[manuelvazquez]

Did you have the eng. running?

Yes, the engine is running, but I had my meter in a bad ground point.
On the one you marked it reads now 0.17 volts and current on the 1st two fuses but not on the rest (on top).

 

[43sqd]

I only asked you to check that fuse. Forget about it for now.

 

[manuelvazquez]

OK, sorry, just checked for your info as I have to step in/out to replay and check.

 

[43sqd]

What you must do is remove the rear SAM.

Separate the covers (first video). Buy a box of round tooth picks and break about 5-6 of them in half. When you unlock each tab, insert a tooth pick into each tab to keep it unlocked red line. Then unlock the tabs for the black connectors.

Can you do this?

 

[manuelvazquez]

What you must do is remove the rear SAM.

Separate the covers (first video). Buy a box of round tooth picks and break about 5-6 of them in half. When you unlock each tab, insert a tooth pick into each tab to keep it unlocked. Then unlock the tabs for the black connectors.

Can you do this?

I did removed this SAM unit, and shipped it to be repaired at G7 Computers and reinstalled it once received. The reason I shipped it for repair was because it had some corrosion.

 

[43sqd]

I did removed this SAM unit, and shipped it to be repaired at G7 Computers and reinstalled it once received. The reason I shipped it for repair was because it had some corrosion.

Manuel, you have said this three times but the people you sent it to did not correct the problem.

Can you do this? And I'm asking you this for the last time. Yes or no.

 

[manuelvazquez]

I did removed this SAM unit, and shipped it to be repaired at G7 Computers and reinstalled it once received. The reason I shipped it for repair was because it had some corrosion.

Manuel, you have said this three times but the people you sent it to did not correct the problem.

Can you do this? And I'm asking you this for the last time. Yes or no.

OK, yes I can, but I have to go to work in 1/2 hour. So I’ll remove it tomorrow and if there’s anything else I should do just let me know and I’ll get back with you as soon as possible tomorrow. Thank you so much for your time and help.

 

[43sqd]

OK go to work, and I will post later on.

 

[43sqd]

The black towers must be removed as there will be corrosion under them. They must be removed.

Buy or use old toothbrushes for scrubbing the circuit board and a can of Electronic Cleaner. The cleaner does not have to be that brand, but it must be contact cleaner.

Spray the board on both sides and scrub away. The cleaner will evaporate after cleaning and no further action will be necessary, except re-assembly.

 

[manuelvazquez]

The black towers must be removed as there will be corrosion under them. They must be removed.

Buy or use old toothbrushes for scrubbing the circuit board and a can of Electronic Cleaner. The cleaner does not have to be that brand, but it must be contact cleaner.

Spray the board on both sides and scrub away. The cleaner will evaporate after cleaning and no further action will be necessary, except re-assembly.

I removed the rear SAM and disassembled the covers to remove the circuit board. It looks pretty good & clean (compared to what it looked before I sent it to be repaired. I also took the liberty to remove the top fuse/relay bank unit to check it's connections, and they also looks good. I have everything still disassembled awaiting for further guidance.

 

[43sqd]

I removed the rear SAM and disassembled the covers to remove the circuit board. It looks pretty good & clean (compared to what it looked before I sent it to be repaired. I also took the liberty to remove the top fuse/relay bank unit to check it's connections, and they also looks good. I have everything still disassembled awaiting for further guidance.

Send a photo of the board with the black towers removed.

 

[manuelvazquez]

As you can see, there’re very clean

 

[43sqd]

So you didn't have to clean anything?

By the way, did you copy down the part number for your rear SAM?

Did you install new tail lamp gaskets?

 

[manuelvazquez]

So you didn't have to clean anything?

By the way, did you copy down the part number for your rear SAM?

Did you install new tail lamp gaskets?

I did cleaned each terminal cable when I reinstalled it.
I did marked it’s black casing/cover and got the same one returned.
Tail lamp gaskets? - no - however about 2 years ago I did installed the brake light fix adapter from Mercedes.

I will reinstall everything back tomorrow and continue my hunt on this mistireous malfunction.

 

[43sqd]

So there was corrosion when it was returned to you? Yes or no?

I asked you to supply the part number for the rear SAM and you didn't give it.

 

[manuelvazquez]

There was no corrosion, very clean.

 

[43sqd]

The #164 545 70 32 is no longer in the M/B parts list.

What is your full vin #?

Buy these two seals or else water entry will occur again.

 

[manuelvazquez]

The #164 545 70 32 is no longer in the M/B parts list.

What is your full vin #?

Buy these two seals or else water entry will occur again.

VIN: 4JGBB86E57A257689
Yes, that same SAM is no longer available, but there are replacement ones. However, if the SAM would be replaced with a new one, then it would have to reprogramed by the dealer, and there's no dealer near my home area nor I can find a reliable certified MB mechanic. That is the main reason why I sent it to be repaired.

 

[manuelvazquez]

Well, I reinstalled everything back, cleaned the terminals again (just in case) and moved on checking/troubleshooting the front fuse links and front SAM (underneath passenger seat). I opened the SAM since I noticed it was very dirty and suspicious. WOW, it was worse than the rear SAM, it had a lot of corrosion on the some of the microchips and after I cleaned them, I noticed that one of the chip's soldering connections were completely dissolved from the corrosion. Tried to find a supplier of the chip (ST VND830E) for replacement, but it's been discontinued and it's replacement is on back-order; therefor I have no choice than to just get another SAM unit which I just ordered.
I know that the rear SAM needs to be programmed if replaced, but - do you know if the front SAM also needs to be programmed? Thanks for all your help.
SAM #A164-540-24-01

 

[43sqd]

According to your vin# here is the part #164 540 22 01.

ebay has two used ones which will not need programming, it will be plug and play.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=1645402201&_sacat=6030

You keep ignoring my suggestion about getting new tail lamp seals, and with that I am done with this thread.