Do it yourself
Frequently asked questions about cars and motorcycles
Car tutorial (Do it yourself) Motorcycle tutorial (Do it yourself) Frequently Asked Questions

Troubleshooting the SAM Control Unit on Smart 450

Model: Smart Smart 450 - Years: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
Part: Control unit

See other generations:
This video is currently unavailable

The failure to turn on the headlights, malfunctioning central locking, instrument cluster shutdown, and engine not starting are all known faults of the Smart 450, caused by a failure in a 12-pin connector located on the SAM control unit, identifiable by its brown colour.

This connector is easy to source along with the necessary terminals, or many offer it pre-wired, requiring only correct soldering.

Once the SAM is unlatched from its position (just below the dashboard on the driver's side), disconnect the brown connector and, one wire at a time, cut and connect it to the corresponding wire of the new one, protecting the joint with heat-shrink tubing.


Updated on 12 May 2026 by ScegliAuto


Related tutorials

Replacing the Sam Unit in the Smart 450
Replacing the Sam Unit in the Smart 450
Smart (1998-2007 / 450) In this video, see how to replace the Sam unit in the first series of the Smart. When this fault occurs, the car shuts down and the display shows as …
Replacement of the SAM unit in the Smart Fortwo
Replacement of the SAM unit in the Smart Fortwo
Smart (2007-2015 / 451) In this guide we will see the main steps that will allow us to disassemble and replace the SAM unit of the Smart Fortwo. First of all, we open the fr…
Smart 450 Gearbox Issue Resolved by Replacing Cables
Smart 450 Gearbox Issue Resolved by Replacing Cables
Smart (1998-2007 / 450) This article addresses the classic problem of Smart 450 vehicles displaying three warning lights on the dashboard, an unmistakable sign of gearbox is…

Other guides you may be interested in

Where are the fuses located on the Renault Laguna?

On the Renault Laguna, the fuses are located inside the fuse boxes installed in the vehicle: in this car model, you will find two boxes for containing the fuses. The first is in the fuse box on the left side of the dashboard, accessible by opening the driver's door: here you will find the fuses for the windscreen wipers, fog lights, horn, etc. The second box is located on the right side of the engine compartment: here you will find the fuses for the dipped headlights, radiator fan, alternator, etc.

Watch the video!


by ScegliAuto

More videos