Liftgate problem on the wife's 2007 ML500
 

My wife's ML500 had liftgate problems last year which resulted in replacing the lock mechanism. It started acting up last week. It won't go up or down on it's own. you have to lift it, but I can feel resistance..and..you have to pull it down manually. Every now and then it does work, but 9 times out of 10, it does not. Last time it was at the dealership, I told them that you had to nudge it up to get it to go up on it's own and they said they adjusted it. Now it doesn't do anything.. It this an adjustment or do I need to replace something. The struts look like they are $260 bucks each...

Do you hear the motor running for the power liftgate? If so, it could just be low on fluid..

How do I check that?

The pump is located in the rear compartment. I dont have a diagram unfortunately. On the top of the pump there is a resevoir. Evidently there are hash marks showing what proper level is. I would follow the sound when you open or close and see if you can determine where the motor is.

2009 Mercedes ML350 Hydraulic Lift Gate Problem
 

Had the vehicle serviced and they said the hydraulic pump which operates the tailgate needs to be replaced and quoted $2000. I asked for the Part# but they said they don't give that out. Wonderful.

The parts department quoted $690. I was thinking about replacing the part myself, but wanted to get a feel from others that may have done this themselves. Does anyone have instructions on how to fix? And does the pump have access to "top off the liquid"? I'd love to see if it's just running low on oil before I replace it.

Any help / thoughts / feedback is greatly appreciated.

BTW, my latch mechanism needs to be replaced also and seems pretty straightforward, but any advice also greatly appreciated.

They don't want to give you the part # because you'll figure out that their $2000 estimate is really $700 in parts + $1300 in labour.

I bet the part can be purchased for less money elsewhere too...

Go find a good indy. Ask them to check the level (if you can't figure it out on your own) and if they say the level seems OK, then have them replace the pump. I wouldn't guarantee that the dealership saying it needs a new pump, actually means it does. They sometimes 'assume' the fluid level is OK and condemn the pump.

Guaranteed even if the indy shop buys the pump (or if you get it online) and include labour, it will probably still be well under $1000.

My guess is the pump is a few electrical connectors and 2 hydraulic lines (pressure line, return line) and it is done. I would take a wild guess and say it can't take 3 hours to even swap the pump (unless it's buried somewhere that I don't know about.. never seen it so I don't know)

I would find an indy shop ASAP and never take your truck back to that dealer!

For a very reasonable fee like $27.00 you can get 1 year subscription to www.alldatadiy.com. They will most likely have the steps needed along with diagrams. Most of the items on there are right from the MB service manual.

Check to make sure that the lift housing is attached to the gate
 

Had some idiot bellhop guy in Chicago tried to lift our while it was going up...broke the connection between the lift mechanism and the gate itself.

What is the fluid we have to refill the pump? the pump is located in the right side, spare tire needs to be remove and also the foam cover

2005 MLs did not have a pump.

You have a 2006 or later ML. What is your full vin # ?

i have 2008 Ml 350

Here are the instructions. If you need fluid, you must get it from dealer.