2008 V70 tail light lens replacement

[popphl]

Just wanted to share since it took me a bit of googling and sweat to complete what seemed as though it should have been a simple job.

I replaced the right lower tail light lens assembly, which was damaged in a parking mishap.

The part was about $120. To replace the assembly, you remove a carpet panel from the cargo area to access the taillight from inside. Remove 3 nuts from the retaining posts with a 10mm deep socket wrench -- the access hole is very small, so you may have to turn it with your fingers.

There are still two tabs holding the assembly on, and you'll have to partially pull off the bumper cover to access them. There are 4 torx screws in the wheel well area holding the bumper cover on, the lowest of which is pretty close to the tire. I had to attach a T20 bit to a screwdriver with a 90-degree bending head in order to get it off. Then there is one more screw under the rubber pad where the liftgate hits when it closes. Once those 5 screws are out, you can pop off that side of the bumper and remove the 2 hex head lugs that are holding on the bottom of the taillight assembly. You should be able to lift it, disconnect the wiring harness, and put in the new one.

Hope this helps someone.

[red2008]

Great start. Your post DID help me! Certainly agree that it seems like a simple job, but the folks at Volvo always have a better idea. I found my hand wouldn't go through the little hole in the fender liner (which is there to let you replace the turn signal bulb) and then be able to do anything useful. So a little more dis-assembly (hmm does that ever happen with Volvos???) was required. First pull the small plastic corner trim panel off the top corner of the D pillar. Work it around to free it from the headliner and remove it. Then two 9mm head cap screws and two Torx screws affix the side panel, in our case via the cargo tie down mountings, to the fender well. There is also a Torx cap screw on the seat belt retractor cover - when the screw is removed, the cover will pull up, releasing the side panel. After that it is just gently pull the whole plastic and` carpet side panel off starting along the top from the rear, and voila! the whole fender well is available to insert tools and extract screws/nuts.

The lower tabs were easier to work with once I had the bumper cover pulled aside according to your instructions, by completely removing the plastic bracket that goes around the back of them. The lens actually has two loops in it that bosses molded into the bracket fit into, to hold the assembly together. That required removal of three cap screws, vice just the two, with a 9mm deep socket.

BTW, Volvo made two different part numbers for the lens, so this could possibly be dependent on which chassis number you have??

Again, thanks for getting me started -- the original post was a great help in understanding the process!

(oops - that is an 8mm socket not a 9mm!)

[remermn]

Just changed the lower left tail light on my 2013 XC70 and your tutorial helped a lot. Was able to get to the 10 mm nuts off by just removing the carpet side access panel and the triangular shaped piece of Styrofoam in front of the taillight. Used a 1/4 inch deep well socket from Harbor Freight along with a 1/4 inch extension. Just loosened the nuts but did not remove them with the socket. Once they were loose I was able to remove the top nut through the top access hole. My hands are too big so I had my wife remove the lower nuts. As mentioned there isn't much space in the wheel well to remove the lower torx screws as the tire is in the way. Was able to remove them with a 1/4 inch T25 Socket. Just loosened them with the ratchet and then finished removing the screws by removing the Socket and just used it with my fingers to finish the job. To gain a little more space I removed the 2 funky looking 10mm nuts underneath the car below the tailgate. The bumper cover took more force than I thought to partially remove. Just keep pulling and it will come out. Discovered the 2 outside bolts holding the taillight were 8mm as well. (who knows Volvo could've used both 9mm and 8mm bolts to hold the light in. Used a 1/4 inch deep well socket and an extension to remove these. Did take some pictures and will try to post them.