G Class (W460, W461, W463) Produced 1980-2018: 290 GD, 290 GDT, 300 GD, 350 GD, 500 GE, G250, G300, G300 DT, G320, G500, G550, G55 AMG, G63 AMG

Need help fixing two small problems

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Old Mar 11, 2022 | 08:37 PM
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2015 SL550, 2017 GLS 550, 2010 G550, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
Need help fixing two small problems

First, when I was getting in my G a few weeks back I managed to hit the light knob and pushed it into the dashboard. It still functions but I can't access the button for the passenger side rear view mirror. I've tried taking the plate off but was unable to without applying force that I think may break the panel. Any idea how I can remove it and fix this issue?




Secondly, I've noticed that the gasket surrounding the rear door hinge has been pushed into the sheetmetal. I've tried to pry it out but have been unsuccessful. Any idea how do reseat it? (the red goop you see is grease I've used to temporarily seal the hole to prevent moisture from getting in)




Third and finally (sorry I forgot about this until just now!) I've noticed that the keyhole for the spare tire cover is stuck. I've soaked it with oil from the inside and out and it won't budge. I've even tapped on it with a flathead screwdriver and hammer - completely stuck. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Last edited by JD101b; Mar 11, 2022 at 08:39 PM.
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Old Mar 11, 2022 | 10:05 PM
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Regarding #3, I've had success using CLR to dissolve rust bonds. Put some in a squirt bottle and give the lock a couple shots over a few daya, and it might break free.

Regarding #1, the fascia plate might already be broken on the backside inasmuch as the switches pushed through. The fascia shouldn't be an expensive part to replace, so I'd buy another and not worry about busting its retention clips prying it out.

Not sure about #2.
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Old Mar 12, 2022 | 01:51 PM
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I had bought a 2003 G500 years ago and the seals around the rear door hinges were like that, but they were dried out and not pliable. So I order new ones from a four by four Gwagen store and they worked great. That would be my suggestion
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Old Mar 12, 2022 | 02:52 PM
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I've tackled both of your issues and wrote up blurbs about them both.

Hope they are specific enough to help!

Getting the light panel switch box out is a pain for sure - Starts at the 4th picture.
https://mbworld.org/forums/g-class-w...ml#post8201194

Replacing the hinge gaskets - They just can be pulled out and new ones pressed in with a little wd40 or light grease. If you don't want to replace, you can also access them from the inside to push them back out. Simply remove the cargo area inner trim molding and panel, disconnect the speaker and 12V outlet, and you'll see the inner part of the hinges there.
https://mbworld.org/forums/g-class-w...ml#post8150652



Last edited by shiann; Mar 12, 2022 at 02:57 PM.
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Old Mar 13, 2022 | 12:25 PM
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Shiann to the rescue!
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Old Mar 13, 2022 | 12:34 PM
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Originally Posted by shiann
I've tackled both of your issues and wrote up blurbs about them both.

Hope they are specific enough to help!

Getting the light panel switch box out is a pain for sure - Starts at the 4th picture.
https://mbworld.org/forums/g-class-w...ml#post8201194
Oh yikes.

Originally Posted by shiann
Replacing the hinge gaskets - They just can be pulled out and new ones pressed in with a little wd40 or light grease. If you don't want to replace, you can also access them from the inside to push them back out. Simply remove the cargo area inner trim molding and panel, disconnect the speaker and 12V outlet, and you'll see the inner part of the hinges there.
https://mbworld.org/forums/g-class-w...ml#post8150652
I soaked it with grease but it doesn't seem interested in moving. I may end up having the dealership do it. I tried accessing it from the air vent in the rear panel but I'm guessing if I get the panels off I'll have a hell of a tough time getting them back in properly. Then again, I want to grease the inside of the two rear door hinges (to prevent rust) so maybe I will...

Thanks for the links though. Your knowledge of the G is exceptional and great to learn from.
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Old Mar 13, 2022 | 12:41 PM
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Hey where in NYC are you located?
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Old Mar 14, 2022 | 10:55 AM
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To remove the rear inner cargo area driver's side panel, it's simple and impossible to mess up. Use a plastic pry tool or scraper to force it out.

Remove the trim molding starting at the bottom left of the door near the CD changer. Just pull out and it'll come out pretty easily all the way till the top left corner.
Then pull the panel out slightly and toward you. It simply has a channel to align it to the side interior panel and is only held in with the molding.

From there you'll have full access to the hinges and everything back there.

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Old Mar 14, 2022 | 08:14 PM
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Is the process different for trucks without the CD changer?
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