'98 ML320 Tailgate Actuator...I know...I know
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
1998 ML320
'98 ML320 Tailgate Actuator...I know...I know
So I know there have been countless posts on the ML320 trunk actuator, and I've read most of them, but I have still been unable to fix my problem. I replaced the actuator AND the hatch latch (which turned out not to be necessary I guess), and still the key fob and the electronic locking mechanism doesn't lock the trunk. The trunk locks manually, but that's about it. Does anyone have any advice? I was thinking I could replace a relay, but since it is only the trunk and all other doors work fine, I wasn't sure.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg Pa
2001 ML320
Had the same issue with mine. lock would twitch when I hit the button but would not lock or unlock the tailgate. Saw something posted somewhere about a weak plunger in the mechanism. I got lucky. Pulled rear panel with a fork tool. Found that the linkage had jumped out of place. Sprayed it all down with brake clean and put a few drops of gun oil on joints. Working good now.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
The first thing you should do is remove relay K15 and swap it with K17 and see if things work.
Post back with results and if negative, you will have to remove the panel again to access the wiring to the actuator.
Post back with results and if negative, you will have to remove the panel again to access the wiring to the actuator.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Leave the cover off until this problem is resolved.
Fashion a 6" jumper wire (18 gauge) with spade terminals attached (trim to fit). Must use spade terminals to make contact inside fuse box.
1. With key out of the ignition, remove K15 relay. Using the illustration of the fuse box, insert one end of the jumper wire into slot #30 and test the other end for 12v.
If so, partially insert the other end of the wire into slot #87 and see if the locking motor actuates. If so remove the jumper wire. Note you are only testing this to check this circuit.
2. With the key out of the ignition (using one end of the jumper wire inserted) using a DVOM, test slot 87b for Ground, test slot 85 & 86 and tell me which one has 12v.
Post back with results to go onto the next and final test.
Fashion a 6" jumper wire (18 gauge) with spade terminals attached (trim to fit). Must use spade terminals to make contact inside fuse box.
1. With key out of the ignition, remove K15 relay. Using the illustration of the fuse box, insert one end of the jumper wire into slot #30 and test the other end for 12v.
If so, partially insert the other end of the wire into slot #87 and see if the locking motor actuates. If so remove the jumper wire. Note you are only testing this to check this circuit.
2. With the key out of the ignition (using one end of the jumper wire inserted) using a DVOM, test slot 87b for Ground, test slot 85 & 86 and tell me which one has 12v.
Post back with results to go onto the next and final test.
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: fort worth Texas
c280 1995 green, e320 2003 black, ml 320 2000 black
maj. dundee i got same problem here replace new actuator and still same. after i dit the test that you post here actuator works and slot 86 has 12v any ideas
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
cax, telling me that you have the same problem does not help. Tell me exactly what your problem is. Then tell me what you have done to try and getting it working.
Also tell me the results of the test I posted. What did you get at 30, what did you get at 87 and so on.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1999 ML430, 1999 SLK230, 2005 E320
cax, telling me that you have the same problem does not help. Tell me exactly what your problem is. Then tell me what you have done to try and getting it working.
Also tell me the results of the test I posted. What did you get at 30, what did you get at 87 and so on.
Also tell me the results of the test I posted. What did you get at 30, what did you get at 87 and so on.
