W203 - electrics cut out

[jjg]

My W203 CDi 220 2001 automatic has an intermittent problem, the gear selector display in the dash just goes blank and it won't change gear anymore, after a restart it's fine.

This occasionally happened from start up. It's now started happening while driving, and it affects other electrics now (radio, wipers, indicators but not hazards) they just switch off! Restart it and it's fine.

Anyone else encountered this? Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Dieselman]

Sounds like a front SAM issue. If it loses the CAN signal or goes dodgy it loses functions.

 

[jjg]

Hi Dieselman, thanks for the reply, can you expand?

What is the SAM?

Can I check it/look for visual signs of damage etc?

Does it have to go to the garage?

What's the repair bill likely to be?

 

[jjg]

Anyone had any thoughts on this?

 

[richard]

The gear box controller is responsible for the display on the cluster, if its gone and the gearbox wont change gear, id start with the EGS controller as possible cause of problem. If the EGS was losing it's CAN network connection then not a lot will work.

Its often located on the plate thats below passenger feet against the firewall - so it may be just worth checking the plugs etc on it., basically you pull up the front of the carpet, unscrew the plate and its on the back of it. To pull up the carpet you have to remove the panel above passenger footwell and the one on the edge (which may have a screw in the middle and has two clips under the door rubber)

If that shows nothing obvious I think you need to have a Star diagnosis check done on it. It needs Star to code a new controller in anycase -

{edit, as Dieselman says, the front SAM is also used for loads of stuff, and the fact that you are seeing other things break suggests an issue there is highly likely - its under the bonnet - part of the fuse/relay box}

Richard