2001 V70 T5 Tailgate

melobsterman · Post by **melobsterman** » 24 Apr 2010, 10:14

most likely a wire. my 01 did the exact same thing.

MelangeX3 · Post by **MelangeX3** » 26 Apr 2010, 08:56

It's Probably one the Relays in the rear control panel in the cargo area. Usually behind side access panel. The lock servo occasionally goes bad too. This is located in the tailgate next to the lock assembly. Using your hand, gently bang on the metal near the release handle and alternate pushing the lock/unlock repeatedly, it will eventually unlock. If this happens, don't lock the car again! I got it unlocked and a Dealer Valet kindly locked my car while waiting for service. AAAAAaaaaggghhhh!

I have replaced mine 3 times so far, since 2 car accidents have jolted the car and caused later malfunctions. If you buy a replacement 15amp plug in relay, you can swap them out one by one til you find the culprit. Dealer charged me $200 in electrical diagnostics to do this exact thing. Found the panel by accident while looking for a way to unlock the frozen lock servo on the fuel door. That one, I just disconnected the plug and removed the lock mechanism. No problems after 2 years. Good luck!

JohnnyO · Post by **JohnnyO** » 26 Apr 2010, 21:02

Thanks, MelangeX3. Right now my tailgate is OK, i.e. it locks and unlocks. I have checked the wires at the hinge for breaks but they all look OK. The next time it doesn't work I'll follow your advise and check the relays.

Post by **Toronthab** » 09 May 2010, 22:29

JohnnyO wrote:My car is a 2001 V70 T5. My tailgate won't open using my remote or the unlock button on my door. Is there another way to open the tailgate except taking it to a dealer.

Hi Johnny. Today , for the first time, my 2001 V70 tailgate did not open though the locks seemed to be working properly. I read a small bit somewhere about trim pushing against the tailgate and jamming the lock tongue too tightly against its receiver. So, acting on this hunch, I leaned into the taligate as I worked the remote and VOILA!! It opened immediately and seems ok now. I might make sure the meeting surfaces are not too rusty or add a touch of grease to hopefully reduce the likelihood of recurrance.

JohnnyO · Post by **JohnnyO** » 10 May 2010, 10:26

Thanks, Toronthab. My tailgate mechanism has been working intermittently. Some days it locks and unlocks then in other days it just won't unlock. For no apparent reason it will unlock after a day or two. Now it's been working for the last two weeks. Next time it won't unlock I'll try your suggestion.

Post by **Toronthab** » 10 May 2010, 21:35

Hi Johnny
I always get a lock response up or down, but the handle wouldn't budge. Neither could I unlock it from inside. Just leaning into it while using the remote seems to have freed the mechanism and it opened. Next time I tried to open and close, after pushing the carpet back a bit, it was no problem. Coincidence possibly, but I'm a bigger fan of Aristotle and Aquinas than David Hume!

Cheers and good luck.

2001 V70 T5 Tailgate

Re: 2001 V70 T5 Tailgate