Genjet

2011 ML 350. I opened my tailgate door and it would not close with the key fob, door button, or the driver door switch. Had to close the tailgate door manually. It was then as if the SOS button was pressed, it automatically was trying to call the center (wherever those call go). Couldn't get the process to stop. We've never subscribed to the service since owning the car for a few years now. Searched the forums and couldn't find anything similar. Any ideas before taking it in?

Maj. Dundee

2008ml550_0104

I discovered that my liftgate handle would get stuck in the open position and it still does it because I have NOT been able to get an answer on this forum how to fix or address the issue but I think it’s just needing to be oiled up or that it’s lost its mechanical ability to return back to its normal position or rebounding back-and-forth when letting go and I’ve discovered that if I push it back it will stop calling SOS. You can also go to your steering wheel and hit the end button and it will stop calling SOS temporarily.

Maj. Dundee

You got your answer in the other forum and you did not reply.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ta...#post-18162878

2008ml550_0104

no, my question surrounds the ‘why’ of does this handle get fully stuck in unlock position. To the tele aid end of this thread posting, I was aware that it had something to do with being present and it looks like that is the case.

do you know of any fixes for the issues surrounding my question?

see my post here — https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...nt-issues.html

Maj. Dundee

I'm referring to your thread you opened in a different forum. A knowledgeable member took his time to explain the problem and you did not reply.

https://www.benzworld.org/threads/ta...#post-18162878

Genjet

Apologize to you Maj. Dundee and others who have responded or are following the thread, waiting to see my reply. I'm on the road and the car is in a different state at the moment. Won't get to it until next week and will check all that you mentioned to me (and member 2008ml550_0104). Concerning the grinding noise mentioned in his post, I had a nice CPO 2014 ML 350 ready to buy once and took my wife to the dealer to see it. One of the first things I did was open the tailgate to that grinding noise. I looked at the salesman (who had on a cliché used car salesman goofy checkered jacket) and asked about the certification. Obviously everything was not checked. We wound up purchasing a similar one at another dealer which was and has been quite the cream puff.

I know you help quite a bit on the forums Major and want to say I am very appreciative of your time and consideration (as well as others on the forum). As a lurker and sometimes poster, I have been helped with many issues over the years! All the best everyone!

Genjet

Follow-up:

I took the ML to a very reputable independent MBZ shop in Kirkland, WA. They downloaded the codes and one was for a bad rear handle. There were several other codes that were stored as a result of the battery being worn down so not sure if that was part that or what. Also, the rear antenna fault code came up which is the only other component nearby. The shop thought the handle stuck once or twice and kept the circuit closed (during recent freezing weather). It was all reset and time will tell if it is a recurring problem in which case the handle/switch will be replaced and the MBRACE wires disconnected. What isn't exactly clear is what caused the battery drain. Been fine since and the tailgate handle springs back nicely.