In this article, we go over the steps on how to troubleshoot a SAM module, replace a Front SAM module on a W203 C-Class and code the replacement SAM unit. The most common problem that causes the failure of Mercedes-Benz SAM modules is water damage and corrosion.

In Mercedes-Benz terms, SAM stands for Signal Acquisition Module. One of the most common problems that affect Mercedes-Benz vehicles is the failure of SAM modules.

What you will need

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Front Right Signal Acquisition Module SAM Control Unit For Mercedes X164 W251 1649004101 GL350 GL450...
Front Right Signal Acquisition Module SAM Control Unit For Mercedes X164 W251 1649004101 GL350 GL450…
For Mercedes-Benz W251 R350 Rear Front Acquisition Module SAM Control Unit; Reference OE part number: 164 900 41 01, 164 900 4101, 1649004101
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Tools:

Parts:

  • New or Used Mercedes SAM unit.

Reading the codes via Reliable Scanner is highly recommended, which can read SAM errors and re-program SAM or any other modules.

YOUCANIC UCAN2 SCANNER

Using a scanner to pull the codings and back up all the settings in the options is important.

scanners-to-pull-and-backup-code

A cheaper option than buying a brand-new module is to buy a used module from another (scrapped) vehicle. If you buy a unit from another vehicle, be sure to match the part no, so it is unnecessary to re-program the module.

same-model-sam

If your car is a base model, get apart from a base model, but it’s not guaranteed that no programming is needed because some base models have different configs.

How to diagnose Mercedes SAM

  1. Choose a model from the scanner menu.choose-model
  2. Choose Control Units, then SAM acquisition module front.choose-sam-front
  3. Read fault codesread-fault-codes
  4. Below are samples of fault codes with descriptions.fault-codes-results
  5. Please note that error codes that are stored are intermittent. Therefore, present codes are current error codes.
  6. Choose variant codes. choose-variant-codes
  7. Backup-variant-codingbackup-codes
  8. Write a filename for backup. Backing up will store every setting from the target vehicle.write-filename-of-backup
  9. The front sam module also controls Auxillary Water Pump (windshield washer), Cornering Lamp (fog light illumination on the selected turn at low speed), etc.more-sam-controls

Replacement

  1. Tilt the hood up to maximum angle.tilt-the-hood
  2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
  3. Separate the wiper arm connector using a flat screwdriver.disconnect-wiper-arm
  4. Move wiper arms aside to provide more room for the removal of the SAM module.set-aside-wiper-arm
  5. Please take pictures of the connectors or label them, in case you forgot the matches.take-pictures-of-upper-connector-layout
  6. Disconnect connectors using a flat head precision screwdriver. disconnect-connectors-upperdisconnect-different-connector
  7. Unplug the ECU connection to the SAM unit. disconnect-ecu-connector
  8. Move the wire harness away from the SAM unit. move-wire-harness-away
  9. Remove retaining screws using a Torx screwdriver.
  10. Remove the fuse, which would prevent the SAM from coming out.remove-blocking-fuse
  11. Move the wiper arm towards the front of the car to make room to remove the SAM.
  12. Pull the SAM gently to expose the connector under it.expose-sam-bottom-connectors
  13. Retake pictures or mark the connectors before removal.
  14. Disconnect bottom connectors.disconnect-bottom-connectors
  15. Compare the replacement SAM with the old SAM, be sure that the number of fuses and relays are the same. Also, make sure that all the fuses and relays have the same amperage rating.compare-fuses
  16. Reconnect bottom connectors. You may use the old SAM to help with the connector pattern. Also, make sure that no connectors are left behind.reconnect-bottom-connectors
  17. Lower the SAM module to its original position. lower-sam
  18. Reconnect the fuse.reconnect-fuse
  19. Reinstall retaining screws.reconnect-connecting-screw
  20. Reconnect upper connectors, including ECU connectors.reconnect-upper-connectors
  21. Reconnect upper connectors from the main harness. Be sure to secure the main harness.Reconnect-main-harness
  22. Reconnect the wiper arm.reconnect-wiper
  23. Install SAM cover make sure it seals in place properly to avoid water contamination.install-sam-cover
  24. Reconnect the battery.
  25. Read Fault using a scanner to determine if there is a problem with the replacement SAM.read-fault-codes
  26. Clear fault codes.clear-codes
  27. Choose coding backup/reserve.codingr-reserve
  28. Choose to restore coding.restore-from-backup
  29. Choose read fault codes again to verify the successful installation and code restoration.re-read-fault-codes
  30. There should be no more codes related to the SAM module.final-errors

Does a SAM unit need to be programmed on a Mercedes-Benz?

  • Yes, a Mercedes-Benz needs to be programmed.

Can you install a used Mercedes-Benz SAM unit?

  • Sometimes. On the Mercedes-Benz model made around 2000, it was easier to swap used SAM modules. You can install a used SAM, but we strongly recommend that the used unit be programmed.

Will the engine start if I install a used Mercedes-Benz SAM unit?

In most cases, the vehicle will start with a used SAM.  If you install a used SAM, the engine may start, but several features may not work, which means coding is required.

Part Number

  • 2035454701

We hope you find the Mercedes-Benz SAM Module Replacement Guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your Mercedes-Benz.

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