98 V70 trunk open dash light

Bren · Post by **Bren** » 15 Oct 2015, 17:10

Even though my trunk is closed the light stays on all the time.

Is this common or an easy fix? If not, is there a way to disable the light?

Post by **Ben850** » 15 Oct 2015, 17:54

Bren wrote:Even though my trunk is closed the light stays on all the time.

Is this common or an easy fix? If not, is there a way to disable the light?

I have not started work on my '98 V70 XC, but it does the same thing although the hatch is secure.
It looks like it will have to wait until spring again.

Post by **kahl** » 15 Oct 2015, 21:19

Are there other items on your tailgate not working such a license plate lamps, wiper,electric lock?

Bren · Post by **Bren** » 16 Oct 2015, 07:04

kahl wrote:Are there other items on your tailgate not working such a license plate lamps, wiper,electric lock?

Everything else works.

DrJammer · Post by **DrJammer** » 16 Oct 2015, 07:22

I have this issue on my 2000 V70 XC, and it annoys the heck out of me since I will never have a dash clear of warning lamps. I suppose I could get around to removing that bulb or the black tape trick, but I digress.....

There is a common problem with wires getting pinched, etc. in the tailgate hinge. There are many posts about pinched wires in the gate hinge. I have taken my rear pillar apart about 3x looking for the faulty location that allows this dash light to read that my tailgate is still open.

I have given up, I know the trunk is shut, so no big deal. As you said though, make sure you disable the light, on the 2000, there is a dial that dims and turns off, so I just leave my trunk light off, unless I need it. Just remember to leave it off, and make sure you have jumper cables on you at all times. If you can't turn the light off manually in a '98, I would remove the bulb.

Also, be sure to let your mechanic know about this issue if/when you take the car into shop. My crew was replacing my fuel pump and the light remaining on was killing the battery quick and they basically ripped my tailgate panel apart to try and remedy, and this was right after I replaced my panel clips....

Gliderman vt · Post by **Gliderman vt** » 13 Mar 2016, 16:05

What is involved with a proper and permanent fix to this problem?

Tim

Post by **kahl** » 13 Mar 2016, 18:08

The wires going into the tailgate need to be repaired.

Post by **FlyingVolvo** » 13 Mar 2016, 18:18

The wires can be a culprit, but often it will affect more than just one item. In my case (2000 V70XC) I had to replace the tailgate latch/lock to get it to go away. At first I felt dumb for spending so much to get rid of a light (I had resorted to electrical tape over the light...), but then I realized that 15 years of had really taken a toll on it. I've always had to slam the thing very firmly to get it to lock. Now it closes with so much ease!

Post by **benpineapple** » 14 Mar 2016, 07:31

Could be the tailgate latch/lock assembly. In the doors, the door ajar switch is built into the lock assembly, I'm pretty sure it's the same case with the tailgate.

Could also be that your tailgate isn't closing all the way. The tailgate catch should have a piece of thick black plastic around the outermost (towards rear of car) catch post. If the plastic there is mangled, or gone entirely, replace it. I used electrical tape, wrapping the catch thoroughly. Tailgate light immediately started closing properly, and without having to slam it.

Hope that helps. Ps.I did the fix last fall, and it's still holding up just fine.

Bren · Post by **Bren** » 20 Mar 2016, 15:24

benpineapple wrote:Could be the tailgate latch/lock assembly. In the doors, the door ajar switch is built into the lock assembly, I'm pretty sure it's the same case with the tailgate.

Could also be that your tailgate isn't closing all the way. The tailgate catch should have a piece of thick black plastic around the outermost (towards rear of car) catch post. If the plastic there is mangled, or gone entirely, replace it. I used electrical tape, wrapping the catch thoroughly. Tailgate light immediately started closing properly, and without having to slam it.

Hope that helps. Ps.I did the fix last fall, and it's still holding up just fine.

Do you have a pic?! This would really help. I'd love to see what you mean