W210 Wagon tailgate lock is malfunctioning
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Canada
1991 190E:1998 E320 4Matic wagon : 2000 E320 4Matic
W210 Wagon tailgate lock is malfunctioning
My 1998 E320 4Matic Wagon tailgate lock is malfunctioning. Once the car is locked I can't open the tailgate door with the remote . I have to manually open it with the mechanical key. Once I have done that I can open the door with the door (tailgate) handle. However, once the car is locked again the remote will not unlock the tailgate. You can hear it trying but no luck. I have to resort to the mechanical key. I'm guessing the acuator isn't pushing a rod far enough to open the latch?? Has anybody experienced this?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
Remove the carpet trunk panel and clean/lube the lock assy and test the line to the lock for leaks from the pse..if all checks out the vacuum pod lock is defective
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver Canada
1991 190E:1998 E320 4Matic wagon : 2000 E320 4Matic
Mark thanks for your reply. I am assuming that the lock is pneumatic and not electric. I am also assuming that the lock is fine as it opens with the mechanical key. I haven't removed the panel on the tailgate door but I guess that I have to so can access the locking mechanism and the PSE(?) Any hints on how to remove the tailgate door panel?...I managed to get the panel off by removing pins and obvious screws and then pushing the whole panel upward..came off easy. Changed the high brake light bulb well there P21W. Now I have to diagnose the problem..
Last edited by Chiro; Jan 11, 2009 at 06:22 PM. Reason: further work
