M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

2004 ML350 fuel door release (drivers side) not operating

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Mar 20, 2022 | 05:49 PM
  #1  
R Copithorne's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Port Alberni, BC, Canada
2004 ML350, 2001 Volvo S60, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1981 Volvo 245 GLT, 1974 Land-Rover Series III
2004 ML350 fuel door release (drivers side) not operating

2004 ML350 - My fuel door won't unlock. I've located the actuator, behind the trim on the driver's side (some ML350s have the door on the passenger side), and it has a lightweight metal tag on top that I assume is the manual actuator. I tried it once and it did seem to unlock the door, but since then I haven't been able to get it to work. I've turn, lifted and pushed down on the tab but nothing seems to work. I'm afraid to use too much force, and its difficult - I can barely get my hand in there. Once since I have had this problem, the door unlocked with the remote, so I don't think it is a fuse. But if it is, where is the specific fuse for the fuel door located? Approximate Kms on the car 170,000.
Am I right about the actuator, and which way should it be moved to release the door?
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2022 | 02:47 AM
  #2  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Page 263 in Owner's Manual.
Attached Files
File Type: pdf
Owner's Manual 2004.PDF (3.99 MB, 212 views)
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2022 | 02:32 PM
  #3  
R Copithorne's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Port Alberni, BC, Canada
2004 ML350, 2001 Volvo S60, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1981 Volvo 245 GLT, 1974 Land-Rover Series III
Fuel door not opening

Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Page 263 in Owner's Manual.
Thank you, Maj. Dundee, for the reference to the owner's manual - I must have missed it previously. It worked as per the manual, but the part that is unsaid in the manual is to keep rotating the key/shaft until the pin is withdrawn from the door. Knowing what direction to moved the key (clockwise), was the essential information that gave me the courage to proceed. The key was very stiff at first but then turned easily. With the door open, I can now get fuel. I'll look for the reason why the actuator failed after re-fueling. Possibly a fuse blown. Thanks again.
Reply
Old Mar 22, 2022 | 06:58 PM
  #4  
R Copithorne's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Port Alberni, BC, Canada
2004 ML350, 2001 Volvo S60, 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 1981 Volvo 245 GLT, 1974 Land-Rover Series III
2004 ML350 fuel door release

For the sake of people in future who may have a similar problem, here is a photo of the manual release tab on the fuel door actuator. It seems quite lightweight, and as such I was reluctant to use much pressure until I knew what movement (clockwise) was required.




Reply

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


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


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:05 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE