Tailgate problem

[Patsbangers]

So when operating the tailgate on my C Class 250 estate the latch opens but the tailgate will not lift. Manually I can lift it and feel the resistance against the motor. The close button closes and locks the tailgate. Is this something I'm doing or an electrical fault?

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome,

Quite likely corrosion inside the hinge mechanism - quite common and lots of lube is what you need.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

+1 As above and because the hinges have become tight perseverance is required. Mine did the same and I find fully synth engine oil works best applied twice yearly when the hinge is moving freely. One member on here had to apply oil over a period of weeks to free it it was extremely tight

 

[goldy]

I believe I'm the member malcolm210 is referring to.
Soaking with oil freed up but needed a lot. Oil the ball joint too, the lock and the struts.
Mine is back to erratic again with s variety of spray lubes being used.
Think it needs to come off, hinges stripped of any paint and dry lubricated.
Big rainfall seem to wash the lube away. Ridiculous design.
Definitely give the oil a go.