B1016 can bus error - won't start in random moments

[DARO]

My smart (2005, 450 CDI EU Version) has problems with start-up since a few months. They occur in random unexpected moments. Sometimes when I leave the car, FE for 30 mins, it won't start. The starter doesn't even turn. Left for another 15-30 minutes waiting and doing nothing, the car usually is able to start. Sometimes also when I leave the car with engine on for a while, the engine stops by itself. OBD diagnostics proved only one error code - B1016 which probably means "CAN MESSAGE DIAGNOSIS FROM INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IS MISSING". No active lights on the dashboard when car is on. What I did is I checked the battery and SAM unit. Any ideas what could be wrong?

[Willys]

Welcome, I'd be opening the SAM and ECU looking for bad solder joints and green plugs......for a start.....also check front white plug in front of battery in battery box...maybe? Check all ground pins, there are many to check. Check  I mean clean, they will all look clean but you may find bad connections when you take apart...?    All these are free, and simple, so best to do these first...?

 

[LooseLugNuts]

yep

 

check wires...and grounds

 

https://www.evilution.co.uk/164