The latch on the power liftgate of my 2007 ML320 will not latch or lock onto the u-shaped keeper. The liftgate will open and close but the latch will not latch or pull closed into the locked position. Secondly, my rear SAM unit was contaminated by a mysterious liquid (either H2O from tail light or kids sports drink spill).

MB tech says the latch assy is broken, but I suspect it may have something to do with the SAM malfunctioning. Does anyone know exactly how the latch assy works? Is it a mechanical latch to a certain extent followed by an electrically actuated second stage to the fully closed position, or does it rely on an electrical input from the SAM to even start the latching process? The latch just springs back to the open position when I move it manually.

Any insight would be helpful
Thanks

 

your latch is broken--ive replaced about 10 on 164's..and they all do just wat u described