M-Class (W166) Produced 2012-2015

Life Gate Issue

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Old Mar 8, 2021 | 02:42 AM
  #1  
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ml320
Life Gate Issue

Hello all, I have a ML250 (W166). The automatic liftgate stopped functioning about a month ago. It will automatically unlatch (and latch) but the will not automatically lift or close. All the fuses are OK and the lift actuator is new. I have a position sensor on order. Any ideas of items I should check? Is there a relay in the system which I should check?

Thanks for any help.

Last edited by MecML; Mar 8, 2021 at 03:40 AM.
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Old Mar 8, 2021 | 02:45 AM
  #2  
Zuffen's Avatar
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2002 Ml320, 2012 ML350 & Slk55
I think it could be the gas strut has lost pressure and the lift arm isn't strong enough to raise the tail gate without that bit of assistance.

I've noticed my tailgate won't open sometimes on a hill and I think it's the gas strut as the tailgate works fine on the flat.

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Old Mar 8, 2021 | 02:49 AM
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The strut on the driver's side is fine. The actuator is not getting power/signal on the passenger side. It is new (thought that was the issue and replaced it, but it is not). When push the remote button or door button or the rear hatch button/lever the auto latch unlatches the door, but the actuator does nothing... I can manually open an close the liftgate fine (and it stay up when open).
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Old Mar 8, 2021 | 07:57 AM
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The dealer replaced my actuator a few months ago, I do have an extended warranty though.
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Old Mar 8, 2021 | 12:43 PM
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Either replace the actuator or dig into the spare tire area to see if you have signs of water. W164 and some W166 models have been known to have water ingress in the spare tire area and it can cause electrical problems.
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Old Mar 8, 2021 | 12:52 PM
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Actuator has been replaced, so that was not the issue. I reset the liftgate last night and it looks like that solved the problem. Thanks to all the folks who replied to this message.
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Old Mar 10, 2021 | 12:42 AM
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Originally Posted by MecML
Actuator has been replaced, so that was not the issue. I reset the liftgate last night and it looks like that solved the problem. Thanks to all the folks who replied to this message.
Hi,
Can you explain how you reset the liftgate signal? I think I might have the same issue with my problem.

Best,
TJ
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Old Mar 10, 2021 | 07:44 PM
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Originally Posted by telrush
Hi,
Can you explain how you reset the liftgate signal? I think I might have the same issue with my problem.

Best,
TJ
Also interested in knowing this process
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Old Jun 13, 2021 | 08:58 AM
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What is the process for "resetting" the lift gate?

Please advise.

Thank you,
Chris
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Old Jun 13, 2021 | 04:43 PM
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Old Jun 19, 2021 | 12:03 PM
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Originally Posted by Zuffen
I think it could be the gas strut has lost pressure and the lift arm isn't strong enough to raise the tail gate without that bit of assistance.

I've noticed my tailgate won't open sometimes on a hill and I think it's the gas strut as the tailgate works fine on the flat.
I am having the same issue but it has both the lift arm and the gas strut new.
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Old Dec 2, 2021 | 04:15 PM
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Originally Posted by MecML
Actuator has been replaced, so that was not the issue. I reset the liftgate last night and it looks like that solved the problem. Thanks to all the folks who replied to this message.
MecML, Can you explain how you reset the liftgate?
Thank you
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Old Dec 4, 2021 | 06:09 AM
  #13  
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E270 cdi W211, E350 cdi W212, ML350 BlueTec W166
Use Xentry to reset the tailgate unit.
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