DaCeptak0n

So it seems that the tailgate doesn't fully lock upon closing, whether the close command is directed from the button or the key.

But the funny thing is that when I open and close the driver's door, it will then close and secure, otherwise, the interior lights stay on and that is when I know the tailgate isn't secure. Anyone else have this issue? Easy solve without having to drag my *** to the dealer ?

mbslk350

See https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...light=tailgate

blittle

An associated issue that is annoying to me..........when the tailgate, or any other of the doors, hood, etc. is not closed properly, the warning system does not warn you until you begin to move the vehicle.....then you have to stop, put in park and deal with whatever is open. It would be much better to have the system warn you the minute you put the vehicle in gear, rather than AFTER you are moving.......just my opinion

Stumblefoot

Great catch blittle.

While skiing recently, my wife closed the tailgate and hopped into the front passenger seat. I didn't think it closed properly, but no warning or symbol showing the gate was open, so I put the GL into drive and started to roll. That's when the warning popped up. So, I had to do just like you described.

As I got out, fixed the problem, and started down the road again, I was thinking to myself, why isn't there a light that would have let me known in advance that the gate wasn't closed.

GL Troll

There is. It's a little red light on the hatch switch on the driver door. Since I haven't gotten it fixed yet, I've by now been trained to assume it didn't close and look for the red light.

oinick

Often if I just start driving slowly when the red light you mention is on the tailgate will pull itself shut. This happens more often than not, actually.

MB obviously has a problem with tailgate closure issues. This must be embarrassing for them and I sure they are working to resolve it.

StevethePilot

There actually is one, but I don't know how many people would notice it. It's a big one - two in fact - just above and to the right of the driver's head. Provided, of course, your interior lights go on when you open the doors. At least on my 320, if the rear hatch is not properly hatched ... er, latched ... the interior lights stay on.

StevethePilot

My lift gate has never pulled itself closed and I am about to send it in for frequent irregular failure to latch on automatic closing. That, and the latch for my lower center console cover just broke the frig off, for no reason whatsoever.

And it needs a detailing.

STP

LEOSOPHIE

Your undies?

Stumblefoot

That's interesting and I had no idea one existed. I look forward to checking it out when I get back home and off the road this Friday.

oknish

blittle - think of the other side of this coin. What if MB designed it such that if vehicle is not moving then the "telltale" for open doors/latches is subtle such as interior lights/red light in door (on the lift gate button) staying on. However, if the vehicle begins to move, which creates a potentially dangerous situation then the warnings (MFD turning red) come on.

I, personally, like the way it works now. But that's just me

blittle

It's the "begin to move" part that I disagree with.......Previous vehicles I have owned have warned you instantly as soon as you move the trans. out of park. The GL system has a significant lag between the start of movement and the warning. The subtle warning produced by the interior lights staying on works well at night but can easily be overlooked during the day. By waiting until the vehicle moves........(depending upon where it happens) an equally dangerous situation is being created when the driver needs to pull over and close whatever is open.

StevethePilot

JimBarnhart

This is embarrassing. I've had a couple of times traveling with people and the like the GL450. Then I've had the warning, had to get out and go back and fix the door (usually by putting some pressure on the door).

They usually joke "nice automatic closing tailgate".

StevethePilot

Ugh. I despise trying to show off a cool truck like the GL and having something like that happen. "Oh, yeah, nice truck, Mister Mercedes-Benz-I'm-Better-Than-You!"

Go get it adjusted at the dealership (mine said he'd had several) and it'll close tighter than a frog's you-know-what.

STP