Good day!

Need help guys. Tailgate on a 08 GL450 wont go down. Opens normally with no problem either by using rear handle, key fob, and switch on the driver’s door. Just would not close when pressing the buttons or key fob. Will close and latch when done manually.

i cleaned the electrical terminals in both the latch and buttons.

Please help.

Many Thanks!

 

That is most likely caused by a leak in the closing circuit of the hydraulic system. You can either go chase hyd leaks or just live with it. Look in the right rear compartment where your subwoofer is and see if there’s any hydraulic fluid in there. Other than that there may be a leak in the reservoir which is under the spare wheel.

 

The issue was the tailgate sensor strip. I “massaged” the strip and now it works. It probably fail again later because the strip is all cracked.

 

where is the strip?

 

I would first check the fluid reservoir. That way you can simply rule that out. it is located under the rear spare tire liner. Then move to the pressure strip.