power liftgate using buttons opens but wont close/move
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 116
Likes: 10
'08 GL320
power liftgate using buttons opens but wont close/move
I have read a lot of power lift gate issues, but can’t quite find the symptoms of mine. Mine opens just fine, as designed. However, closing is the issue. I push the button the close it (tired both door and trunk button), but nothing happens. If I close it by hand, it will latch and lock, and all is good, it just won’t move when trying to close it by using the button. Checked fuses, all is good, made sure button is not stuck, event pulled it out to inspect it. Any ideas? thanks
Last edited by johny75; Aug 12, 2019 at 01:50 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
Does it at least make the beeping sound? Can you hear the motor trying to engage, or is it just 'nothing'? Have you tried using the key fob to close the tailgate? If so, does it work?
I understand that the tailgate opens but doesn't close using the buttons, so the motor appears to be functional. If you've managed to remove the button, then try using your trusty multi-meter to test the switch/button connections on the tailgate, and at the fuse(s).
Test for continuity and proper voltage. You might also try applying voltage directly at the button terminal to see if it engages the tailgate motor (just tap and listen, don't make prolonged contact (more than a couple of seconds) lest you burn out the motor) - this will tell you if there is a connection issue between the switch(es) and the motor.
Hope this helps a bit.
I understand that the tailgate opens but doesn't close using the buttons, so the motor appears to be functional. If you've managed to remove the button, then try using your trusty multi-meter to test the switch/button connections on the tailgate, and at the fuse(s).
Test for continuity and proper voltage. You might also try applying voltage directly at the button terminal to see if it engages the tailgate motor (just tap and listen, don't make prolonged contact (more than a couple of seconds) lest you burn out the motor) - this will tell you if there is a connection issue between the switch(es) and the motor.
Hope this helps a bit.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 116
Likes: 10
'08 GL320
quick update: ...., was doing some teasing last night, it looks like the lock button locks the car ( I hear it) but nothing else, and the other button does nothing (no sound). I did not test voltage, the plug hoes are so tiny, I have to find a way to do it. However, I was testing continuity for the buttons itself, there are 3 prongs/leads in the back. Pushing either button activates the same 2 leads, the 3rd one is never engaged, that is strange, inst' it??... but I don't' have another buttons to compare with. Any thoughts?
Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 173
Likes: 36
2014 GL550; 2010 GL450
Did you find which wires are open or shorted? I'm experiencing the exact same issue. Red button doesn't close it and remote doesn't close most of the time. It opens fine with remote and when closed manually it latches OK.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 116
Likes: 10
'08 GL320
unfortunately no, and I am not sure how to find out. One other detail, when I press the right lock button, it will lock the car, but wont' close the gate. I have no water damage near the SAM, so who knows what it is. I basically stuck at the moment, If you find out something. please post, I will do the same...
In addition, my 1 a clock pin on the 7 pin tow plug was not giving the 12v+ current, so I wonder if this is related. I ended up giving it power from the fuse box directly, so my brake controller works, but this just bypassed the problem, it did not solve it.
In addition, my 1 a clock pin on the 7 pin tow plug was not giving the 12v+ current, so I wonder if this is related. I ended up giving it power from the fuse box directly, so my brake controller works, but this just bypassed the problem, it did not solve it.
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Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
This seems like a problem on the mechanism circuit as opposed to the fused circuit. Perhaps the following clip can lend some insight as to the components and how they interact (not that this is your issue, but just to understand where the problem may lay [lie?]).
Example Tailgate Latch Lock Repair
Example Tailgate Latch Lock Repair
