I cannot ope the liftgate from the outside, though I am able to open it from inside. This happened once before, and I sprayed lubricant into the latch, which released. That is not working this time. Is there a DIY fix for this? (I am trying to remove the interior panel from the liftgate, and I'm stuck after removing four screws; is there a trick to this?)

Thanks

Got it figured out: took apart the entire back panel (it just sort of pops off, much easier than my v70 or my old 745), sprayed it with lube (didn't fix), removed and opened the entire lock/latch assembly. Turns out that there is a piston-like thing that slides (or should slide) to engage the latch when the car is unlocked. That was not moving. Cleaned it off (lots of gunk after almost 10 years), sprayed with silicone lubricant (Lithium grease seems too heavy), tested, put it back together, and problem solved (for now). Thanks again!

Had been having problems with tailgate on wife`s XC70 for a month or so. Intermittently would not open & when it opened two days ago I gave it a good blast with lithium lube & it`s now working perfectly.....hope it continues!
I realize this may not be the issue/solution for your vehicle.

Hi Cook,

The lift gate was redesigned for 2001+ and I am not familiar with how it comes off. The older models required the plastic surround on the inside latch to come off before you could lift up on the cover to release it from the top catches.

As to the lock, repeated slamming of the trunk (needs new struts) will dislodge the actuator rods. Open the liftgate and use a round shaft screwdriver and close the latch to the second position. Try the outside handle and feel if it catches the rod - tension before actual release.

--
Klausc, a Volvoholic