wyatt88

Hello, I have a 2024 GLS 450. I can't get my rear tailgate to open using the 'kicking motion' described in the manual for the hands-free access. I have the keyfob in my pocket and make a kicking motion in the area described in the manual, but no luck getting the tailgate open. Do all '24 GLS' have this or is it an option. I ordered the car and don't recall seeing it as an option or part of any package. Thanks for any answers.

EWL5

"Hands Free Access" is standard and I have it on my MY23!

Missourian

Kick to the left of the hitch receiver. Forward and back, not left to right. And make the backward motion just as fast as the forward motion. The last part is what I got wrong for so long.

Scott Schmidt

It works for me but it frustratingly capricious. You need to do it just the right way to make it work. So next time you're outside near the car practice it a few times to get the knack. You might want to be sure that the neighbors aren't around or they'll wonder why you're kicking your nice new Merc.

AKSwift

Also: don't try it with a trailer hitch installed while you have your hands full of shopping. Bruised shins all-round.

jtjbt20x

I've never had a problem using this, but with my Audi Q7, it only worked maybe one out of fifty times.

wildta

I'd guess I get mine working around 9 out of 10 times with the first kick.

mikapen

I almost never have a problem with the Hold function while driving, but I almost never have success with the Shin Whack.

I think it's genetic.

Splaktar

I am an expert at activating this feature, but only when I am loading or unloading something large and bulky from deep in the cargo area. At no point do I kick, but just standing there taking small steps to reach in and grab or place cargo will cause the liftgate to come down on my head.

So far this feature has activated unintentionally 90% of the time.

Now when I hear it, I know to take evasive action quickly.

I don't want to disable it permanently, but I would love to know how to temporarily disable it for a short period of time from the liftgate area.

AKSwift

I'm not laughing at you, I'm laughing with you. I did a silly race earlier in the year where I had a lot of time to sit around in between. So I sat on the edge of the trunk. And more than once did I have to be rescued by bystanders because my legs accidentally triggered the sensors.

Splaktar

OMG. Haha 😂 I feel you. I have learned to grab it and force it to stop rather than let it get too closed.