The lock cylinder in the rear hatch is seized. So far I have removed the outside bar which houses the licence plate lights, hatch lever and the lock cylinder from the hatch. I have removed the retaining clip which I thought was the only thing keeping the metal lock cylinder in its plastic housing within the plastic bar.
I can't get the lock cylinder out (I assume it is pulled out forwards as it is normally oriented on the car), and will probably snap the plastic housing if I keep prying at it. Is there a trick to this?

Thanks for all any comments.

Mine was so thoroughly seized that I could not budge it no matter what. I finally resorted to carefully drilling it out with progressively fatter drills. Mine eventually could be taken out in pieces as the remaining bits lost integrity. Take it slow and easy.

The rubber seals had swollen and warped over the years so i had to replace those too.

Bill
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Volvo Info Site 1990 745GLE 16valve

I've never worked on this part, but is there an "e-clip" that needs released?

I've got a Haynes manual for the 940, '90 through '96. If it is the same, here are the instructions:

Tailgate lock - removal and refitting.
1. remove the tailgate interior trim panel (another section)
2. disconnect the link rods from the exterior handle, the lock cylinder and (when applicable) the lock motor.
3. remove the exterior handle / number plate light assembly, which is secured by two screws and two nuts. Disconnect the wiring.
4. the lock cylinder and levers can now be removed afer releasing the E-clips and locking plate.

Refitting: refit by reversing the removal operation. Adjust the exterior handle link rod if necessary to give the handle approximately 3 mm.

There are no illustrations. I have no idea if the 700 and 900 series use the same lock assemblys. I assume they would, but I have no idea.