Urgent help needed.

[Botus]

What does SAM stand for? ....

they are just an expensive FUSE BOX

most cars have them now (but with different names Merc = Signal Acquisition Module, BMW = ZFE, Ford = GEM, Other = BCM), you can programme which toys and how toys work, so higher spec cars don't need half the electrics swapped out vs base models

 

[LostKiwi]

they are just an expensive FUSE BOX

most cars have them now (but with different names Merc = Signal Acquisition Module, BMW = ZFE, Ford = GEM, Other = BCM), you can programme which toys and how toys work, so higher spec cars don't need half the electrics swapped out vs base models

A little simplistic...
In most cars they interface between CAN and the end device. This enables far fewer wires to run through the main body of the car simplifying routing and reducing cost.
Additionally many cars have 'intelligence' built into the SAM for control purposes, for example detection of bulb failure, locking logic and control, park distance control, tow hitch lighting control etc.