the rear tailgate won't latch so I had to tie it closed. I have a replacement actuator but that doesn't work either. The problem started when I...

Hello and welcome to ExpertHelp.com! My name is Relly De Jesus and I'm going to do everything in my power to answer your question to your full satisfaction!

Before we get started, I want to remind you ExpertHelp.com is an independent professional support company. We do not have any affiliation with MERCEDES BENZ nor are we paid to provide support on their behalf. However, we have helped hundreds of customers with similar questions and believe we can help you too. OK, let’s get started! :)

I’m available to chat now. Please let me know that you are ready by posting a response. I’ll leave my chat session open for the next 15 minutes or so and wait for your reply. If I don’t catch you this time, please respond with a few times (including your timezone) that work best for you and we can connect then.

Hello James

How are you doing? May I ask if this is the part that you replaced

I'll be standing by for your response. Thank you.

Regards,

Relly

Good to hear back from you James. So even with the new ones the actuator will not latch right? Have you tried using a screw driver to manually free the actuator.

1. Lift the exterior handle of the tailgate

2. While lifting the exterior tailgate handle, try to pull or push the actuator handle latch with a screw driver

Please click the blue LATCH link below for reference. Please take not that it's a different car in the video but the same theory applies.

LATCH

I'll be standing by for the result. Goodluck.

Regards

Relly

I see... Is the cable release attached on the exterior liftgate opener James? But even if the cable is attached the interior lights should go off. I am suspecting that the tailgate/liftgate control module is failing that's why it does not sense that the door is closed. This may require replacement. Below is what the module looks like.

Liftgate control module

Please take note that there can be problem with the wiring as well that it may not be communicating with the control module. The harness for the left and right connection wiring looks like the one below. This might require replacement as well.

Rear left side

Rear right side

Is there any yard near you James? You can purchase the module and harness for a cheaper price if there's one. I'll be standing by for your response.

Relly

By the way, can you remove the negative battery connector and let it sit for 5 minutes before reconnecting it. By doing this it will reset the system and may resolve the issue. If it doesn't then it can be the module and the harness.  Is there anything else I can add or help you with James? I'll be standing by for your response.

Thank you

Relly

Notes

- Chat and talked to James on the phone

- Performed check on the latch and other tips

- James thankful for all the information and latch is now working

- Solution Accepted

- Call ended

Dear James, It was a pleasure helping you with your Mercedes Benz issue today. Here is a summary of the resolution.

Issue identified : Tailgate won't close
Solution Implemented : Chat and called James to discuss the problem. Provided tips and tricks to get the latch working. Provided possible part replacement. Latch working now and will check on other things to correct the issue. Solution Accepted
If issue resurfaces : Advised to contact us at s**t@experthelp.com or call us on our support number ***-***-**** )