GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Tailgate control

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old 01-05-2023, 10:15 AM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CXXXV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
GL450
Tailgate control

The tailgate works fine with the key fob. The issue is the switch in the drivers' door. This one does not work. Is there a way to test the switch to determine if it needs replacement.

Thanks.
Old 01-05-2023, 11:52 AM
  #2  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DennisG01's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 1,853
Received 277 Likes on 243 Posts
'08 GL 320 CDI
Well, in the old days I would say just jump the switch. How many wires does the switch have and what color are they? Is there a quick disconnect connector? A paper clip comes to mind....

If the interior switch at the liftgate also works, the driver's door switch are probably not all that expensive and it's a pretty safe bet that's the problem.
Old 01-05-2023, 04:43 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
CXXXV's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2023
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
GL450
Can I remove the switch without taking of the door panel?
Old 01-05-2023, 05:30 PM
  #4  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
eric_in_sd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Emmett, ID, USA
Posts: 2,657
Received 593 Likes on 499 Posts
2007 GL450
Originally Posted by CXXXV
Can I remove the switch without taking of the door panel?
No.

Also, the door switches route through a lil computer in the door. That could be your problem also. Take off the door panel and try bypassing the switch.

My lil door computer failed because I installed a Chinesium master switch panel. Failure is not common but it does happen.
Old 01-05-2023, 08:21 PM
  #5  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
rapidoxidation's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: In the Shadow of the Tetons
Posts: 2,414
Received 689 Likes on 501 Posts
2013 ML350 Bluetec
Originally Posted by eric_in_sd
No.

Also, the door switches route through a lil computer in the door. That could be your problem also. Take off the door panel and try bypassing the switch.

My lil door computer failed because I installed a Chinesium master switch panel. Failure is not common but it does happen.
That's lacist!













Old 01-06-2023, 11:36 AM
  #6  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DennisG01's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 1,853
Received 277 Likes on 243 Posts
'08 GL 320 CDI
Eric, are you sure it can't just be popped out? I thought it was just held in place by friction with spring tabs... but still able to be wiggled out?
Old 01-06-2023, 11:48 AM
  #7  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
eric_in_sd's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Emmett, ID, USA
Posts: 2,657
Received 593 Likes on 499 Posts
2007 GL450
Originally Posted by DennisG01
Eric, are you sure it can't just be popped out? I thought it was just held in place by friction with spring tabs... but still able to be wiggled out?
Hm. You are probably right. I don't think, however, that this is possible without some level of destruction. If I recall correctly, the spring tabs have little ratchet steps on them.

However, removing the door panel is pretty easy if you follow the steps. I suggest that removing it is easier than removing the switch without damaging the exterior of the door panel. No harm in trying, though, right?
Old 01-06-2023, 10:02 PM
  #8  
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
DennisG01's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Allentown, PA
Posts: 1,853
Received 277 Likes on 243 Posts
'08 GL 320 CDI
Ratchet steps... that sounds right. Usually, with this type of thing, you can wiggle it out - sometimes a thin, plastic scraper (maybe a credit card?) can help as you can get under the lip of the "faceplate" and put pressure on the ratchet strap. I've never removed this particular switch but have removed others that way. But, as you said, removing the door panel is pretty straight forward and quick - it's been a couple years since I removed one of mine but I recall it being a no brainer.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.

Quick Reply: Tailgate control



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:19 AM.