1998 V70, Tailgate latch stuck in closed position

[jnitschke123]

Hi all, I bought this car almost a week ago now and the tailgate has never opened in that time. The electric lock seems to be functioning, as it goes moves from the locked to unlocked position with the rest of the car.

Symptoms are:
-Tailgate wont open from inside or outside handle
-"Tailgate Open" indicator on dash has been lit up throughout this entire ordeal

Already tried:
-Locking and unlocking tailgate directly with key, while pulling/pushing on handles
-Pulling handle up while pushing down on tailgate

Finally got around to spending more time diagnosing the issue today. Ended up removing the two t40 screws that hold the metal bracket that the latch grabs on to, to see if I could get a better look at it that way. After propping the tailgate open (lift struts are dead), I still couldn't figure out how to release the latch from the metal bracket. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[erikv11]

This is (unfortunately) common, the latch mechanism is plastic and a piece inside is likely broken. Check this thread for discussion:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... hp?t=65078

[jnitschke123]

Looks like a replacement used latch would be a decent temporary fix. However, I still need to remove metal bracket that the latch grabs on to, so I can actually remove the latch. Should I just hacksaw it off?

[erikv11]

I don't remember how, but I was able to remove the metal bracket once I opened the liftgate. Lots of fiddling with levers. Wait until your replacement arrives and inspect carefully how it works, that may give you the clues to opneing the one currently in the car, since you want it intact to close the gate in the meantime. I think I would destroy the latch mechanism before I cut the bracket piece.

[BEJinFbk]

Or just get another one at a junk yard.