Body/Trim: Rear Tailgate Handle repair - Guide

[BestGear]

Originally Posted by Coconut

My 2008 model XC90 is just coming to the end of the 3 year warranty period,
and just last week the tailgate handle started to stick.

I would remind them that the cause of it sticking is down to the poor quality of the zinc passivation that was applied to the part.... its not a standard part requiring lubrication.

If it were, it would be listed in the service schedule.

"not fit for purpose" would spring to mind with that component....

David

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by BestGear

I would remind them that the cause of it sticking is down to the poor quality of the zinc passivation that was applied to the part.... its not a standard part requiring lubrication.

If it were, it would be listed in the service schedule.

"not fit for purpose" would spring to mind with that component....

David

The V70 and XC70 have a tight fitting cover inside the taigate handle that protects the mechanism. Try and look at the pin on one of those cars and you won't be able to see it. Should have been fitted to the XC90 as well!

[BestGear]

Originally Posted by RoyMacDonald

The V70 and XC70 have a tight fitting cover inside the taigate handle that protects the mechanism.

Dont suppose it does fit the xc90 too, does it?!?!

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by BestGear

Dont suppose it does fit the xc90 too, does it?!?!

I've wondered that myself.

[Coconut]

OK,

The car went to the Volvo dealer ( while under warranty ) because the tailgate handle was sticking,
and the tailgate could not be opened easily.

Dealer "cleaned and lubricated" the assembly and returned it to me "working"
stating that the part had not failed so Volvo would not replace it.

I disputed this on the grounds that that the part had a material defect -
namely the manufacturing process used to prevent corrosion ( zinc passivation ) had failed
during the warranty period, and argued that the part should be replaced under warranty.

After sending a photograph ( attached ) to Volvo Customers of the visible part of the tailgate handle pivot pin,
AFTER it had been "cleaned and lubricated" by the dealer, Volvo Customer services have agreed to replace it without charge,
although "without prejudice" and the caveat that this is a gesture of goodwill.
They do not admit that the part actually needs changing !

So it looks like I have another 2 - 3 years before I need to do the stainless steel rod modification myself :-)

[RoyMacDonald]

Originally Posted by Coconut

OK,

So it looks like I have another 2 - 3 years before I need to do the stainless steel rod modification myself :-)

Spray some Dinitrol in there. That's what I've done with mine.

I think Volvo should fit a stainless pin or the version with the cover to new Volvos. It's not a very durable design as it is.