Mod Details
PremiumYes Difficulty
Mod ID1882
Creditevil/Ben
For
Linkhttps://evilution.co.uk/mod/453-sam-unit-failure.htm Copy to ClipboardSAM Unit?
It’s a Mercedes acronym. Signal Acquisition Module. It’s a processor that sends out data and voltages to different things around the car to control them.
I say “it’s” but on the 453, it’s actually “they” since there are 2 SAM units. The SAM-D and the SAM-M.
SAM-D
The Driver’s SAM unit is called a EMM by Renault (Electronics Management Module) and is labeled N10/11 on wiring diagrams and diagnostics. Smart created confusion by calling it the driver’s side SAM. That’s only the case on LHD cars. The more accurate definition would be the left hand SAM.
It’s attached to the same bracket behind the dashboard as the ClimBox. ClimBox on the left, SAM-D on the right (arrowed below).
It’s a small box with 4 connections.
It slots down onto the bracket and screws in at the top.
SAM-D Wiring Pin Out
Coming Soon.
SAM-M
The middle SAM unit is called a BCM by Renault (Body Control Module) and is labeled N10/10 on wiring diagrams and diagnostics.
It is hidden below the heater controller in the middle of the dashboard, mainly hidden by the centre console.
SAM-M Wiring Pin Out
Coming soon.
Known Failures
These are possible reasons for certain faults. They are by no means the only reason for these things failing so do your own tests.
Brake lights not lighting – SAM-D
Headlights always on or always off – SAM-D
Wipers don’t work – SAM-D
Wipers don’t stop – SAM-D
12v Warning light on (alternator fault) – SAM-D
Transmission fault (3 lines) – SAM-M
If you know any more that were fixed by replacing one of the SAM units, let me know. Literally anything connected to these units could fail on or off so, look through the pin out list and see if your problem item is connected to one of them.
Replacing
Although they are available from smart and not very expensive brand new, if you fit a new one, you will need to code them.
Fitting a 2nd hand unit from a similar model seems to work plug’n’play with no extra coding.
Credits
I made an educated guess about brake lights not working when Ben C (SmartTechnic) contacted me about it. Swapping the SAM-D with a 2nd hand one fixed the issues.
The issue appeared again with Rob B (S2Smarts) and once again, swapping the SAM-D fixed it.
Ben C contacted me later with “headlights always on”, “wipers not working” and “12v warning light on”. Replacement SAM-D fixed it.