Recall - Liftgate Control Module/Tail Lamp Seals: Overview
FILE:SERVICE: GROUP 00 OF SERVICE INFORMATION BINDER
PARTS: GROUP I OF INFORMATION PARTS & ACCESSORIES BINDER
Campaign No. 2009030003, April 2009
TO: ALL MERCEDES-BENZ CENTERS
SUBJECT: Model 164, Model Year 2009
Reposition Power Lift Gate Control Module and Replace Right and Left Tail Lamp Unit Seals
Daimler AG (DAG) has determined that as a result of faulty seals around the rear tail lamp units, water may enter the rear compartment containing the spare tire. In vehicles equipped with the optional power lift gate, the control module for the lift gate is located close to the spare tire compartment and could be exposed to water. Water entering the power lift gate control module can result in disabling of the power lift gate hydraulic unit and, in a worst case, causing a short circuit which could lead to a fire. MBUSA is aware of one vehicle fire that may have resulted from water entering into the power lift gate control module.
Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC therefore has initiated a recall of all potentially affected vehicles described above. The repair will involve repositioning of the affected power lift gate control module inside the chassis and replacement of the right and left tail lamp unit seals.
Shown in this bulletin is a sample copy of a letter which owners of the affected vehicles will receive.
Prior to performing this Recall Campaign:
^ Please check VMI to determine if the vehicle is involved in the Campaign and if it has been previously repaired.
^ Please review the entire Recall Campaign bulletin and follow the repair procedure exactly as described.
Please note that Recall and Service Campaigns do not expire and may also be performed on a vehicle with a vehicle status indicator.
Approximately 17,901 vehicles are involved.
Procedure
1. Remove cargo tie down rings (arrows, Figure 1) and trim panel then remove cargo compartment cover (B).
Installation Note:
Torque cargo tie down ring bolts (arrows) to 24 Nm. when reinstalling.
2. Remove tail gate sill panel (A, Figure 1), refer to WIS:
3. Remove spare wheel and vehicle tool kit tray.
4. Remove right cargo compartment side panel (D, Figure 1), refer to WIS: AR68.30-P-4800GZ.
5. Remove 5 torx screws then remove right frame rail cover (C, Figure 2).
Note:
On vehicles with cargo compartment package (code 942), remove right cargo rail (C, Figure 1) first.
6. Unclip the tail gate closing control module (D, Figure 2) from bracket at hydraulic pump housing (Figure 2).
Note:
It is not necessary to disconnect wire harness connectors from control module (D).
7. Insert tail gate closing control module into bracket (A, Figure 3) and slide assembly into mounting console (B) on frame rail (Figure 3).
Note:
On vehicles with cargo compartment package (code 942), install bracket (A, Figure 3) between mounting console (B) and cargo frame rail bracket (C).
8. Affix felt tape (A, Figure 4) onto vehicle body edge, to avoid possible wiring harness chafing.
Note:
On vehicles with cargo compartment package (code 942), cut tape in half and affix half of felt tape to cargo rail bracket (B, Figure 4) and the other half to body edge (A).
9. Attach cable tie (arrow, Figure 4) to SAM bracket then secure wiring harness to SAM bracket using cable tie (D, Figure 3).
Note:
^ On vehicles with BLUETEC (code U42), unclip existing cable tie (A, Figure 5) from body edge then secure wiring harness to body edge with an additional cable tie (arrow) (refer to parts table).
^ Leave old cable tie (A) connected to harness
10. Remove left and right rear tail lamp units (AR82.10-P-4905GZ).
11. Remove seals from rear tail lamp units and clean mating surface of tail lamp units with cleaner.
Note:
Clean tail lamp mating surface with Terostat - 8550 cleaner or equivalent.
CAUTION!
Do not use cleaner that is harmful to paint or tail lamp unit (e.g., alcohol based cleaner or solvent cleaner must not be used).
12. Clean body mating surface (Figure 6) with cleaner (see notes above) then carefully align holes of new tail lamp seals with vehicle's mounting holes then affix seals (A, Figure 7) onto vehicle's body.
Note:
Affix new seals with adhesive towards body: Seal marked left will be installed on right side of vehicle, seal marked right will be installed on left side of vehicle.
13. Reassembly is in reverse order.
Note:
^ When reinstalling frame rail cover (A, Figure 8) ensure that support ribs (arrows) on inside of frame rail cover align with slots (B) on top of newly installed control module bracket.
^ When reinstalling right rear cargo compartment side panel (D, Figure 1) ensure that harness for rear power supply outlet is reconnected to outlet.
Primary Parts Information
Note:
^ Please be aware that only the part number(s) referenced in the Campaign Bulletin is approved for use to repair the vehicle. Repairs performed using any other part(s) will not have been performed in accordance with the campaign. Accordingly, warranty claims submitted with reference to an improper part number(s) will be denied.
^ The following allowable labor operation should be used when submitting a warranty claim for this repair:
Warranty Information
NOTE REGARDING CUSTOMER REIMBURSEMENT
Reimbursement to customers for repairs performed prior to this recall:
If the customer already paid to have this recall campaign condition repaired and provides adequate documentation to support their claim of a non-warranty repair of this item, they may be eligible to receive reimbursement.
Requests for reimbursement may include parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursement is limited to the amount the repair of the right and left tail lamp unit seals would have cost if completed by an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer under this campaign.
Submit a warranty claim, utilizing Damage Code 54952418 as a sublet, utilizing the sublet code of "SUB." Sublet repairs require dealer text as stated in the Warranty Policies and Procedures Manual. Repair date should be the date that the customer paid for the repair.
Note:
Please note the claim submitted for customer reimbursement will not close the campaign (if still open). If the customer is still in possession of the vehicle with an open campaign, please arrange to close the campaign in the usual manner as described in this bulletin.