M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

4 attempts to close lift gate. Intermittent issues.

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Old Feb 24, 2021 | 03:24 AM
  #1  
2008ml550_0104's Avatar
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From: Barrington Hills IL
08' ML550, ML 63, E55, and 2019 S63, 19’ Porsche 991 911 Speedster
Help with rear latch on 550 /lift gate intermittent closing problem W164)

Hi all- thanks in advance for any help tips and a possible fix and also to avoid dealer diagnostic cost. Not an ad hoc post. My ?’s are in regards to anyone who might know why the lift gate on my Ml (2008) will intermittently not open or shut? In checked the settings in the binnacle and it is set to open fully also ok. When fully opened it takes a three to four attempts for myself and my wife has also complained of the same issue happening lately. As a side note and observation, I’ve noticed it does make a significant enough of a louder sound (a hydrologic one) when closing or opening.

Do these shocks or whatever you call them go bad? Or what would be anything if anything I can do to fix it and not visit dealer for diagnostics?

PART 2 QUESTION

in addition to the ongoing tail gate issues ie opening and closing problem, exists a secondary problem with the liftgate handle being depressed it will fully lock into that position and get stuck. Usually calls tele aid and u have to stick a screwdriver in there to pry it back to it’s original position. — FIXES?

sThanks,
Steven

Last edited by 2008ml550_0104; Feb 24, 2021 at 06:09 AM. Reason: Not getting reply’s
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Old Feb 27, 2021 | 02:37 AM
  #2  
Solo wing's Avatar
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From: Dhahran, KSA
2020 E 300 Coupe and 2019 GLS 400
The tailgate made a groaning noise whenever its opening or closing. Turns out the hydraulic pump reservoir was almost empty. I filled it up and it became quiter and smoother.
You can access the pump under the spare tire, it takes a special type of Shell aviation oil.
As for the handle getting stuck, try spraying sillicon lubricant and see if it fixes things.
Finally, another bad component that went bad and won't release the tailgate when opening was the hatch lock actuator.

Good luck.
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Old Feb 27, 2021 | 05:01 PM
  #3  
2008ml550_0104's Avatar
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From: Barrington Hills IL
08' ML550, ML 63, E55, and 2019 S63, 19’ Porsche 991 911 Speedster
Originally Posted by Solo wing
The tailgate made a groaning noise whenever its opening or closing. Turns out the hydraulic pump reservoir was almost empty. I filled it up and it became quiter and smoother.
You can access the pump under the spare tire, it takes a special type of Shell aviation oil.
As for the handle getting stuck, try spraying sillicon lubricant and see if it fixes things.
Finally, another bad component that went bad and won't release the tailgate when opening was the hatch lock actuator.

Good luck.
why would the reservoir tank just go “empty”?

I’ll take a look when I get a second this afternoon.
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Old Feb 28, 2021 | 04:32 AM
  #4  
Maj. Dundee's Avatar
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From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
You should remove everything in the spare tire area and see if there is any water intrusion. And at the same time you can check the pump.

If there are no problems, leave everything as is and crawl into the cargo area & have helper close the tailgate.

Then remove fuse #40 in the cargo fuse box & reinsert. Then have helper click (do not hold) on outer door handle. Post results.




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Old Oct 11, 2025 | 04:55 PM
  #5  
anavabi's Avatar
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 393
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From: Ontario, Canada
2006 ML500, 2008 ML350
Originally Posted by 2008ml550_0104
why would the reservoir tank just go “empty”?

I’ll take a look when I get a second this afternoon.
Did you ever managed to get this resolved? Did you do what Maj. Dundee (RIP, so they say) asked you to do with that 40 amp fuse. Thanks.
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