Jammed tailgate latch on '98 V70 NA, partially works

dynamaniac · Post by **dynamaniac** » 19 Oct 2022, 16:56

Well, while messing with the tailgate latch in preparation for bungeeing it over a couch in the rear of my trusty '98 wagon, I locked the latch before closing, and then attempted to close the tailgate. The closed latch hit the metal 'catch' on the tailgate floor and got jammed further into its housing, and while I was eventually able to free it, I noticed that some part of it had been broken (little bits of plastic fell off).

Now, while the lock/unlock mechanism is still working fine, enabling me to close the tailgate and lock/unlock it, the tailgate is free to move about 3 inches, even while locked.

My mechanic thinks I might just need to 'adjust' the latch, but he can't look at it until sometime in November. He also seems to think there are no replacement parts available for this, though I think this part on FCP euro could work if push came to shove: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo- ... 70-8628197

Is there some easy adjustment I'm unaware of that could quickly fix this symptom? I know there are a couple examples of people replacing parts of this system, I just don't want to screw up the locking system when only the most downstream part, the latch, is having issues.

Post by **scot850** » 19 Oct 2022, 18:45

Why do you think this will not fit your car? Most North American cars came with 2 stage latching. If you press your key fob once, and only the driver's door lock opens, and then a 2nd press is needed to open the latches on the other doors including the tailgate then this should be the part.

There have been several posts on this issue recently, with jammed and broken locks.

The latch bar on the lower part of the tailgate surround that the latch catches on to, should have a nylon cylinder around the metal pin. If this breaks, then the door will move and rattle, but not by 3 inches. If it is moving that much, then something is seriously broken with either the latch or latch pin.

Neil.

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 19 Oct 2022, 21:08

I swapped my latch a few weeks back off a 99 or 2000 v70 into my new 98 v70. All I had to do was ensure the lock indicator was mounted correctly. Was a 15 minute job if I recall. Grab an old one from a yard may be a more long term solution. I had a previous issue where my latch would self lock when shut. Now my new one follows conventional practices of locking when the car is locked

Post by **erikv11** » 20 Oct 2022, 00:59

There are two diff latch mechanisms for a 98 V70, it was a split year as per the chassis break on the FCP page. I don't recall the distinction but I've had to swap both kinds ...

Post by **abscate** » 20 Oct 2022, 01:41

erikv11 wrote: ↑20 Oct 2022, 00:59 There are two diff latch mechanisms for a 98 V70, it was a split year as per the chassis break on the FCP page. I don't recall the distinction but I've had to swap both kinds ...

Two different styles and a chassis break in 1998…

Post by **abscate** » 20 Oct 2022, 05:35

I replaced my T5 latch with a junkyard but that only lasted a year. I broke down and bought new. I do keep tools and stuff in the back so I had to have a dependable lock.

dynamaniac · Post by **dynamaniac** » 20 Oct 2022, 12:53

OK these comments are validating, thanks all. Sounds like I need to replace the latch, and I should get the part I linked above (2-stage).

I took some photos of the latch and the latch bar. I think the nylon that the latch touches is still intact (it only wraps around part of the bar). Is the whole bar supposed to be wrapped with that nylon? Can't tell if the bits of plastic that broke off came from the latch itself or from the bar.

I checked and the wiggle of the tailgate, when closed/locked, is more like 1-2cm, not 3 inches. Looking at the latch itself, you can see it's somewhat cracked. I'll check out the other threads for information on how to accomplish the swap, fingers crossed it goes smoothly.

Post by **erikv11** » 20 Oct 2022, 14:45

Agreed, latch is the issue not the striker plate. I'd get a part number from the latch you have, to know for sure which one you need.

You've got the right idea going forward. The swap is easy, the challenge is getting the tailgate trim off without things splintering into pieces. Especially around the interior handle.

Post by **scot850** » 20 Oct 2022, 15:21

The nylon 'tube' around the latch pin should go all the way around. Not sure if someone has tried to hold it together with electrical tape. Trying to recall if some were black and some were white nylon. That part, if available, was not horrible to buy new.

A second thing to check is do you have 'bumpers' on the bottom corner of your tailgate. They are there to kind of stop the tailgate from rubbing and squeaking.

Neil.

yanga001 · Post by **yanga001** » 23 Oct 2022, 09:59

My car was a halifax production 98 v70 so i suspect it was a later year. It also did not have a rear lock/key hole if it helps. Fit instantly with the newer model one. It did look different from my old latch but mounting, power, everything else fit correctly. The locking indicator arms were different and i had to use the ones from the donor car. If you grab it out of a donor, grab the lock arm indicators as well.