2001 500S Electrical Issues
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MBZ 2001 500S
2001 500S Electrical Issues
I have developed a few electrical issues on my 2001 500S.
2 weeks ago I was driving during the day and my dashboard board warning light came on and a couple of the dashboard icons were flashing and the fuel level showed zero. At the same time a clicking sound came on at the rear of the car. Looking for the source of the clicking it may have been the trunk lights switching off and on, not quite sure. This sound and dashboard flashing/malfunction continued for a hour. I parked the car for a couple hours and resume the ride home. About half way home all issues disappeared.
Now I find that the license plate light stays on with the car off and fob out of the ignition - slowly draining the battery.
Any ideas?
2 weeks ago I was driving during the day and my dashboard board warning light came on and a couple of the dashboard icons were flashing and the fuel level showed zero. At the same time a clicking sound came on at the rear of the car. Looking for the source of the clicking it may have been the trunk lights switching off and on, not quite sure. This sound and dashboard flashing/malfunction continued for a hour. I parked the car for a couple hours and resume the ride home. About half way home all issues disappeared.
Now I find that the license plate light stays on with the car off and fob out of the ignition - slowly draining the battery.
Any ideas?
Last edited by GaryDG; May 4, 2016 at 06:08 PM.
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MBZ 2001 500S
That's what I needed > SAM (signal acquisition module, essentially a router on the car's electrical network).
Using that in the search function pulled up further reading and seems to confirm what you guys said - thanks!
Now concerning the IC, I presume that is an integrated circuit of some kind. Not sure where that is or what function that performs - can you elaborate?
Also, on the SAM (and I am not finished reading the posts), it seems clear that the SAM purchased must be for the car it is placed on (part number match) but what is not clear is if the SAM can be installed without any programming. Any comments there?
Thanks again!
Using that in the search function pulled up further reading and seems to confirm what you guys said - thanks!
Now concerning the IC, I presume that is an integrated circuit of some kind. Not sure where that is or what function that performs - can you elaborate?
Also, on the SAM (and I am not finished reading the posts), it seems clear that the SAM purchased must be for the car it is placed on (part number match) but what is not clear is if the SAM can be installed without any programming. Any comments there?
Thanks again!
Last edited by GaryDG; May 4, 2016 at 07:35 PM.
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Mercedes
Sam does not need to be programmed
However you need to determine why the Sam failed . Most times its due to water damage . If you have experienced any recent rains , these cars have a problem with the AC vent ducts under the windshield that allows water to enter the passenger cabin and straight to the Sam
However you need to determine why the Sam failed . Most times its due to water damage . If you have experienced any recent rains , these cars have a problem with the AC vent ducts under the windshield that allows water to enter the passenger cabin and straight to the Sam
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MBZ 2001 500S
Water in SAM compartment
I pulled out the rear seat cushion, moved the insulation, and observed perhaps 1/8 - 3/16 of water at the bottom towards the center of the car, below the electronics but some of the wires were laying in the water.
This may also account for excessive moisture, that I couldn't determine the source of, in the trunk a couple months ago.
I will evaluate further.
This may also account for excessive moisture, that I couldn't determine the source of, in the trunk a couple months ago.
I will evaluate further.
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From: Ball Ground, GA (N of Atlanta)
2003 S500 2007 GL450
If you have not yet done so:
Open the hood (bonnet).
Look in the right rear corner (To your left - Left/Right are always from the viewpoint of a seated driver), and locate the large horizontal grille. This is the air intake for the HVAC.
Look down into the grille, using a flashlight (torch) if necessary, and see if there is any standing water at the bottom.
If there is, you must immediately clear the drain at the bottom. Water in this area will do major damage to the electrical/electronic systems in the car.
If there is water, you must remove the front and rear carpets on the right, and thoroughly dry the channels in the floor. You will also need to remove the rear seat bottom (there are release handles at each corner of the bottom) and thoroughly dry the SAM/fuse box/wiring under the seat.
Open the hood (bonnet).
Look in the right rear corner (To your left - Left/Right are always from the viewpoint of a seated driver), and locate the large horizontal grille. This is the air intake for the HVAC.
Look down into the grille, using a flashlight (torch) if necessary, and see if there is any standing water at the bottom.
If there is, you must immediately clear the drain at the bottom. Water in this area will do major damage to the electrical/electronic systems in the car.
If there is water, you must remove the front and rear carpets on the right, and thoroughly dry the channels in the floor. You will also need to remove the rear seat bottom (there are release handles at each corner of the bottom) and thoroughly dry the SAM/fuse box/wiring under the seat.
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