Mercdz ML

My electric lift tailgate on an ML320 occasionally will not open.
After pressing the button it goes through the motions making the expected sounds, lifts the tailgate just slightly ajar then closes.
It will do this for a while, then for reasons I don't understand, will start working properly.......until next time.
I can override this by climbing into the back of the car, removing the emergency unlatch cover and sliding the toggle across to unlatch the door.
I have tried to take the door latch out but after unscrewing it I am blessed if I can see how to remove it as it is a very tight fit and has only a little movement.
I have lubricated the latch as best I can but this hasn't helped.
I believe the problem is that the 'hook' mechanism inside the latch which rotates to lock and unlock onto the tailgate may not swing open completely and maybe this is actually catching and not allowing the tailgate to release and open.
I found that if I look at the 'hook' mechanism when the door is open it shows it to be partially rotated closed, but if I slide the emergency unlatch toggle across the 'hook' rotates the extra 1/4" or so to the fully opened position.
I believe there is a binding somewhere in the mechanism.
Has anyone else had this problem?
Can anyone assist with a solution?
Has anyone successfully (without butchering the tailgate) managed to remove an electric lift tailgate latch?
I appreciate and thank you for your replies and assistance.
Pete.

woogs

99% sure the trunk lift gate door actuator is bad. I had the identical problem on my 2010 ML350. The plastic gear inside wears out and is unable to release the lock. You can hear it trying though.

I bought the part off Ebay ($180) and it took about 30 minutes to install. On the 2010, I did not remove the entire trunk panel, I just pulled it back (pop-out clips) enough to get me hands in there. The latch on a 2010 is only 3 star screws and the cable to detach. Very easy.

I bought from Ebay user "Coppus" which is a dealer in Ohio - http://www.coppus.mercedesdealer.com/

It was a very simple install compared to the $500 the dealer wanted ($300 for part and $200 in labor).

Mercdz ML

Thank you for your reply Woogs. I will give it another go. The problem I had was pulling the latch through the narrow opening made worse by the emergency opening toggle getting in the way. It is held in by 2 pop rivets. Maybe I will need to drill out the rivets and re-rivet it back upon completion. Thanks again.

woogs

Drilling the rivets will make it easier, however it is not required. I was tempted to do that, but after trying different angles, it worked.

I was able to slightly bend the emergency release and pull the hatch thru the opening in the back.

You will need to rotate the hatch to pull it thru, but it will fit without drilling the rivets.

Marmalade

I had the same symptoms.

I had my actuator replaced on my 2008 ML350 for $700 at the MB dealership.
Broke again the next week after maybe 4 uses. Repaired again ("free", but cost me another 1/2 day).

It troubles me to hear "plastic gear" for a heavy door. My RC planes get metal gear servos to actuate an aileron or rudder weighing a few ounces.

PD.

ml3204me

Do it yourself next time and save money! Video here:

montelatici

That is a terrible description of the job. I replaced mine myself, but I used a different instruction video.