2001 XC70 Tailgate Open message

Hal · Post by **Hal** » 19 May 2007, 21:24

The message center says that my tailgate is open.

Private volvo mechanic says that the left tailgate wiring harness is bad, but needs significant diagnostics to figure it out.

Now the wierd stuff: alarm, latch and locks work fine. rear light turns on and off when hatch is opened and closed, brake lights work. Everything is fine until you start the car - then the warning comes on and the wierdness begins.

With engine running the 3rd (top) brake light no longer works, license plate lights don't work, rear interior light that was previously out comes back on, and the message center says the tailgate is open.

I can't see how a wiring harness or bad sensor could cause this since it appears to work fine with the car off. Is this a computer gremlin?

Help!

Post by **srnkanator** » 20 May 2007, 00:29

When your lights run off just your battery everything is fine, but after the car starts you get a fault code. Its not your battery or the wiring is it?, as the same problem would present regardless if the car is started I would think .

The problem seems to be a change in the delivery of electricity to the rear wiring of the car. Something is crossed or cut or corroded, the electrcal connection to the lift gate sensor is malfunctioning, a ground wire has come un-attached, have all the fuses been checked? . . . as some possibilities.

Remove the inside trim at the backlights and inspect as many wires as your can get to at your backgate.

Post back what your Indy. mech. says.

Endless_Mike · Post by **Endless_Mike** » 28 Aug 2012, 17:50

hey everyone, new user here. I'm having a similar problem. However, tailgate open warning comes on when car is started, but everything works as it should. Lights go off, all rear lights work, alarm system seems to work, but still get the warning light.
Was thinking of going out there and giving the tailgate latch a small shot of WD-40. BTW, its a 2002 XC70, thanks in advance!

Post by **BEJinFbk** » 28 Aug 2012, 20:21

Don't take this the wrong way,guys, but both of
you newbies are posting in the wrong place...
There was a drastic change in the 70 series in 2001.

Post questions regarding 2001 and newer V70's here:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... um.php?f=9

Good Luck!

Endless_Mike · Post by **Endless_Mike** » 28 Aug 2012, 20:59

I had a feeling, thank you for steering me in the right direction without making me feel like a heel!

Post by **MoVolvos** » 28 Aug 2012, 23:01

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A Long Shot.

If the Tail Gate, Trunk Wiring and Fuse Box is similar to the older 70 series sedan's see if one of the Fuses is blown. My 98 S70 had a Truck Light On with the Door Chime not shutting off. Kept adjusting the Truck and looking for answers in the Electrical in the Latch but they tested good. Did endless searches on Google and found the problem. I think it was from blowing a fuse related to the Interior Lighting. The Fuse was located in the Fuse Box on the Driver's Side below the Windshield under the Hood. Start with checking all the Fuses.

Blessings,
BKM
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