2003 V40 Tailgate won't open

[MsRed]

Navservice -

Wow! I have much appreciation for your posts!

I'm a bit more knowledgeable about cars for being a female, but had nearly zero confidence doing the job myself and don't have shelter from the elements, i.e. a garage, so I ended up having my mechanic do it. He had to replace that long rod. The cost was $145 (mostly labor). I'm going to move on to two other issues with my V40 that I do feel confident of being able to handle (replacing the driver's door handle and instrument cluster).

All of the info you provided on accessing and fixing the tailgate/cargo door will surely help others when/if they have a similar problem. You did a great job explaining things, providing instruction, and your photos were excellent! Following your example, I'll write about the process and supply photos on my two other projects in the near future.

A heap of thanks for your time and effort. Be safe and healthy!

[Navservice]

Your welcome!

I've known a couple of women that were very good at working on their cars...

I haven't messed around with my instrument cluster yet so I have no particular advice.

Door handle work will require you to remove the door panel, even if you're talking about the interior handle. The interior handle is easier to work on than the exterior handle but even the exterior handle isn't bad. I suspect that the removal and installation of the door panel will be the hardest part.

If you post about it, to a different thread, I'll see if there's something I can help you with. Unfortunately, I do have experience with that.

[HowardEiemann]

I read all the possible fixes including removing the real panel or replacing the lock. I read in another forum that holding down the tailgate button on the key fob for about 10 seconds will release the lock I tried this and it worked just fine. Saved a considerable amount of time and money

[MsRed]

Navservice and HowardEimann - Thanks for your replies and sorry for my delay (I've been busy learning the ropes for a new job). Anyways, I appreciated your comments. I had a shop fix the back cargo door . . . a guy with little Keebler hands did it. As for the door handle, I went to the local pick-n-pull and found a black one, removed it, and switched it out. The only challenge was removing the insulation between the exterior and interior of the donor. Otherwise, easy peasy - wish it was silver metal like the other side, but oh well.