Mercedes-Benz Trunk Hatch Lock Actuator Removal / Replacement (Trunk Won't Open) W166 GLE

[@thraultaylor3839]

Fixed it!! I had to pull the entire panel off to get to the cable release point and to get out this huge piece of sound deadening foam. But all of the push pins came out intact, swapped out the Actuator and put it all back together. My Wife will owe me later this evening!! Merry Christmas!!

[@warlee]

Oh boy, did she pay her dues that evening? 😘

[@thraultaylor3839]

This is is exactly what is happening to my Wife's '13 GL450. I'm gonna order the parts to see if this fixes it! Thanks man!!

[@warlee]

Let us know how it goes!

[@sirruckus]

Nice walk through - and back story of symptoms!

[@warlee]

Thank you! Glad it worked out for you too; another dollar saved from the dealership.

[@bsclifton]

Great video! Thanks for showing step by step details 🙂I saw the thread on mbworld while diagnosing this on my 2013 GL550. Same symptoms as you - I plugged a code reader in and got B182811: "The output for the Remote Trunk Opening (RTO/HDF) is faulty. There is a short circuit to ground". Will be ordering a new latch actuator which I verified is the same as the part number you listed here 😃

[@warlee]

Thanks! Happy to help and keep supporting the MB community!

[@bsclifton]

@@warlee quick follow up - I did the install last weekend and everything went perfectly! 🙂 Now to tackle a broken motor on the 3rd row seat

[@nev390]

Hey Warren what was the problem with the tailgate?

[@skyhghmclvn25]

I replaced my ml350 actuator. When the car is off and locked i noticed that the front and rear signal lights flash every so often. Any ideas why this is happening?

[@warlee]

No idea, hope you find the solution soon!

[@aceavram712]

I have a ML350 2013 W166 but my tailgate won't open at all. I can't open it to replace that part. Any ideas on how to open it if it's closed stuck?

[@warlee]

Climb into the trunk and get all the way down to the base of the trunk panel where the latch is, there is a slot in the panel just large enough for you to push the your key into and that releases the trunk panel.

[@s1s0o0u]

@@warlee i tried and its not opening, any other ideas?

[@sirruckus]

@s1s0o0u - its plausible that you didn't find it or didn't perform the action correctly (or you did and it a whole nother issue). I'll try to elaborate to make sure the instructions are clear: crawl into the back hatch area, and using the metal key that pops out of your key fob, insert this into the tiny hole that is smaller than a dime. The hole is located about 2" off center, about 1" from the bottom of the liftgate on the inside. Almost impossible to insert the key, if you have a cargo bay mat. With the key lever, at the twelve oclock position (upon insertion) turn clock wise until about 3 oclock. There isn't much feedback through the action, and you might be surprised to find it unlocked after that.

[@braxton3731]

Amazing video as always. You may be interested in P R O M O S M.

[@andrewzio]

Hey, I just opened mine up to check the part (i've got the same car, same problem.... ).... the number on the steel bit of the actuator lock unit was Top Row >032915, Second Row > A2047400735 - does that seems right? Seems weird can they just pick up any actuator and put it into a W166.. i bought the car second hand maybe somebody else had already replaced the original? The number on the black cable thing that attaches to the lock unit was A 166 750 02 59 003 03 DURA 4 3 /15 i've got a W166 GLE 350d 2015.

[@warlee]

If your existing unit looks about the same as mine, it’s probably fine. But your best bet is to call a dealership and double check the part numbers; sometimes they update part numbers too.