04 volvo xc70 unlock trunk without key fob or power unlock

Post by **famfeld** » 13 Mar 2025, 06:41

So the key fob is lost and the unlock button only locks and doesn't unlock. I would like to open the rear tailgate, but I don't know how. Is there a way I can do this. I was prying back the tailgate inside panel and see two electrical connectors. I was guessing one for the wiper motor and one for the lock. I was thinking if I put 12V DC to this connector, I may be able to unlock it like this. Does this make sense or is there a better way. Also the dealer wants like $800 to make me a new key, keyfob and program it. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Famfeld

Post by **volvolugnut** » 13 Mar 2025, 10:19

If you can get the inside panel off the tailgate, you should be able to move levers to unlock the tailgate. Power to the actuator should not be needed. My tailgate lock motor failed years ago and I just use the key in the tailgate. Key hole is under a rubber stopper on the underside of the lip.
If you can't find the right lever to move, post back. My inside panel is off and I can get photos.
I assume your 04 XC70 is the same as my 01 V70.
volvolugnut

Post by **famfeld** » 13 Mar 2025, 10:46

I may cut a hole in the panel to access the lock area. Then just replace it with one from the salvage yard. The 01 may be slightly different. The one I saw at the salvage yard had a lock\unlock pole sticking up through the panel. Mine doesn't have that.
I just cut a little hole in the panel (actually 2) and I was able to unlock. I can cover with little speaker grills which is something I am good at.
Thanks for the help.

beewstew · Post by **beewstew** » 13 Mar 2025, 19:37

My old 940 had a very obvious unlock/open lever on the inside - probably for the kids crammed in the way-back jump seat. My 04 xc70 has no such lever, and I was wondering about the exact same problem today. I only have a valet key, no remote keys, and my driver door module doesn't work right now.

"They say" you can DIY a new remote key, but it involves cracking the id number of the car and then writing/keying with Vida+dice. Lots of stories about this in the forums.

Vova585 · Post by **Vova585** » 13 Mar 2025, 20:18

Wait. There is a key hole on the outside of the trunk just for this issue. Look around license plate. There should be a rubber plug. Remove plug and you will find the keyhole to open trunk.
After you open the trunk you can focus on investigation of why your lock is not open through "unlock" feature. Or pay the dealer 1 hour diagnostic(200 roughly) to fix it for you or suggest what the issue is. If you want you can remove master window switch(driver side door) and check if it is working via continuity check or simply try salvage yard unit. Or try to replace lock solenoid inside the trunk.

Post by **DavidE7** » 25 Mar 2025, 22:45

The outside key hole, lock plunger, and inside release handle were an option for the V70 and XC70s with the third row seat in the United States. I added the mechanism when I added a third row to my wife's V70 - it wasn't worth the hassle. I have unlocked a couple junkyard pick-u-pull V70/XC70s by pulling the panel away from the glass and pulling up (or pushing down?) on the lock mechanism. The outside handle doesn't engage the hatch latch release mechanism until the lock lever is in the correct position.