'03 ML500 tailgate won't shut
 

My tailgate won't close. Lock is stuck in locked positon. Maybe someone out there has experienced this problem and repaired. Thanks

Do you mean the tailgate is open but the latch is in the closed position?

If so, I don't think the latch mechanism will release on it's own if you simply pull on the handle. Try pulling lightly on the latch mechanism while pulling on the handle.
Mike

tail gate
 

Mike... yes, tailgate open, accuator locked. I was able to get accuator in open position. However, I know if I close the gate I won't get it open. No activity at that lock when door locks open / closed. Think accuator took a dumb. Now I need to find one. Thanks,
Also replaced relay..no luck.

If it's the actuator, it is part of the door handle (#35). and vin# is required for the correct one.

tailgate lock actuator
 

Humm...everything I look at on line shows a picture of #5 (in the diagram) when I research "Tailgate Lock Actuator". OE # 1637400235.

tailgate
 

Think what I need to replace is..... Hatch door lock actuator bottom of rear tailgate lift gate locking solenoid selenoid latch.

The actuator cannot be bought separately and is part of the door handle, not the locking mechanism.

tailgate
 

Thank you for response. You state vin# required for actuator to assure correct part. So, for example..... I go to Rock auto, enter search for tailgate actuator... '03 ML500... one part comes up for my make/model & states "alternate/OEM # 77114385. How do I know this is correct part, look for # on part removed? How many options are there for this part?

Thanks again,

I cannot know how RockAuto works and if they have the correct part number.

In post #4, I supplied you with 6 different part #'s for handles and they are vin specific from M/B. If you do not want to purchase it from the dealer, how can I say if rockAuto has the correct part.

actuator
 

Thank you...

It may be possible to repair your broken actuator, if your problem is the same as in this thread --> hatch-door-actuator-plastic-stuff-warning.html

A few years ago I had the same problem. If I remember correctly I fixed it by pressing the buttons on the electronic key while holding the latch open and moving the door up and down. Eventually it will release.

Thanks.... but I'm way past that point now. Just waiting for part to arrive. Confident a new lock assembly will solve the problem.

Installed tailgate lock assembly and problem solved. A clue that it was a lock assembly issue all along.... the rear cargo lamp, set in the auto position, would not shut off when tailgate was closed. I shorted out the lock assembly and lamp went out.
Wish I had checked that from the get go.