Fuse Box - Interior

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the interior fuse box (SAM module) located in the passenger footwell on the 2007-2013 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG with the M275 6.0L V12 BiTurbo engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Interior fuse box/SAM module × 1 — A2215401550 or vehicle-specific variant
• Footwell trim panel clips (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Module mounting hardware kit (if corroded) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Turn ignition off and remove key from vehicle
3. Open hood and disconnect negative battery terminal, then positive terminal
4. Wait 10 minutes for all systems to fully discharge before proceeding
5. Move front passenger seat fully rearward and recline backrest for access
6. Gather all tools and new parts within reach of passenger footwell area

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove passenger side footwell trim panels
   Using trim removal tools, carefully pry out the lower footwell side trim panel on the passenger side. Start at the bottom rear corner and work forward. Remove the carpet retaining clips. Pull back the footwell carpet to expose the fuse box mounting area. The fuse box is located behind a protective cover on the left side of the footwell.
2. 2

   Remove fuse box access cover
   Locate the plastic access cover over the interior fuse box/SAM module. Remove the Torx T20 screws securing the cover (typically 3-4 screws). Carefully pull the cover away from the mounting area. On S65 AMG models, there may be an additional sound insulation panel that must be removed first.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Document fuse and relay positions
   Before disconnecting anything, photograph or document the location of all fuses and relays in the fuse box. Note any custom or non-standard fuses that may have been installed. Remove all fuses and relays from the box and store them in a labeled container. This prevents damage during module removal.
4. 4

   Disconnect electrical connectors
   Locate all electrical connectors attached to the rear of the SAM module (typically 3-5 large multi-pin connectors). Press the locking tabs on each connector and carefully pull straight back to disconnect. Use a small flathead screwdriver if needed to release stubborn locking tabs. Label each connector with tape to ensure correct reinstallation. On the V12 models, connectors may be tight against the transmission tunnel.
   ⚠The main power connector is under tension. Support the connector while releasing the lock to prevent it from snapping back and damaging pins.
5. 5

   Disconnect ground strap
   Locate the ground strap bolted to the side of the SAM module or mounting bracket. Use an 8mm socket to remove the ground strap bolt. Inspect the ground contact surface for corrosion. Clean both the strap terminal and mounting surface with electrical contact cleaner if corrosion is present. Set the ground strap aside.
   Torque spec

   Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove SAM module mounting bolts
   Locate the module mounting bolts securing the SAM module to the body bracket (typically 3-4 bolts). Use an 8mm socket to remove these bolts. Support the module while removing the final bolt as it is moderately heavy. Note the orientation and position of any spacers or washers on the mounting bolts.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove interior fuse box/SAM module
   Carefully slide the SAM module forward and out of the mounting bracket. The module may have additional wiring tucked behind it, so pull slowly and check for any remaining connections. Once clear, remove the module completely from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage or corrosion.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new SAM module
   Compare the old and new SAM modules to ensure correct part number and connector configuration. Transfer any mounting brackets or hardware that did not come with the new module. Position the new SAM module into the mounting bracket, ensuring all connectors are accessible and no wiring is pinched. Align the module with the mounting holes.
9. 9

   Install module mounting bolts
   Install the module mounting bolts with any spacers or washers in their original positions. Start all bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the mounting bolts in a diagonal pattern using a torque wrench to the specified torque value. Verify the module is secure and does not move when pressed.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect ground strap
    Position the ground strap to its mounting point on the SAM module or bracket. Ensure the contact surfaces are clean and free of paint or corrosion. Install the ground strap bolt and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. A proper ground connection is critical for module operation.
    ⚠Ground strap connection must have metal-to-metal contact. Clean surfaces thoroughly before installation.
    Torque spec

    Ground Strap Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connectors
    Reconnect all electrical connectors to the SAM module in their original positions using your labels or photographs as reference. Push each connector firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on each connector to verify it is fully seated and locked. Ensure no pins are bent or damaged.
12. 12

    Reinstall fuses and relays
    Reinstall all fuses and relays into their original positions in the new SAM module using your documentation from step 3. Ensure each fuse and relay is fully seated in its socket. Verify fuse ratings match the original configuration.
13. 13

    Reinstall access cover and trim
    Position the fuse box access cover and install the Torx screws. Tighten the cover screws to specification. Reposition the footwell carpet and reinstall all carpet retaining clips. Reinstall the footwell side trim panel, ensuring all clips are fully engaged and the panel sits flush.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect battery
    Return to the engine bay and reconnect the positive battery terminal first, then the negative terminal. Tighten battery terminal bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as this can damage the battery posts.
    ⚠Battery terminal bolts require only 6 Nm. Overtightening will crack the battery post.
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Return the passenger seat to its original position
2. Verify all trim panels are secure and aligned properly
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in the footwell area

Verification

• Turn ignition to position 2 (without starting engine) and verify all dashboard warning lights illuminate then extinguish normally
• Start the engine and verify it runs normally without electrical faults
• Use a Mercedes XENTRY diagnostic system or dealer scan tool to verify the SAM module is communicating properly and clear any stored fault codes
• Test all interior electrical functions: windows, locks, interior lights, climate control, seat adjustments, and infotainment system
• Verify turn signals, brake lights, headlights, and all exterior lighting functions operate correctly
• If any functions do not work or fault codes are present, the SAM module may require coding or programming by a Mercedes dealer or qualified technician
• Reset radio presets, clock, and reprogram seat memory positions as needed

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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