Tailgate open light '98 V70

terrencekeenan · Post by **terrencekeenan** » 27 Nov 2008, 12:25

The rear hatch light on the console is lighted to show that it is not closed. My alarm lights also stopped working because of this (I think). That is the main annoyance. Otherwise, I could live with the open-hatch light knowing that it shuts and locks just fine (it seems to).

I can remember trying to shut the tailgate when there was a piece of junk from the rear blocking the u-latch, and the latch wasn't enable to engage, just kind of went thump. From that point, I started seeing the open-hatch light intermittently - now it's on all the time, and of course the alarm and its blink blink signal doesn't work. I took off the tailgate trim (I'll also have to fix that rattle once and for all) and don't know what to do now. As I said before, I can live with the open-tailgate light, but not without the alarm. Is it possible to do one without the other? Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Terry

anbran · Post by **anbran** » 27 Nov 2008, 23:01

I had the same problem...It turned out to be a little plastic switch in the latch mechanism that was broken. I had to replace the entire latch...fairly easy to do though. If I recall correctly, the latch was around $200 up here in Canada.

Hope this helps...

terrencekeenan · Post by **terrencekeenan** » 28 Nov 2008, 10:32

Then I will just have to boobytrap the car if the latch is so expensive.

Details about the plastic piece that might be broken inside the latch would help. Maybe it's salvagable? If I really have to get a new latch though, I will probably be looking in the junkyards.

larryh · Post by **larryh** » 28 Nov 2008, 12:12

Try Erie Vovo for a used latch. I'm guessing $35 plus shipping.
http://www.erievovo.com/

The Mad Mexican · Post by **The Mad Mexican** » 16 May 2010, 23:10

If you are still having problems refer to 'tailgate wont unlock / open' topic in this forum. When you get to the bit about the whole lock mechanism coming out then check it out at the bottom you will find a micro switch. It may only need adjusting or grud removal. Cost? pennies, time about 2 hours.