Tailgate won’t open
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Ml w164 320 cdi
Tailgate won’t open
Hello team
ive bad rear Sam so I’ve put new one , all work perfectly except my tailgate , when I’m pressing the handle I’m hearing sound but nothing , that don’t open my tailgate
its manual tailgate no motor
can’t open it with my diag case I’ve the same sound
no fault code on my rear Sam
ive change the lock , no amelioration
I’m lost …
if you have some advice im here
thank you
alex
ive bad rear Sam so I’ve put new one , all work perfectly except my tailgate , when I’m pressing the handle I’m hearing sound but nothing , that don’t open my tailgate
its manual tailgate no motor
can’t open it with my diag case I’ve the same sound
no fault code on my rear Sam
ive change the lock , no amelioration
I’m lost …
if you have some advice im here
thank you
alex
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 602
Likes: 207
W221 S500
Assuming you are actually pulling the tailgate open once you have pressed the lever... That sounds is normal. The tailgate won't normally pop unless you pull it with the handle pressed.
If not:
Use the manual release inside the tailgate panel.
Open the tailgate and remove the trim
Connect the cable from the latch motor to the lock.
Test for function.
Refit everything.
Why was the rear SAM replaced, and have you coded it for the options fitted to your car? If not things may not function correctly.
If not:
Use the manual release inside the tailgate panel.
Open the tailgate and remove the trim
Connect the cable from the latch motor to the lock.
Test for function.
Refit everything.
Why was the rear SAM replaced, and have you coded it for the options fitted to your car? If not things may not function correctly.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Ml w164 320 cdi
Assuming you are actually pulling the tailgate open once you have pressed the lever... That sounds is normal. The tailgate won't normally pop unless you pull it with the handle pressed.
If not:
Use the manual release inside the tailgate panel.
Open the tailgate and remove the trim
Connect the cable from the latch motor to the lock.
Test for function.
Refit everything.
Why was the rear SAM replaced, and have you coded it for the options fitted to your car? If not things may not function correctly.
If not:
Use the manual release inside the tailgate panel.
Open the tailgate and remove the trim
Connect the cable from the latch motor to the lock.
Test for function.
Refit everything.
Why was the rear SAM replaced, and have you coded it for the options fitted to your car? If not things may not function correctly.
when you said “Connect the cable from the latch motor to the lock“ I’ve already the factory harness connected to the tailgate lock it’s a 10 pins connector
ive changed my rear Sam because it don’t work anymore , no fuel gauge , rear light , sliding seat , wiper , tailgate , turn signal
so I’ve buy New one with the same part number and that work perfectly except the tailgate won’t close , I’ve always an error on the dash “ tailgate open “
ive tryed to code it but i see nothing for the tailgate haven’t a Mercedes diag its an AUTEL maybe a don’t see all the coding information
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 602
Likes: 207
W221 S500
The cable I meant was a physical cable from the motor to the latch.
The noise says the motor is working but it's apparently not physically connected to the latch.
If the rear SAM is programmed for electric tailgate opening/closing then it may not work correctly if your car doesn't have these features.
Programming is in the rear SAM.
The noise says the motor is working but it's apparently not physically connected to the latch.
If the rear SAM is programmed for electric tailgate opening/closing then it may not work correctly if your car doesn't have these features.
Programming is in the rear SAM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Ml w164 320 cdi
The cable I meant was a physical cable from the motor to the latch.
The noise says the motor is working but it's apparently not physically connected to the latch.
If the rear SAM is programmed for electric tailgate opening/closing then it may not work correctly if your car doesn't have these features.
Programming is in the rear SAM.
The noise says the motor is working but it's apparently not physically connected to the latch.
If the rear SAM is programmed for electric tailgate opening/closing then it may not work correctly if your car doesn't have these features.
Programming is in the rear SAM.
I’ve made a video
to show you what I can see with my diag
like that you can see what I’m seeing in programming function
on live data nothing work …
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 602
Likes: 207
W221 S500
yeah I’m opening the tailgate with the physical cable haven’t the choice
I’ve made a video
https://youtu.be/flX7uf6axEk?is=LCteZuEHMlGXaB1i
to show you what I can see with my diag
like that you can see what I’m seeing in programming function
on live data nothing work …
I’ve made a video
https://youtu.be/flX7uf6axEk?is=LCteZuEHMlGXaB1i
to show you what I can see with my diag
like that you can see what I’m seeing in programming function
on live data nothing work …
You need to physically try the handle to see it work in the live data.
That loud noise at the start is the latch motor working.
