W166 (ML350) tailgate stuck open?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
W166 (ML350) tailgate stuck open?
Hi,
Have an issue with my tailgate - opened the back with my key, it touched my shoulder on the way up and stopped so I pushed it up and now it won't close.
Have tried everything I can think of but no luck. Heading to dealer service tomorrow.
Everything the else OK that I have checked - key fob, locks, windows, etc.
Have an issue with my tailgate - opened the back with my key, it touched my shoulder on the way up and stopped so I pushed it up and now it won't close.
Have tried everything I can think of but no luck. Heading to dealer service tomorrow.
Everything the else OK that I have checked - key fob, locks, windows, etc.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 187
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
If you have to drive with it up, open your windows. The vacuum created behind the car will pull in exhaust fumes. You might not notice it, but the headache you'll get later will suck. I have a '14 ML350 so would like to know how you make out in case it happens to me or others. Good luck.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 63
Likes: 7
From: BC
2015 ML350 BlueTEC 4Matic
So here's the follow-up:
Couldn't close it by hand even with some very forceful pulling and didn't want to break anything else trying.
Took it to a M-B service Dept and they found that both of the tailgate struts had seized! No idea as to why but replaced on warranty (<39k km on the unit).
Had to drive 40 km to the dealership so as suggested make sure you do that with windows open to ensure a front-to-back airflow to keep exhaust fumes out of the cabin.
Very surprising the struts both seized?
Couldn't close it by hand even with some very forceful pulling and didn't want to break anything else trying.
Took it to a M-B service Dept and they found that both of the tailgate struts had seized! No idea as to why but replaced on warranty (<39k km on the unit).
Had to drive 40 km to the dealership so as suggested make sure you do that with windows open to ensure a front-to-back airflow to keep exhaust fumes out of the cabin.
Very surprising the struts both seized?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 187
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
So here's the follow-up:
Couldn't close it by hand even with some very forceful pulling and didn't want to break anything else trying.
Took it to a M-B service Dept and they found that both of the tailgate struts had seized! No idea as to why but replaced on warranty (<39k km on the unit).
Had to drive 40 km to the dealership so as suggested make sure you do that with windows open to ensure a front-to-back airflow to keep exhaust fumes out of the cabin.
Very surprising the struts both seized?
Couldn't close it by hand even with some very forceful pulling and didn't want to break anything else trying.
Took it to a M-B service Dept and they found that both of the tailgate struts had seized! No idea as to why but replaced on warranty (<39k km on the unit).
Had to drive 40 km to the dealership so as suggested make sure you do that with windows open to ensure a front-to-back airflow to keep exhaust fumes out of the cabin.
Very surprising the struts both seized?
