My back up camera quit working. At the same time the left Backup light stopped working as well. I took the hatch panel off and checked and cleaned the connection to the camera. No dust, or corrosion on the connector. I removed the left back up light bulb. It is fine. Just to make sure I switched it to the right back up light socket and it works. Not a bulb problem. Since they both stopped together is there a connection that would prevent the light from working if the camera has failed? Is there a way to test the camera for failure? Or is something else going on. Thanks in advance.

George

 

Did you check for codes?

Your problem could be the bulb socket.

 

I had similar problems when my rear SAM had water damage and resulting corrosion surrounding the pins under the connectors on the PCB. Cleaned up the board, reassembled, and the rear camera and lights (among other functions) returned to normal.

 

The bulb socket is good. I switched the bulb and socket with the one on the right and they both work in that socket. Thanks. I thought that as well.

 

Where do I locate the rear SAM. What does that acronym stand for? Thanks.

 

I will get the codes checked. Thanks for the code list. Appreciated.

 

The rear SAM is the signal acquisition module. It controls most of the functionality of the electronics of the vehicle (fuel gage, tail lights, backup camera, alarm, remote unlock, etc.). It is located in the bottom of the rear passenger side wheel well. It is a very common problem on these W164 vehicles as water enters this wheel well area and soaks the SAM causing it to severely corrode and short out circuits which in turn causes strange electrical issues to occur. If you scan the whole vehicle for codes and the SAM is the issue it will definitely show up there.

 

Makes sense. I get it coded tomorrow and post results. Is the SAM accessible from inside of the car or from outside? I'll check for a video of replacement. Thank you.

 

Its very easy to access from the interior of the vehicle. You only need to remove the cloth covered panel on the rear passenger side of the cargo area. The SAM itself is located in the bottom of that body cavity. This video does an OK job at showing its location:

 

Thanks again. I was just watching the same video. The guy sounds like me. Kind of, Whats next with this car. I bet that that is it.

 

Thanks Joe2016. I got a used SAM unit for $250.00. I put it in and everything works fine now. Camera came back on and the reverse light works. Luckily it came from another 2009 ML and did not need reprogramming.