SAM (Front) Replacement for C320
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c320
SAM (Front) Replacement for C320
I am having a problem with my car when I got a message from the dashboard saying "Parking light front left" error. I replaced my parking light twice but the light still blinking. Since the majority of lights are being controlled by SAM, there is no fuses to replace. All lights are controlled electronically. So I finally decided that I have a defective front SAM.
Last Sunday, I just replaced my front SAM on my C320. I bought my SAM used from ebay ($150) that is originally pulled from C240. The SAM has a 6 month warranty and guarantee to be working. A brand new SAM cost around $360 and have an empty memory data. Brand new SAM requires data to run all the lighting in your car. This data should be taken from the existing SAM via a computer using Star Diagnostic program and transfer to the new SAM. Since I do not have this program, I decided to buy a used SAM with the same part number and car's year. And it works.
This is how I did it:
1. Since I do not have my radio CODE, I did NOT disconnect the battery. I removed all the harness' connected to the SAM & CAN beside it.
2. Remove all the relays. Make sure to mark them and photograph.
3. Disconnect the wipper arm from the wiper by prying it out. Tape the arm away from the area as much as you can.
4. Remove the 40A & 50A fusses first.
5. Remove all the remaining fusses.
6. Remove the 3 screws (torx) of the module. 2 front & 1 rear.
7. This is the hardest part, try to wiggle the module to pull it out
from the box. I managed to pull it out by positioning diagonally. This
is PIA. Don't give up. This is a trial & error. Once you manage to pull it out
it is easier to put it back.
8. Once it out, just pull the module enough to give you space to see the
wirings below. Take a picture and mark the harness one by one.
9. The installation of the new SAM is the reverse.
When I test it, it appeared that the light's function still the same and the radio works without entering the codes. The parking mesage dissapeared and all lights works. I saved a lot of money by doing it myself. The dealer gave me an estimate of $1600 labor plus parts.
Last Sunday, I just replaced my front SAM on my C320. I bought my SAM used from ebay ($150) that is originally pulled from C240. The SAM has a 6 month warranty and guarantee to be working. A brand new SAM cost around $360 and have an empty memory data. Brand new SAM requires data to run all the lighting in your car. This data should be taken from the existing SAM via a computer using Star Diagnostic program and transfer to the new SAM. Since I do not have this program, I decided to buy a used SAM with the same part number and car's year. And it works.
This is how I did it:
1. Since I do not have my radio CODE, I did NOT disconnect the battery. I removed all the harness' connected to the SAM & CAN beside it.
2. Remove all the relays. Make sure to mark them and photograph.
3. Disconnect the wipper arm from the wiper by prying it out. Tape the arm away from the area as much as you can.
4. Remove the 40A & 50A fusses first.
5. Remove all the remaining fusses.
6. Remove the 3 screws (torx) of the module. 2 front & 1 rear.
7. This is the hardest part, try to wiggle the module to pull it out
from the box. I managed to pull it out by positioning diagonally. This
is PIA. Don't give up. This is a trial & error. Once you manage to pull it out
it is easier to put it back.
8. Once it out, just pull the module enough to give you space to see the
wirings below. Take a picture and mark the harness one by one.
9. The installation of the new SAM is the reverse.
When I test it, it appeared that the light's function still the same and the radio works without entering the codes. The parking mesage dissapeared and all lights works. I saved a lot of money by doing it myself. The dealer gave me an estimate of $1600 labor plus parts.
