I saw another member post that they had a memo or technical service bulletin/recall on the tail light seals. I have water coming in through them and it fried the lift gate. Has anyone successfully had this warrantied on an older model (2006) recently? Does anyone have the TSB or memo?

If the dealer won't fix it, is it as simple as swapping out the control unit by the spare tire or does it need to be programmed etc?

Thank you,
Ryan

 

Ryan, there is no TSB or Recall for this matter. From 2006-2010 MLs had defective tail lamp seals installed at the assembly plant and has never admitted to this. They only supplied updated seals to correct the condition, leaving the customer to pay along with the damage to the rear SAM and the tailgate module and hydraulic pump.

You must remove everything in the spare tire area including the gray mat and inspect everything for corrosion.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post7589072

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post7352393

 

Thanks for sending the information. I have already ordered new seals from Pelican Parts and plant to use a bunch of RTV silicone when I reinstall. Everything is working so I don't think the SAM is ruined, but the lift gate is no longer operational. I had tried searching but do you know if the module can be swapped directly? I have found some on Ebay for about $130. Or, is there risk the pump is dead too? Do you know how to test the pump?

Thank you in advance,
Ryan

 

The problem with the tailgate could be, the SAM, the pump or the pump module. If you don't look at everything, you will have continued problems.

 

I understand- do you know if the lift gate control module can be directly swapped though? It's a cheap place to start after connecting power directly to lift gate motor. Do you know where to jump the motor by chance too?

Thanks again,
Ryan

 

You do not understand what I have supplied you and the only thing you do is ask questions.

For the last time, you must look at the three components and see if there is water damage.

 

I was going to systematically eliminate the failures by jumping the motor to see if motor is fried and then changing controller since it costs significantly less than the SAM and I'm almost certain it is because it was wet... Then look at the SAM if needed. Would still appreciate knowing if the lift gate controller can be swapped without programming required.

I understand that all must be looked at but at this point the symptoms indicate that its isolated to the rear lift gate. I know for sure that section was wet. The SAM had some moisture on the cover, but the lift gate items were pretty much submerged. What you sent was a link to fixing the SAM- are you saying that you know that the SAM is bad and not the lift gate controller due to the lift gate being higher up in the trunk? I'm fairly certain all the lift gate stuff was submerged.

Thanks again,
Ryan