my 2003 SL500, the left front turn signal is not working, the rear and side (mirror) lamps work fine i removed the bulb to find it is good , can anyone help me locate the problem.
is it fused ? added...by the way , i do not have a fuse chart and would really appriciate if someone could
supply me a copy..thnks glen

 

i believe there is an update for that car. a new harness with a new ground wire. youll have to remove one of the wires from the existing connector and install the new harness into it then youll have to ground it on the body. im not sure off hand which pin youll be removing the wire from.

 

I agree with chassis221, there is a wiring modification available for the front turn signals. Available from your nearest Benz dealer only. Here's some instructions and some part numbers:

1. Remove turn signal lamp socket from headlamp housing.
2. Check external contacts of turn signal lamp socket for damage (contact burns).
Note: If there is visible damage, proceed with step 3.
3. Unplug electrical connector from headlamp housing.
4. Unpin actuation line for turn signal lamp from connector
Note: Open locking catch otherwise the contacts will be irreparably damaged. Wire color: Pin 6 (gray/black).
5. Remove contact from sensor spade-type contact connector
6. Close empty chambers of connector with blind plugs from repair kit.
7. Insert actuation line for turn signal lamp into plug housing (pin 3) of repair kit.
Note: Before inserting the actuation line, check single-wire seal for damage.
8. Connect plug housing with connector of repair kit.
Note: The housing must click into place.
9. Connect cable lug of repair kit with ground (right lower wheelhouse) or ground (left lower wheelhouse)
10. Install turn signal lamp socket (left turn signal lamp) in headlamp housing.
11. Connect electrical connector to headlamp housing.
Note: Ensure that the seal is properly seated in the connector.
12. Fasten repair wiring harness along original wiring harness with two tie straps.
Note: Fasten so as to prevent noise.
13. Perform function check of lighting system.

A0005457880 - Blind Plug - Quantity 1
A2038260182 - Repair Kit - Europe - Quantity 1
A2038260282 - Repar Lit - North America - Quantity 1

 

thanks guys for the response....
update...

no signs of corrosion or physical damage.

i removed the lamp and checked socket for voltage on center pin (hot +) connection
with turn signal light on... no voltage (i used an analogue meter for quick response to
the voltage had it been there)

i checked continuity from the barrel contact in the socket to ground..good continuity socket to ground.. 0 ohms

i disconnectd the slip on connector in the line located approximately 8" from the
bulb socket...uning a very small probe i cheked there for voltage also...no voltage there
when turn signal is operating..

conclusion, the + feed is open .

does the recommended fix modification from each of the respondents address this symptom.?
without an electrical diagram i can not go further into the trouble shooting process.

your input is greatly appreciated..

glen

 

No it doesn't.

The turn signal output comes from the front SAM (Signal Aquisition Module). So either the + line is open like you said, or you have a fault with the front SAM control unit.

 

thanks again...where is the sam control unit located and is it servicable ? can i get to it to
perform continuity check from its output to the lamp socket..to determine if its simply a wire break.

worst case...what will the sam module cost me at mb dealer..?

glen

 

Hi Glen,

The Drivers Side Front SAM is not serviceable, its like a control unit full of circuit boards etc.

The left front turn signal wire should be a black wire with a white tracer, and should be located on pin 6 of plug connector 1 on the Drivers Side front SAM. (If you look carefulley they are numbered, if your still struggling then just trace the wire back from the turn signal bulb socket).

The SAM is located under the black plastic panel next to the brake fluid reservoir, by the drivers side hood hinge.

Not sure on US cost, probably a few hundered dollars.

Mike

 

thanks mike ..
that should get me to the point of finding (or eliminating) an open wire as the culprit.

thanks again.
glen

 

i traced the black/white wire back to the sam...
checked voltage at terminal 6 , static reading 44.6 mv
with signal light on pulsed to 48.5 mv, pretty much points to the sam as you said..

thanks
glen

 

mike (mb canada tech) and others who responded..

your diagnosis was correct...the driver side sma was defective...took mb about 4 hours to diagnose...so about $700.00 later im back driving at night..
thanks again for the help.

glen