Tailgate lock mechanism

[spiralarms]

Hi, I noticed that on locking the car (2005 XC90), the tailgate (boot lid) wasn't locking, and could just be opened as normal (setting off the alarm). I could hear something trying to activate, so followed a previous guide about removing the rear trim to get at the wiper motor, and instead removed the locking mechanism.

In case it helps someone else, here are some photos I took. In the end I just moved the sliding bits by hand and re-greased the sliding bits and it seems to be working again (for how long?), at least it is fairly easy to get to.

One thing to note, is that once you have the lock out, you don't need to unscrew anything on the actual lock, even though there's some tempting torx screws, you "just" need to unhook the black plastic tabs (indicated on the photos) to remove the metal plate that is covering the mechanism. The tab on the top was the toughest one. I think I levered the metal tab up and over the plastic bit, though that is resisted by another couple of bits of plastic trying to keep the metal tab down.

Neil

PS remember to remove the cable from the rear handle before trying to remove the lock from the tailgate.

PPS when I reinstalled the lock, I used the old rust/scratch marks as a guide when putting the bolts back. There's a bit of movement possible, and I guess if you were way off, then it wouldn't engage in the catch in the lower boot lid.

[TomW]

That's really helpful thank you. I've got the lock box out and taken off the first metal plate. Now I have to take the other cover off to get to see inside.

[spiralarms]

Originally Posted by TomW

That's really helpful thank you. I've got the lock box out and taken off the first metal plate. Now I have to take the other cover off to get to see inside.

Unless yours is different to mine (a 2005), I only had to remove the one metal plate to get inside. The tabs indicated with the red arrows where the only things holding the plate in place. With that removed you could see the innards, as in the photos.

Good luck.

Neil

[TomW]

At last got the black metal cover off and in there. Mines identical 2006.

[TomW]

Sitting at the dining room table I've got the lock moving to and fro. I'll lightly oil sliding parts tomorrow and then reassembling should be fun.