4 attempts to close lift gate. Intermittent issues.

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Feb 24, 2021 | 03:24 AM
  #1  
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
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Feb 27, 2021 | 02:37 AM
  #2  
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.
Reply 0
Feb 27, 2021 | 05:01 PM
  #3  
Quote: 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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Feb 28, 2021 | 04:32 AM
  #4  
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.




Reply 0
Oct 11, 2025 | 04:55 PM
  #5  
Quote: 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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