Driver's Side Rear pass. door won't unlock

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 09 May 2018, 10:51

Hello all.
Just wondered if there is any easy way or perhaps I should say the best way to figure out why the three other doors on my S70 will open with the key but the one left rear one will not. Is this a problem inside the door panel or is it the switch up front? Not sure where to begin.
Thanks!

Post by **scot850** » 09 May 2018, 12:07

If the door opens when the pull button on the top of the inside door panel is lifted, then the most likely issue is the solenoid in the door lock mechanism has failed. There are people who have repaired them by disassembling them to service and repair, but they are not always able to do so. It will depend on your level of confidence in repairing stuff like that. The door may lock or un-lock with the key but if it only does one or none it is most likely broken.

The usual easiest way is to get a used one and fit it instead. If you find a junkyard with this era of Volvos then they are usually fairly cheap. New ones are silly expensive.

It is a fairly common issue, more often affecting the passenger front door, but I find one of the biggest causes is folks grabbing the handle before the door is opened which breaks a plastic part in the mechanism.

The only other issue could be broken wires in the harness into the front of that door. With age and flexing the plastic wire covering becomes brittle and can break individual wires. Failed lock is most likely issue.

Neil.

Mr. Detail · Post by **Mr. Detail** » 09 May 2018, 12:53

Thanks Neil for that detailed reply.
So when I find a salvage yard do i ask for a rear door "solenoid" or do i ask him for a "door lock mechanism"?

Post by **joejoethedogfaceboy** » 09 May 2018, 13:40

Door lock assembly / actuator : like this https://www.amazon.com/OES-Genuine-Asse ... B001G7UQMS

If it only happens when it is hot out, then it may be the actuator motor (solenoid). Have a look at Roberts video, but only attempt if you are comfortable with ending up with a completely broken lock!

I bought a used actuator from eBay once and it ended up failing pretty quickly with the actuator motor issue, so consider yourself warned that you may only get a limited amount of time from a junkyard pull.

I eventually ended up cracking all 4 actuators opening and doing the repair described by Robert and they have made it through the Texas summer heat!

-Joe

Post by **scot850** » 09 May 2018, 13:42

It has many different names, but I guess the most well known one it the 'door lock actuator'. These are unique to each door so make sure you ask for the correct one.

Our great friend Robert (rspi) has a great how to video which may help clarify what you are looking for:

This YouTube video shows how to fix it if you want to try:

How to test it for operation:

Here is one on Ebay for example. Be careful which one you buy as there is a black handle backing plate and a beige one. You can transfer the handle mechanism if you need to.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VOLVO-Drivers- ... SwtG1atvxT

Neil.