Automatic trunk opens all the way and then drops
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Joined: Jun 2015
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2013 GLK350
Automatic trunk opens all the way and then drops
My trunk started doing this thing where it opens all the way, when I press the button, but then it drops about 6”. Also, there is resistance closing it. I think it may be the struts, but they are only 2 years old. I replaced them in 2021. This is on a 2013 GLK 350.
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
Our 2014 GLK350 Base does not have the Auto tailgate opener, so excuse my slight ignorance.
I assume there is a "manual mode", whereby you unlock / unlatch it (like we do), then manually lift up the tailgate into its UP position.
Can you do that? Have you tried it? Does it exhibit the same behavior?
Second question ... the struts you replaced ... are they MB struts, or aftermarket struts? If aftermarket, do you know the brand and model?
I assume there is a "manual mode", whereby you unlock / unlatch it (like we do), then manually lift up the tailgate into its UP position.
Can you do that? Have you tried it? Does it exhibit the same behavior?
Second question ... the struts you replaced ... are they MB struts, or aftermarket struts? If aftermarket, do you know the brand and model?
Last edited by calder-cay; Feb 9, 2024 at 08:48 PM.
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
When you say "press the button" I assume you mean the button on the remote. If you push the hatch back up, does it stay there? On our GLS here's a way you can adjust the position where it stops, for people with short arms, although ours just stops there, and doesn't open all the way then drop. If you manually close it there is always resistance. That is probably normal.
Like some power window systems, there may be a "synchronization" procedure to go through.
Like some power window systems, there may be a "synchronization" procedure to go through.
Last edited by John CC; Feb 9, 2024 at 08:11 PM.
Thread Starter
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2013 GLK350
The struts are oem from FCPEuro. On this car, you press a button on the remote to open the trunk. I can also press the latch on the back of the trunk and it opens. I can pull it open with my hand also. All three ways it will go up and then drop. I think it must be the struts. According to the FCP Euro site, they have lifetime replacement warranty on parts, but not sure if it's worthwhile for me to send them back. We'll see. I ordered replacements.
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Look at the strut in the roof that's lifting it and see if you can determine if that strut is releasing the hatch right before it drops.
Try to raise it after it drops and see if the load on the struts completely comes off.
I'm thinking the struts aren't long enough. They are different between the automatic hatch and the manual one. I think yours are A2049802864.
I checked the GLS and the height is set by manually pulling it down to the desired limit then pressing and holding the close button on the hatch.
Try to raise it after it drops and see if the load on the struts completely comes off.
I'm thinking the struts aren't long enough. They are different between the automatic hatch and the manual one. I think yours are A2049802864.
I checked the GLS and the height is set by manually pulling it down to the desired limit then pressing and holding the close button on the hatch.
Last edited by John CC; Feb 10, 2024 at 10:42 AM.
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From: South Texas
2014 GLK350 base model (active) ; 2001 E320 base (retired); 2001 Wrangler soft-top
I have a tendency to think this is some sort of setting or adjustment specific to the Auto lift. (remember, we don't have it, so no experience with it) as @John CC is eluding to.
If the struts were replaced, what, 2 years ago (?), I can't imagine they've already failed!! There's gotta be more than the struts ... ie, a lift mechanism.
A curious question ... why were they replaced 2 years ago??
If the struts were replaced, what, 2 years ago (?), I can't imagine they've already failed!! There's gotta be more than the struts ... ie, a lift mechanism.
A curious question ... why were they replaced 2 years ago??
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From: New Hampsha
'17 GLS450, '14 GLK250, Grandpa's Roadster
Yeah, did the issue start immediately after you replaced them, it did it work correctly for a while? As far as I can tell, the mechanism (it's not really a strut) isn't what keeps it up; it's the struts that do that.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 167
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2013 GLK350
I replaced them two years ago, because there were times when the opening and closing of the trunk was a little jerky. I just aassumed the struts were getting old since it's a 2013.
It's been working fine until this week.
It's been working fine until this week.
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From: Lac Ste. Marie, Quebec
2006 Alfa Romeo Brera, 2010 GLK350, 2018 BMW 640i GT, 1997 Subaru SVX, 2012 Moto Guzzi Norge GT8V
The Stabilis OEM strut is only $16.39 at FCP or did you get dupped into buying Genuine Mercedes? You want the code 809 Easy Lift Tailgate ones, 2049802864. If they were bought from FCP, you'll end up only paying the return shipping on the old ones.
Failures do happen and it's a cheap, easy way to start. I lifted my tailgate with no struts on it and there is virtually nothing in the mechanism holding it up.
Failures do happen and it's a cheap, easy way to start. I lifted my tailgate with no struts on it and there is virtually nothing in the mechanism holding it up.
