2002 XC70 Tailgate won't unlock/open

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Craig.Holdsworth@googlemail.com - 13 Jan 2007 16:41 GMT

Hello all

2002 XC70. When I got it a few months ago the passenger side (left, I
am in the UK) rear door central locking wasn't working. Volvo dealer
said it needed a new lock. I haven't had it fixed yet as it really
doesn't cause me any problems and I can still lock and unlock it
manually. Don't think this is anything to do with the problem but just
in case I thought I'd say...

BUT, earlier this week my wife borrowed the XC70 and came back saying
tailgate wouldn't open.

Thought it might be crap in the boot that got jammed when she closed
the tailgate but the boot was/is empty and I have had a good look
around.

When I pull the handle on the outside of the tailgate I can feel it is
connected to something (it moves fully with a small amount of
resistance but isn't opening a lock) so it isn't the rods that have
come loose. On further inspection the central locking makes no noise in
the tailgate when I lock or unlock the car. It is a 5 seater so no
internal release handle or hidden hole for the key to go in next to the
handle in the tailgate.

Any ideas of either how I solve the problem or how I can just get the
door open.

Have so far had a go at getting the trim off the back door (the bottom
half of the trim is screwed along the bottom and sides according some
pics I have found from the Volvo workshop manual) and have pulled the
top free but that doesn't really help me I don't think. Even if I apply
more force and get my hand near the lock it is still locked. Is there
any way to unlock the lock if you can get to it or is it all inside a
sealed unit?

Cheers
Craig

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Shawn - 14 Jan 2007 15:47 GMT

> Hello all
>
[quoted text clipped - 33 lines]
> Cheers
> Craig

When you pull the trim apart at the top, look down inside for a white piece
of plastic. This piece is connected to the lock motor. Slide it toward the
passenger side (I think, really whatever way it will slide) and you should
be unlocked.

I had this same problem and it turned out that the wiring harness leading to
the hatch had broken wires in it (a common problem from what I am told.)
The wires were broken where they route thru the hinge mechanism. The wiring
harness goes along the passenger side (left) hinge. It doesn't take much
disassembly to get to the wires. A few butt connectors and some heat shrink
tubing and you'll be back in business.

Shawn

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Craig.Holdsworth@googlemail.com - 14 Jan 2007 20:12 GMT

Many thanks Shawn - I do hope you are right. I will give it a go
tomorrow when there is a bit of light.

Cheers
C

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C XC70 - 17 Jan 2007 14:22 GMT

> When you pull the trim apart at the top, look down inside for a white piece
> of plastic. This piece is connected to the lock motor. Slide it toward the
> passenger side (I think, really whatever way it will slide) and you should
> be unlocked.

After much grunting and swearing I managed to get the tailgate open -
many thanks for your help. I will stick a note on here at some point
pointing to a geocities website with some pics to help other people.

> I had this same problem and it turned out that the wiring harness leading to
> the hatch had broken wires in it (a common problem from what I am told.)
> The wires were broken where they route thru the hinge mechanism.

Now I can open the thing I have had more of a look. It ALWAYS locks
but sometimes sticks when unlocking and won't unlock with help. I have
done quite a bit of messing around and the feed to the lock when it is
not working is strong and healthy and I can hear the motor trying its
best to unlock the lock so in this case it isn't the wires. Something
is sticking.

I have asked a few places for prices for the lock and waiting for a few
responses. Volvo dealer wants ?96.

I may well mess around with the lock a bit and see if I can get it
working (it is such a low tech device) before shelling out.

Many thanks again Shawn
C

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