1998 V70 tailgate intermittent unlock problem
 

Hi all,

On 1998 V70 tailgate the tailgate sometimes (1 in 10 times) doesn't unlock when I unlock the driver's door (with a key).
So I go back to the tailgate and unlock with the key there. When I do that the key/barrel/latch seems slightly "cocked", ie not as free to lock and unlock as it should be. Once it is unlocked, it seems to operate normally again (until the next time).

It always seems to lock OK (with the central locking).

How do I diagnose this?

I have removed the cargo trim and I can examine the exterior of the wiring loom near the LHS hinge. It looks OK to me. I don't want to pull the loom apart if there is no sign of a broken wire.

Or is it a latch problem? I have a donor car for all parts if I can diagnose the fault.

Maybe I need to take the donor latch out of its car and operate it so I understand what should move, then do the same to the faulty latch and compare.

Looking for tips from anyone who has had a similar problem.

In case I need one, a tailgate latch from Skandix part number 9203375 is 150 euros.

Thanks
Steve

Hi,

I had the same problem on my 98 V70; I must admit that I didn't try to diagnose it but just replaced the latch and it's worked perfectly since.

BR,

Rich.

I have a similar issue on mine. I have no issues with the latch, but I think mine is the actuator motor that has gone. I can open and close with the key no issues, but no central locking.

is the boot lock on the V70 meant to have an actuator motor? On mine, when I unlock the boot using the handle I can feel a click, as though I am manually unlocking it. And the boot button on the driver's door clicks but doesn't unlock the boot. I guess I have something wrong?

The actuator is integral to the latch mech, my 850 used to work the other way, it would unlock, but wouldn’t lock on the central locking. I popped a used V70 latch in (same part) & have had no issues since.

If you can gain sufficient access, give linkages and everything in the tailgate locking system a good spray with WD-40. Worked for me on the drivers door locking system which was doing the same thing. As yours works 9 times out of 10, I feel it's more likely to be sticking occasionally as opposed to any impending failure developing in the mechanism.

Regards
John

As above, but actually WD40 isn't a good lubricant, it's a water dispersant and doesn't lubricate for very long. I'd suggest spray grease or PTFE lube such as GT40.

These locks can be removed "BUT" its a real pain to access:~
Why Volvo made them and other door locks so complicated just beats me!

You have to watch removing the trim as the clips can break quite easily (details are in the appropriate manual) the lock also contains the boot light switch- doesn't that make sense! I ended up bypassing the original one.

You will get better access by taking the trim out carefully (GT 85 as mentioned) so lubrication may do it.
Bob