2003 Mercedes Benz S430 Repair Question
Topics covered: Battery, Brake lights, All wheel drive.
Mileage: No information provided.
Mileage: No information provided.
Asked on August 26, 2009
2003 Mercedes Benz S430 Clogged Cowl Drain and Damaged SAM
Electrical problem
2003 Mercedes Benz S430 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 62000 miles
I recently left town for a few days, only to receive a call from my neighbor that all three brake lights were stuck on, which eventually drained the battery. Upon installing a new battery, there were a number of electrical malfunctions, including electrical clicking sounds, sunshades moving up automatically, no control over brake lights, etc. I brought the 2003 S430 into the dealer, and was told that the entire problem was caused by a clog in the "cowl drain" (sp?). There was no visible water inside the car, yet somehow the shop is saying that the water was able to get all the way to the back of the car, and short out the Signal Activation Module (SAM). I purchased an extended warranty with this CPO for exactly this purpose, but they are saying that it was my job to keep the cowl clear of debris. Could a clogged drain in the front of the car, with no visible water inside the car, reach all the way back to the rear of the car to damage the SAM?
2003 Mercedes Benz S430 6 cyl All Wheel Drive Automatic 62000 miles
I recently left town for a few days, only to receive a call from my neighbor that all three brake lights were stuck on, which eventually drained the battery. Upon installing a new battery, there were a number of electrical malfunctions, including electrical clicking sounds, sunshades moving up automatically, no control over brake lights, etc. I brought the 2003 S430 into the dealer, and was told that the entire problem was caused by a clog in the "cowl drain" (sp?). There was no visible water inside the car, yet somehow the shop is saying that the water was able to get all the way to the back of the car, and short out the Signal Activation Module (SAM). I purchased an extended warranty with this CPO for exactly this purpose, but they are saying that it was my job to keep the cowl clear of debris. Could a clogged drain in the front of the car, with no visible water inside the car, reach all the way back to the rear of the car to damage the SAM?
Asked by jtdominguez3Answer
Replied on August 29, 2009
How do I go about asking for a refund? I paid $10 for what was a relatively easy question (3) days ago, and I have yet to receive any response at all. I was under the impression that a response would be posted close to 24 hours later, but (3) days is a bit long.
Replied on August 29, 2009
Hi
Not sure how to answer it's more of an opinion you seek than a Tech question. I don't see how front cowl drain stopped could have anyway reach the right rear seat and not be wet anywhere else. SAM is underseat in a compartment. I would think more like trunk seal or window. Did you see water underseat? the debris in cowl drain? does old SAM show signs of water intrusion?
