2008 ML350 Power Tailgate not latching
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
2008 ML350
2008 ML350 Power Tailgate not latching
Hi all,
I know it is my fault. About a month ago, I opened up my power tailgate inside my garage and in a panic to stop it hitting the garage top I hold it with force instead of pushing the red button to stop it going up
Since then whenever I am closing the tailgate either with key, or the red button on the tailgate or the switch on the driver side door, the tailgate close fine but does not latch. But as soon as i drove the vehicle, i hear it latching and the cabin light goes off.
I tried the trick of holding the switch on the driver side door when the tailgate is open and it works only one time the door latches fine but next time when I open the tailgate and it gives same issue when closing.
Please advise if you have dealt with similar issue.
thanks ins advance.
I know it is my fault. About a month ago, I opened up my power tailgate inside my garage and in a panic to stop it hitting the garage top I hold it with force instead of pushing the red button to stop it going up
Since then whenever I am closing the tailgate either with key, or the red button on the tailgate or the switch on the driver side door, the tailgate close fine but does not latch. But as soon as i drove the vehicle, i hear it latching and the cabin light goes off.
I tried the trick of holding the switch on the driver side door when the tailgate is open and it works only one time the door latches fine but next time when I open the tailgate and it gives same issue when closing.
Please advise if you have dealt with similar issue.
thanks ins advance.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 431
Likes: 4
From: Cross Roads, PA
2008 ML320CDI
I dont think what you did has anything to do with the issue. Its the locking mechanism. Its getting ready to give out. Have you tried pushing it shut the last inch to see if it latches?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
2008 ML350
Regards, Pendu
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
2008 ML350
Hi I tried pushing it shut but it is still not working. I have made an appointment in mid Feb with my local MB service center to look at the issue.
But in the mean time I will appreciate any help.
Thanks, Pendu
But in the mean time I will appreciate any help.
Thanks, Pendu
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 271
Likes: 17
From: NYC and LI
2004 Mercedes E500, 2008 Mercedes ML350
Had this happen on our ML350. Figured Indy would be challenged by the issue, so (groan) when to dealer. StarDiag said faulty liftgate control module. $500+ and a couple of hours later, back in business with no problems. That was a couple of months ago, and it still works fine. They properly-diagnosed it and returned it quickly. Good service; the only issue is it's so darn expensive.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 16
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2008 ML350
Lucky for me. My trunk release is working fine now. I opened it up by from the trunk release button and stop it mid way. Then I hold the trunk release button on the driver side door until it fully open.
After that it is working normal now :-)
Thanks everyone for your kind tips.
Regards, Pendu
After that it is working normal now :-)
Thanks everyone for your kind tips.
Regards, Pendu
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
ML350
2007 ML350 won't lacy have either
I just had what I think is a similar issue happen.
The tailgate opens and closes fine. However the brief sound that it normally makes after it closes (the locking mechanism engaging) goes on for about 10 seconds. With all that it never locks. I can lift it open.
The tailgate light stays on as well, so clearly t senses that it is not latching.
Any thoughts on the part and its availability?
Thanks.
The tailgate opens and closes fine. However the brief sound that it normally makes after it closes (the locking mechanism engaging) goes on for about 10 seconds. With all that it never locks. I can lift it open.
The tailgate light stays on as well, so clearly t senses that it is not latching.
Any thoughts on the part and its availability?
Thanks.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 427
Likes: 57
13 GL350, 14 SL550
Mine was flaky years ago.. some times would latch and shut, and other times wouldn't.
Looked at a lot of options including replacing the latch.
Turns out there was a bulletin.. look it up. It involved readjusting the latch plate (the one just above the bumper that the door latches into)
Latch was "misaligned' from the factory. Their recommendation was to loosen the two bolts, and either slide it all the way towards the front or back of the car (I believe front, but can't remember!)
Rather than aligning it to some perfect position, they just wanted you to slide it all the way.
Open your hatch and look down, you'll see the metal latch. Pull off the plastic piece around it with plastic wedges. Loosen the two torx bolts, adjust, and tighten. Put plastic back.
Takes no more than 10 mins.
Mine has been perfect for about 3-4 years and 50-60,000 miles. Never failed once since.
Try that first. I thought it was somethign complex, but all it needed was an adjustment.
Looked at a lot of options including replacing the latch.
Turns out there was a bulletin.. look it up. It involved readjusting the latch plate (the one just above the bumper that the door latches into)
Latch was "misaligned' from the factory. Their recommendation was to loosen the two bolts, and either slide it all the way towards the front or back of the car (I believe front, but can't remember!)
Rather than aligning it to some perfect position, they just wanted you to slide it all the way.
Open your hatch and look down, you'll see the metal latch. Pull off the plastic piece around it with plastic wedges. Loosen the two torx bolts, adjust, and tighten. Put plastic back.
Takes no more than 10 mins.
Mine has been perfect for about 3-4 years and 50-60,000 miles. Never failed once since.
Try that first. I thought it was somethign complex, but all it needed was an adjustment.
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2008 Mercedes Benz ml350
Did you ever find out what was causing your lift gate not to latch. Mine is doing the same thing and I have tried pushing it a little to get it to latch but it still won't latch
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 267
Likes: 65
From: Hampshire , UK
2015 S500, 2016 GL63 AMG
Do a search on you tube, I had this issue a few weeks ago on my 2008 GL, it was the latching mechanism at fault. I searched you tube and watched several videos on how to replace it, bought one from ebay with a 2 year guarantee ( i thought best to avoid the £50 ones ) , I paid £100 or thereabouts. After watching the videos again a few times it actually only took me about 40 minutes all told to do the change, very pleased with the end result and probably save a few hundred ££ by doing it myself.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 4,514
Likes: 1,514
From: Orbiting the planet
This place is a joke.
You'll need to replace the latch assembly. The catch inside is broken. I'd avoid aftermarket units as I've seen reports of them draining the battery. Get a new one from the dealer or a used one.
