rear SAM, there's been some horror stories of poor build quality resulting in a fire.

scourchaine

here is an update.
I sent the sam to a specialized repair company in the Northeast. They returned it stating it was "unrepairable". just for the hell of it I decided to do a simple cleaning of the board as provided in the video, 1 $10 spray can and a tooth brush. It mostly worked! I regained most of the functions and that has allowed me to drive the car and take a little bit longer to acquire an used SAM module. These are the only functions I did NOT regain: gas gauge, trailer lights and power opening/closing of the tailgate.

I'm finding that the sellers of these used modules are unable to identify the exact donor car model. As Maj. Dundee & Justinwrock have indicated if I knew it was from a ML500 then I probably wouldn't have to program it at all. Oh well.

Thanks for your feedback and guidance, it's been very useful!!!

CackySA

Can anyone shed some light on which plug controls what. I have lost the stop lights, have various issues with rear tail lights and tailgate unlock. Some corrosion under connector "H" specifically and pin 3 on the IC located directly next to H pin 4 and 8 is missing. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.


Showing the Pin that is missing on the IC next to H

Maj. Dundee

What is this photo that you posted?

I'm assuming IC means Instrument Cluster, but what does have to do with the problem?

CackySA

Hello Maj. Dundee, In this case IC is Intergrated Circuit, in the picture I posted. The picture is of the internal board of the W164 rear SAM part number, A1649005101 which was replaced under warranty 9 years ago due to the failure of the right rear taillight gasket. Well the gasket had failed again and the SAM took on water and corroded. Problem is you only find out when something stops working... Sold the W166 and wanted to use the W164 but now it is parked.

Pin or leg 3 of the IC has corroded and I suspect that that particular IC belongs to the tail light section of the SAM. The connector pictured right next to that IC is connector "H", as per your posted pic. I can get a replacement IC from China but if it does not relate to the tail lights or rear tailgate lock it can stay the same for now.

If anyone knows what either that IC controls or what connector "H" is for I would greatly appreciate the assistance. Maybe the gods will shine on me and someone has a schematic for the rear SAM. I have written to Delphi, let's see.