Jammed tailgate latch on '98 V70 NA, partially works

[abscate]

The striker plate is the part that may require adjustment to get the hatch working right. The bolt holes are large and float underneath to allow two-dimensional motion of the striker plate. You have to remove 5-6 T25 torx to pop out the rear trim, slowly on thst plastic as always

[erikv11]

There is no need to remove the plastic trim to access the striker plate attachment/adjustment screws. The plastic trim has cutouts for the bolts - just lift the center rear floor board to see the cutouts and access the large (T45?) torx heads on the two striker plate bolts.

This point is helpful for adjusting the plate but also when you can’t open the tail gate due to a failed latch. The solution is to crawl in the back, lift the floor board, unscrew completely the striker plate. You do have to unscrew the trim however to release the plate completely and open the gate with the plate dangling from the latch.

[abscate]

Here are the control rods on my 1999 v70 and locations

I’ve found it difficult to pop the plunger into the white plastic lock arm installed so I assemble by ..

1 position latch in space, then feed the plunger lock down and clip it in , using the relativly on area in the tailgate for access. The crank in the plunger goes to the rearward of the car

2 work the latch down and insert one torx screw on bottom

3 thread and clip the outer latch and key rods, putting the into clips and securing them

4 install electrical connector

5 insert the inside release rod, pick up the stub on the edge of the tailgate and make sure the rod enters the hole. Secure with two M6 bolts

6 insert and torque other two torx bolts to latch

I found the lower latch worked nicely 5 mm between the full forward and rear position.