Mika Riikonen

Our 2007 ML 320 CDI ceased to open or close the tailgate.

I found a very typical fault: Water at the bottom of the trunk and a broken wire coming to the solenoid.

I soldered a short length of wire to the connector and checked that there was a connection between the end of the wire and the connector pin. Then I connected the wire coming from the original wiring harness to the connector. The connector was clean inside - no corrosion. I also added a little more oil so that when the pump is in the upright position, the oil level is about 60% of the tank volume.

Despite repairing a clear fault, the liftgate still does not work. The lock opens and the pump is audibly running, but the door does not open or close. I guess the solenoid doesn't have a fuse of its own?

What could I try next? I have tried resetting the door (the door full up, pulling up the switch in the front door for 5s) - no help. Haven't measured if there is voltage at the solenoid terminals if I push the liftgate switch. I have access to a Delphi scan tool - could that reveal anything?


A new connector could be found (#282190-1 or #282190-1-pt, which also includes wires). The connector at least looks the same and the dimensions (height 17.5mm, width 23mm) seem right.

Maj. Dundee

You must look at the tailgate module next to the pump. Open it up and look for corrosion.

Mika Riikonen

I found the fault.

The purple connector, which clips on the plastic pump casing, was severely corroded. Hence upon disconnecting the connector, the solenoid ground prong had broken inside the slot in the male part of the connector. I managed to pull it out using tweezers.

The solenoid is supplied with continuous +12V, and the control box delivers ground when needed.

I need to find a new connector.... or replace both sides of the connector to a different one.

Mika Riikonen

New connector housing and pins are separately vailable from dealership.
Here in Finland they cost 16€, which corresponds to $14.

Maj. Dundee

If the problem is is at the end of the lead harness, then yes the housing and pins (Green) are available.

But if the problem is at the pomp (Red), then no, the entire pump must be purchased.

Mika Riikonen

I am referring to parts 207 and 208.

The green arrow actually points to 207 and red arrow to solenoid connector.

Is the parts diagram somewhere available?

Maj. Dundee

Here are the part numbers.

Mika Riikonen

Thank you very much!

Maj. Dundee

Anytime.

Taiter

I have have the same issue with my tailgate. Did you find out what was wrong with yours.

jim

Mika Riikonen

As described in post #3.

Taiter

Did you purchase the new components and is you tailgate working?

Mika Riikonen

Oh sorry - I had two faults there. The obvious and visible fault described in #1, and the hidden fault (#3) which occurred upon disconnecting the connector. I would be inclined to believe that the hidden fault is not happening unless one disconnects the connector.

The visible fault seems to be quite typical - so start with that one first.

The hidden fault was repaired by purchasing the parts mentioned in later postings. Of course, one can cut the wires from OEM connectors and reconnect them using any universal connector.

The lift gate has been working okay.

Taiter

Thank you