The rear interior light is not turning off when I close the tail gate. Can not see any switch on the tail gate, in the car frame or on the gate itself. Where is it and how the car knows the tail gate is closed? Extra bit of info. Somehow the auto closing mechanism is working, it is pulling in the tail gate. So the car knows the gate is closed to activate the auto pull feature.

Any info is appreciated.

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Not MBZ nor A/C trained professional but a die-hard DIY and green engineer. Use the info at your own peril. Picked up 2 Infractions because of disagreements. NOW reversed.

W124 Keyless remote, PM for details. http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/mercedes-used-parts-sale-wanted/334620-fs-w124-chasis-keyless-remote-%2450-shipped.html

1 X 2006 CDI
1 x 87 300SDL
1 x 87 300D
1 x 87 300TDT wagon
1 x 83 300D
1 x 84 190D ( 5 sp ) - All R134 converted + keyless entry.

Probable bad microwitch in the door lock assembly.

FSM job 72-270 Testing and replacing microswitch (T-Sedan)

FSM job 54-0320 Removing and installing rear dome lamp and switch

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78 W116 300SD 'Desert Rose' new as of 01/26/2014
79 W116 300SD 'Stormcloud' RIP 04/11/2022

It is a microswitch in the door lock mechanism. You have to remove the tailgate covering to get to it.

The door wiring goes to a terminal block in the upper left rear corner of the roof. You have to remove the panel going across the roof just inside of the door opening to access it.

If you have to temporarily solve this in a hurry and don't have time to pull the tailgate liner then open the roof panel and lift the wire on terminal 2 that is going towards the door. This wire gets grounded by the limit switch in the lock mechanism.

One final word of advice: watch your fingers on the lock mechanism. It looks like it could definitely remove a finger if you got it in the wrong place. I also cleaned and lubed my mechanism when I had it out a couple years ago and it really helped the function.

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The OM 642/722.9 powered family
Still going strong
2014 ML350 Bluetec (wife's DD)
2013 E350 Bluetec (my DD)

both my kids cars went to junkyard in 2023
2008 ML320 CDI (Older son’s DD) fatal transmission failure, water soaked/fried rear SAM, numerous other issues, just too far gone to save (165k miles)
2008 E320 Bluetec (Younger son's DD) injector failed open and diluted oil with diesel, spun main bearings (240k miles)

1998 E300DT sold to TimFreeh
1987 300TD sold to vstech